Heavier Pick--like changing string gauge

[Robert H.]

After many years of using Dunlop Gator .94 mm picks I moved up to 1.14 mm. And unless I'm mis-hearing my Tele, the tone sounds like I changed string gauge from 10's to 11's. It's deeper and bigger. I'm surprised at the difference.

[TeleBrew]

Originally Posted by Robert H.

After many years of using Dunlop Gator .94 mm picks I moved up to 1.14 mm. And unless I'm mis-hearing my Tele, the tone sounds like I changed string gauge from 10's to 11's. It's deeper and bigger. I'm surprised at the difference.

Yup, I've had the same experience. That's why it's fun to play with different picks from time to time. I've noticed a much bigger difference when playing acoustic guitar, or course, but it's definitely noticeable with electric, too. It's easier than changing strings and the set-up that goes with it, for sure!

[Geo]

A pick gauge change can be just as effective as changing string gauge or
even pickups. Finger usage applies as well.

[rhinocaster]

As always, EVERYTHING makes a difference. Big or small, there is a difference. I really like a very firm pick. I'm playing the heaviest gator pick, and I'm really fond of it. Strong and smooth impact on the string, but not glassy like most heavy, hard plastic jazz picks I've tried.

[Robert H.]

I had to give up playing 11's some time ago because of pain in some finger joints---but the heavier pick puts me back at about where I wanted to be with the 11's. Live and learn.

[mellecaster]

What you say is true...but also try playing with the rounded side..not the pointy part...another flavor to your Tone Mix !

[beep.click]

Originally Posted by Robert H.

And unless I'm mis-hearing my Tele, the tone sounds like I changed string gauge

You're not mis-hearing it. I'm super-particular about picks, and I like to use a lot of different kinds.

Lately, when CD/DVD discs don't burn right, I've been breaking and sawing them apart for picks. I've also glued two discs together, to get thicker, stiffer picks. Interestingly, the rougher or more irregular the point, the more I like it. Gives the notes character.

[Joe-Bob]

Yup. New picks are the cheapest pups you can buy.

[Johnny T]

I go up a gauge in picks every few years as it takes me a while to get used to the new thickness ( I have fairly weak hands). I'm currently using Tortex Orange .60 and soon I'll be on the Green .88 (you need your greens) in a few months. I started 25 years ago on Langstrom Red Sharkfins (probably .46). They feel like paper now!

[JStella]

I've been using the Fender Extra Heavy tortoiseshell pattern plastics for a while now and like them a lot... except... they wear out really fast when I'm playing much rhythm. Anyone have a suggestion for a real heavy glassy/smooth pick that won't get all chewed up?

Thanks,
Josh

[Rich Rice]

I use a few different picks too, depending on what I want from a tune. A friend of mine gave me a hand carved wooden pick from Brazil, and I fell in love with it. Like all picks, it eventually disappeared. I was bummed, and started carving my own. The two I really like are quite different from each other, one from purpleheart wood, the other from Bolivian rosewood. They have a very pure tone, no "slappy" noise, and last until ya lose 'em. Otherwise, Fender heavy or mediums work well for me. Dunlop has some nice white pearloid picks that I like as well. Half the time I don't even use picks, though. Lots of fingerstyle in my playing.

[Gr8tfulEd]

Absolutely. I've always preferred heavier picks (the light ones just feel to squishy against the strings for me). I finally gave up on find "my" pick, so I made my own out of bull horn. Smooth as ice and hard as a rock. Perfect. The trick is finding a horn that's not completely round so it easy to make a flat pick.

edited: Ps: Marblewood also works good. Not quite as bright, but nice and solid with deep tone. I found ebony to be too "woody".

[Twang Tone]

Originally Posted by Johnny T

I go up a gauge in picks every few years as it takes me a while to get used to the new thickness ( I have fairly weak hands). I'm currently using Tortex Orange .60 and soon I'll be on the Green .88 (you need your greens) in a few months. I started 25 years ago on Langstrom Red Sharkfins (probably .46). They feel like paper now!

Ditto. I started with the Tortex Orange .60s, and now I'm using the Green .88s - so far, they're ideal - firm enough for single-line runs, and not too hard for chord strumming.

Thanks,

[seafoamtele]

If you like a heavy pick, try the 1.14 Dunlop Ultex; I've been using these (along with fingers) for a while with .009s and they definitely get you that thicker tone, they're pretty slick on the strings and they don't really wear out.
The only problem I've had with them is that if you drop them, they're pretty hard to see on a dark stage, as they are translucent.

[Trimmed&Burnin]

Originally Posted by Rich@wildriceband.com

I use a few different picks too, depending on what I want from a tune. A friend of mine gave me a hand carved wooden pick from Brazil, and I fell in love with it. Like all picks, it eventually disappeared. I was bummed, and started carving my own. The two I really like are quite different from each other, one from purpleheart wood, the other from Bolivian rosewood. They have a very pure tone, no "slappy" noise, and last until ya lose 'em. Otherwise, Fender heavy or mediums work well for me. Dunlop has some nice white pearloid picks that I like as well. Half the time I don't even use picks, though. Lots of fingerstyle in my playing.

I have a few that I made from Buffalo horn left over from some Damascus knife projects. I used them alot at first but started using the 1.14's again as I started losing them,,,, they're not much good if I dont use them though,,,?

[thekillingjoke]

I use Dunlop Big Stubby 3.0 mm picks.

[tboy]

I play a Fender medium, but I use a diamond file to sharpen the point. The difference that I find in brilliance over the stock rounded point is dramatic. Almost like the difference between a classical player who plays with fleshy fingertips or one who really knows how to use fingernails. It focuses the attack.

[maestrovert]

Originally Posted by thekillingjoke

I use Dunlop Big Stubby 3.0 mm picks.

i normally use Fender Heavy 358s, but have also been using a Dunlop Stubby too....here's a comparison pic:

[esteban]

I have a hard time strumming with thick picks on light strings... it tends to get caught in the middle.

[zoppotrump]

i use dunlop tortex picks the yellow ones ( i think 0.73 ) and they are perfect for lead as well as for rythm and on acoustic and they last pretty long.
and you can find or see them pretty good even on a dark stage....
imo i find it easier to play with thicker or harder picks as to go back on thinner ones.
i chose the dunlop yellows, because the feel and sound almost exactly the same like my finger nails, for i do a lot of chicken picking.
take care everybody

zoppotrump
:O)

[6x47]

I like the small Dunlop 3mm jazz picks but I do use light strings, mostly .008 - .039 1/2 rounds. I agree with your observation that the heavier pick makes the strings sound 'heavier'.

[gtech]

I use a 1949 Mojo Pick for some solos



from http://www.hometown.aol.com/mojopicks/getmojo.html

[Flat357]

I have a very old Fender Pick somewhere .
I wonder if it's worth anything .
Anyone want to swap it for a Guitar ?

[Rich Rice]

I have a couple of picks that I carved, one from Bolivian rosewood, one from purpleheart. They give me a fat, pure tone. You don't get much stiffer than those, but there is no "slap" of plastic clinking on the strings, just pure tones. Otherwise, I like pretty heavy picks like the Planet Waves 1.0mm in white shell.