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Posted by: mmasters Jul 22 2008, 04:30 PM

A few months ago while I was over at thegearpage.net I saw a discussion thread titled what was the most inexpensive thing that changed your playing. I heard a few guys recommend these picks called V-picks. I was a bit skeptical at first as I had been happy with playing Dunlop Jazz IIIs a-la Eric Johnson for about 10 years straight. So anyhow I decided to give it a try and I was very impressed. 2 days after I ordered them they were in my mailbox. I tried a couple of them and really dug the medium pointed pick (my playing is a bit of a mix of rock, shred and jazz, among other styles).

Anyway I can't say how much I love these picks.

I moved recently and got another order of picks from Vinni (V-Pick guy) and I accidentally had them shipped to the wrong address, I told Vinni about it after a month they hadn't showed up, he shipped out another order, taking the loss. So for that I felt I should spread the word around, he's a great guy and has a great product.

As far as what to try first I would start out with the medium rounded (the most popular pick) and/or medium pointed and go from there. You shredders would really dig the shredder or the medium/large pointed. I'm waiting for a new pick in the mail he has out called the diamond which is inbetween the medium rounded and pointed. FYI - I know Santana plays the freakishly large rounded and I'm pretty sure Satriani is playing with the large rounded.

Here's the site: http://www.v-picks.com

Be sure to post how you like them!

Posted by: Martin la guitarra Jul 22 2008, 04:34 PM

thank you so much, i think im going to order some!

Posted by: mmasters Jul 22 2008, 04:43 PM

I forgot to mention they really do allow your right hand to play faster and more fluidly. I can play about 20-30% faster and at least twice as fluid as before with the Jazz IIIs. I can't say enough positive things about them.

Posted by: Fsgdjv Jul 22 2008, 04:47 PM

What interests me is the grip thingy that seems awesome, I'm always having a problem with holding onto a grip for long when my hand gets sweaty. Gonna try some out. Thanks

Posted by: superize Jul 22 2008, 04:48 PM

I just just ordered 3 of tem thanks for the link and i hope they work good or me

Posted by: Martin la guitarra Jul 22 2008, 04:56 PM

Can you only pay through card or is it possibile to pay through bills or something?

Posted by: superize Jul 22 2008, 04:59 PM

I payed thorugh paypal and that seemed like the only option but i dont know

Posted by: Martin la guitarra Jul 22 2008, 05:08 PM

kk

Posted by: chast Jul 22 2008, 05:08 PM

I also ordered 3, can't wait to get them

V-Pick Small Pointed
V-Pick Medium Pointed
V-Pick Medium Rounded


Let's see if they will replace the Jazz III Picks

Posted by: mmasters Jul 22 2008, 05:21 PM

I think you can only pay through paypal.

Posted by: Scott Gentzen Jul 22 2008, 07:10 PM

I finally stopped using the Dunlop Jazz III's a month or so ago. Hard for me to hold on to for some reason. I don't have especially large hands so I don't know what the problem is.

I've been using the Dunlop Big Stubby picks for a few weeks and I'm pretty happy with them. I am more open minded to thicker picks now.

Posted by: kevin-riff-after-riff Jul 22 2008, 07:20 PM

well shouldnt we all try to achieve technich by solid practice rather than skipping half of the practice and still play as fast but when you lose your superpick you are screwed

Posted by: Martin la guitarra Jul 22 2008, 07:26 PM

yup, all this reminds me of the movie - Tenacious D - Pick of destiny

Posted by: steiner666 Jul 22 2008, 07:41 PM

lol i gotta get the pick of destiny now.

Posted by: Trond Vold Jul 22 2008, 09:25 PM

Never heard of V-Picks before.
Going to order some screamers

Posted by: jacmoe Jul 22 2008, 10:15 PM

Wow! 5.6 mm - the V-Pick Fattie!

Ouch! I forgot about V-Pick Colossal .. 8.66 mm

I just might order some for kicks!

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Jul 22 2008, 10:24 PM

wow cool, I should order some myself

Posted by: mmasters Jul 23 2008, 02:58 AM

They really are awesome. I ended up throwing away all my old Jazz IIIs I had around for years. Not that they were bad picks but these are so much better. Much more ergonomic when you're playing and they have a nice tone to them as well as grip nicely.

Posted by: blindwillie Jul 23 2008, 07:31 AM

Please report back on have you like them and the delivery to Sweden. I want some!

Posted by: Xicoria Jul 23 2008, 07:38 AM

GMC is really making me spend money!

After joinning GMC I already ordered a Toneport UX1, a Korg Metronome, a Powerball and now 5 V-Picks!

Lets hope I improve my guitar play before bankruptcy!


I read a lot of reviews of this v-picks and everyone just say good words. I use dunlop tortoise for a quite long time, let me see if they are really this valuable!

Thanks for the tip!

Posted by: kjutte Jul 23 2008, 09:40 AM

Nice link man!

Posted by: superize Jul 23 2008, 09:59 AM

Sure i will do that

Posted by: Danilo Capezzuto Jul 24 2008, 02:34 AM

Next item on my gearlist! Thank you!

Posted by: Praetorian Jul 24 2008, 03:04 PM

Tell me about it! Before I started talking to all you guys I had a $75 Yamaha Pacifica that I played through stereo speakers...Now I have a Fender Mexi-Strat, an Ibanex RG4EX, a POD 2.0 and a Peavey Rage amp!

Thanks for that link...I just ordered a screamer!

Posted by: Muris Varajic Jul 24 2008, 03:37 PM

I ordered few as well to check it,thanks for the link!

Posted by: Resurrection Jul 24 2008, 03:48 PM

Ordered a selection these. Looking forward to trying them out. Thanks for the link.

Posted by: Gerardo Siere Jul 24 2008, 05:00 PM

I will order some picks to check the out, thanks for the link.

Posted by: Dejan Farkas Jul 24 2008, 05:47 PM

Ordered few as well

Posted by: chast Jul 24 2008, 05:52 PM

For those who are interessted, I posted a small entry in my practice agenda about the picks. http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?automodule=blog&blogid=29&showentry=269

Posted by: Canis Jul 25 2008, 03:47 AM

Gotta check these out ^^ I hope I can find them in a shop here in Norway... I don't have motivation to go though that paypal stuff

Posted by: Smikey2006 Jul 25 2008, 04:43 AM

I will order some.. but im skeptical.. they are.. well.. clear.. do you know how fast im going to lose them

Posted by: stickyfingers Jul 25 2008, 08:19 AM

in light of the weak dollar i gave them a shot ^^

i ordered the fab four package, thx for the link

Posted by: superize Jul 25 2008, 08:21 AM

Soon everyone at GMC will use V-picks

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jul 25 2008, 09:52 AM

Screamer for me

Posted by: blindwillie Jul 25 2008, 01:34 PM

Anyone remeber the cult TV series "V".
This is "V: The Next Generation". Soon we will all be assimilated.

Posted by: Smikey2006 Jul 25 2008, 05:18 PM

ordered sum now.. 1 shredder.. medium light, medium pointed and a screamer

Posted by: stickyfingers Jul 25 2008, 10:24 PM

yeah now that you say it! they're back and this time they're even more sublime ;D

Posted by: RIP Dime Jul 27 2008, 10:32 AM

Very cool, probably my favorite thing to experiment with is picks.

But how is the wear on these picks? I pick fairly hard and I play a lot, so a Jazz III gets worn to the point where the playability is hurt after me playing it for a week. I've actually started playing the big triangle, pizza slice picks, cuz I can use 3 edges of them. I don't see the point in me buying an expensive pick if it doesn't last.

Posted by: fkalich Jul 27 2008, 11:48 AM

Rather than this, I am going to flush $15 down the toilet, maybe a magical Genie will emerge out of the bowl, and give me 3 wishes.

edit: just ordered a couple, I'm stupid.

Posted by: fkalich Jul 31 2008, 02:49 AM

I got mine, a couple rounded medium, and a screamer.

They are pretty nice. You definitely should try these, I would say get a medium rounded, and if you feel you might want a pointy one, either a screamer or one of the pointed ones. Crisp attack and silky smooth on the rounded, probably my favorite. Although i will probably use the pointy screamer some. I have this other pick I really like, an obscure one (I bought 30 of them for about $25 awhile back). But these v-picks are nice, and I am sure I will use them. Like I use the Dava nickel, even though it is not my main squeeze.

edit: I am not saying the v-pick won't become my top pick, that is very possible. we will see. and I am pretty particular. other than my long time favorite, and the Dava nickel, and these v-picks, all others suck, and I have a container filled with all of them. v-picks are certainly worth ordering.

Posted by: Fsgdjv Jul 31 2008, 03:17 AM

Do you think they wear out as fast as, lets say jazz III or some other "cheap" picks? That's the only thing I'm worrying about, because if they wear out as fast as those, then.. yeah then I won't order them.

Posted by: fkalich Jul 31 2008, 03:32 AM

you get to use all three edges, so you get three picks of use with each one.

order them, trust me, don't nickel and dime yourself on something as important as the pick you use.

they are soooooooooo superior to a jazz III, the thought of using a jazz III after one of these makes me want to open a window and vomit.

Posted by: Bedlam Jul 31 2008, 03:45 AM

I've been using jazz IIIs for 10 years, I'm quite skeptical... Just like how overrated Texas Tech is this year in football

Posted by: Resurrection Jul 31 2008, 08:49 AM

Just received my V-picks order - the fab 4 pack, some shredders and some acoustic picks. My first impressions are good. I've only had the chance to try out the acoustic and the shredder but I can see some of the benefits that I was hoping for. I think I need to adjust some aspects of my playing to get the very best from the pointed pick varieties - something for me to work on!

Posted by: stickyfingers Jul 31 2008, 08:59 AM

mine arrived as well.

my favourite of the fab four package is the medium pointed, but in my next order i'll include some even more pointed shredder picks.

they're very thick but somehow that feels just right.

Posted by: timono Jul 31 2008, 09:23 AM

hadn't seen these before now and the very thought of them make me drool

think i gonna order some of them,

thanks for sharing

Posted by: superize Jul 31 2008, 09:55 AM

My first expression of the pick was that i glide off the fingers after you play a while and i really hate when that happened

Posted by: fkalich Jul 31 2008, 10:29 AM

Kansas was overrated to. Even though we won the BCS Orange Bowl in football, and were national champion in Basketball. Just ask any Missouri person.

These picks are nice. Even if they end up not being your favorite, get a couple, you will like them. They are kind of special.





well keep your head banging down to no more than 180 degrees, that might help.

I assume you don't do the "pick buried between you thumb and side of the finger thing with just a mm of tip exposed". I could see it slipping if you hold it like some people do, say as Lian holds it.

Posted by: Bondy Jul 31 2008, 02:40 PM

I ordered a few Screamers and a slide they sound pretty cool plus i use jazz IIIs so i want to compare thanks for the link

Posted by: Joruus Jul 31 2008, 04:17 PM

I got mine Tuesday.
A Screamer, Medium rounded and Diamond.
And a "Black Leather Key Fob" wich had another pick in it, i think its medium pointed
(wich costs as much as the keyfob so im not sure why i get it for free with it)

I dont have much picks to compare with, but the screamer is really my favorite pick now.

The diamond seems too thick to play with but maybe it just something you have to get used to.



About them wearing out fast or not.. checkhttp://www.v-picks.com/OldestVPick.html

Posted by: RIP Dime Jul 31 2008, 04:32 PM

Very cool Joruus. I'm definitely gonna order some soon. I am worried a little about how well these picks work for strumming, but we'll see when i get them.

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Jul 31 2008, 06:12 PM

Just ordered Fab Four, Screamer and acoustic

Posted by: Matt23 Jul 31 2008, 06:52 PM

I'm gonna order some but they all seem to be really thick or rounded, and i'm looking for something bout 1mm (to keep my picking movement small) that's pointed (for easier PH). Does it say anywhere how thick the screamer is?

Posted by: mmasters Jul 31 2008, 08:10 PM

Well I finally found my dream pick. Last week I got the diamond in the mail (they're 10 bucks now on sale from 15 cause they're new). Played about 30 hours in that time, I'm playing better than I ever have with this pick.

I used Jazz IIIs for about 10 years, now I wont even touch them.

If you really like the Jazz III type of pick get the diamond. I wont use any other pick now and I have a bunch of v-picks lying around. Though if I happened to lose this one I'd go back to a medium rounded or pointed while waiting for another diamond in the mail (I actually wrote vinni a thank you letter for the pick that's how good I think it is and I'm not a thank you letter kind of guy)

Posted by: -Zion- Jul 31 2008, 08:38 PM

i guess you are all leaving me with no choice, so i better go buy some now..

Posted by: fkalich Jul 31 2008, 08:46 PM

I just ordered two diamond picks. I figure I am bound to lose one sometime, or it will wear out, and as you say price may be $15 later, and I split postage over two of them, so it seemed economical to get 2. With two diamond, two medium rounded, one screamer, I need to modify my will now.

Sorry Andrew, you will do the same thing, just wait. Keep the billfold handy.

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Jul 31 2008, 09:08 PM

Heh, funny, since last time I changed picks I bough probably 50 of them so I would never ever be out of picks again ... can't afford 50 of these guys but I will certainly buy 10 or so when I find the one I like, if it is an improvement on my Dunlops

Posted by: wollace03 Jul 31 2008, 09:12 PM

well, as all you guys seem to like them so much, i ordered a screamer and the fab four....
it´s hard for me to believe, that there is a better pick than the jazz iii but i am very curious....
can´t wait to get them and try them.

Posted by: mmasters Jul 31 2008, 09:18 PM

You wont regret it for sure, I ordered 3 more diamonds today.

Posted by: fkalich Jul 31 2008, 09:27 PM

I did something similar, about over 30 of this type. which I still like, and I am sure will continue to play. I don't think one has to use only one pick, anymore than one guitar.

but you will love the v picks, I think nearly everybody will not regret getting these. they are quite nice. get a Dava nickel tip sometime, they are interesting to use once in awhile, as you probably know, Brian May used some British coin to play with.

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Jul 31 2008, 09:44 PM

yep it is a sixpence supposedly, and if its good enough for him ...

Posted by: fkalich Jul 31 2008, 09:59 PM

you know, I thought, "I am going to look this up, finally going to look up British coins". Like last week, this great big cockroach flew into my open door, and I captured him in a jar and put him out, but decided "I am going to finally look up cockroaches", and I found there are 3 types in my area, and the one I caught was a male Oriental Cockroach, and the big Brown ones are American Cockroaches, and the little brown ones are German, so I learned all that. So this time I was going to learn about British coins....

but wow, there are sure a lot more British coin types than there are Kansas cockroaches. No way I can learn all that.

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Jul 31 2008, 11:49 PM

You will no doubt be hampered by the fact that the UK changed them all in 1970 and went decimal. The sixpence is pre-1970 but was legal tender for years afterwards, worth 2.5 pence. Its about the size of a dime, maybe a little smaller.

Oh, and right after I ordered my V picks I had a nice email from Mrs V (Nancy) asking where we heard about them, I told her GMC, and she said she had had quite a few orders from there and to thank everyone and she also visited to check on us - she says to tell you its all true

Hi there Mrs V if you check back on us again!

I'll let you know what I think when I get mine.

Posted by: Bedlam Jul 31 2008, 11:55 PM

ENOUGH ALREADY! I'll get some...

Posted by: fkalich Aug 1 2008, 05:44 AM

One thing about them that I had not realized, was the acoustic sound of them. If your read my posts here, I went from being a total skeptic to a serious advocate. my old pick is good in its own way, but first thing I notice when I try my old ones, the sound of it is not as good as the v pick, the v picks really have a pretty ping to them. sort of like the tingle of glass is the best I can describe it. yes, very crystal like.

I am thinking about trying the thin ones also, but I expect there is a reason most prefer the thicker ones. but next time I order, I probably will try some of the thin ones just for kicks. I will keep my mind open on style of pick, maybe one day I will prefer a pointed one. but not now, I like the rounded now. The diamond is semi rounded, that may be ideal, will see when I get them. I am taking the guy who recommended them here's word on that.



they have the lite versions, that are thin. I will try them some time, but I highly suspect that once most you get used to the thicker ones, you won't want to use the thin. the edge is beveled, the body is thick, not the edge. I suspect the pinging crystal like sound comes with the thicker pick to more of a degree. i very quickly have grown to love that sound. you can tremolo pick with speed and clarity with the rounded ones, so you certainly can with the pointed ones.

Posted by: blindwillie Aug 1 2008, 08:02 AM

I had similar experiences.
Ordered 10 Screamers and got a Medium Rounded as a bonus with the leather pouch a couple of days ago
Smooth delivery. 7 days from order to my swedish mailbox.

I must say I love these picks. They have everything I missed on my current picks, orange BRAINs. I wanted them thicker and bigger. Except one thing. The grip. Like superize said the grip isn't what I expected, I really miss the grip I have on BRAIN.

Of the two models I got I like the Screamer better, it fits me perfect. Maybe the rounded would be the best choise for chords and "galloping", I haven't tried the rounded all that much yet.
I like the thickness, shape and size of the screamer. As fkalich I like the attack and smothness of them. They are ... (smidiga) "agile"? I was afraid they would feel big and clumpsy but they are not. On the contrary.

I will play alot with them now and after using them for awhile I will know if the grip of the BRAIN is more important than the feel of the V-Pick to me.
I'll try to mod one too, to get a rougher surface. Haven't decided which method to use for that yet.

I got a nice mail too from Mrs V, asking how I found out about them. That was a pleasent surprise

Thanks Mr and Mrs V. You have a great product and it was a pleasure to order from you.
*waves at the V family*

Posted by: stickyfingers Aug 1 2008, 08:23 AM

i ordered some screamers yesterday

i told Mrs. V. about gmc as well. Perhaps we get a gmc discount for future orders.

Posted by: javari Aug 1 2008, 09:20 AM

I sugested to Mrs V. that they give one of their complete sets to GMC as s price for one of the competitions.
Since they must have doubled their business by now with all these orders from GMC members.

They should do someting in return

Posted by: holoshreder Aug 1 2008, 09:21 AM

Cool thx dude just ordered 3 Screamers

Posted by: Juan M. Valero Aug 1 2008, 09:24 AM

I'm sorry but I don't believe in miracles

I used lot of different picks and now I have... ehem... maybe 800 custom picks so I don't want to try this V-picks... can you imagine what would it happens if I love this V-picks !!!

Posted by: fkalich Aug 1 2008, 09:37 AM

consider the way some of us hold the pick, you know, thumb and index finger tip horizontal to strings, holding pick with thumb and side of index finger, pick stunk in there, with just the bare tip exposed. I assume you don't do this, if you have slippage. it could have pig fat on it, it would not slip on me because of how I hold the pick. it was weird at first a year and a half ago, but soon I could not imagine holding a pick in any other fashion. I really believe it would be like that for nearly everybody here. Andrew changed to this way and I think feels the same way, as does MickeM.

The rounded works fine for me playing fast stuff. I like that best. But I have a screamer and think I will use that also. I just hold it a bit looser, that is the difference to me, but you get a sharper tone. The diamond will be interesting, as that is supposed to be sort of half way between pointed and rounded. But you can play past, really good tremolo picking, using the rounded, and get good clarity.



you sound like me in my first post. i give you half a day before you bite.

Posted by: InThePast Aug 1 2008, 09:47 AM

ordered mine the other day got some screamers , cant wait till they arrive that grip on them looks awesome

Posted by: blindwillie Aug 1 2008, 10:07 AM

Thanks.
I hold it close to that, but not exactly like it. I've tried but never got comfortable with it. After playing awhile the pick is back into my normal position.
I'll follow your advice though and seeif I can re-learn and if I like that better with these picks.

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Aug 1 2008, 01:17 PM

Yes - I was thinking about this the other day and I think I have isolated the key factor, for me at least.

Before I held the pick more so that it emerged from the end of my fingers, and I used 2 fingers and thumb instead of 1 finger and thumb. The biggest change I have found is that the pick is a lot more stable in the new position, and I found that after a month or 2 of this new position, all the tension left my picking hand. That was tension that I didn't even know was there, but tension that had been holding me back for years! I now have a nicely relaxed picking hand, and relaxation is the key to fast and accurate playing, so for me the most important effect was indirect and took a while to kick in - now I would never go back. I try it occasionally and it feels weird and uncontrolled ...

Posted by: timono Aug 1 2008, 06:11 PM

just orderd my v-picks

can't wait for them to come, hope they come fast

Posted by: kaznie_NL Aug 1 2008, 07:42 PM

Ordered I ordered a Screamer and a Medium Rounded V-Pick. they'll be here in somethingn like a week. Mr. V also responds fast You'll get a respond on the mail the next day We probably are their biggest consumers, if they can be so fast That'd be fun, maybe we're starting a hype

Posted by: JeroenKole Aug 1 2008, 08:09 PM

ordered the fab 4. Let's see how they turn out and if they can replace the dunlops I've been using the past year.

Posted by: sidewas lightning Aug 1 2008, 09:22 PM

Sounds cool. I've been using dunlop tortexes for a while now, and these seem cool. Might have to order some to see how they work.

Posted by: RIP Dime Aug 1 2008, 11:07 PM

Ordered, hopefully peer pressure in this case is good!

I ordered a Screamer, Medium Rounded, Large Pointed(Closest to what I use now), Small Pointed, and a Diamond.

I'm stoked to see what a 10$ pick plays like, I've used the 3.0mm Dunlop Jazz picks, and I wasn't the biggest fan of it, but apparently these are good for strumming, rhythm, and lead, so I can't wait!

Posted by: Trond Vold Aug 1 2008, 11:19 PM

I got my 5 screamers today
They were bigger than i thought and i got a bit worried when i first picked one up.... but 5 minutes later it was my new fav. pick

Posted by: Smikey2006 Aug 4 2008, 12:12 AM

urg all these great reviews make me wish they would arrive sooner

Posted by: Bedlam Aug 4 2008, 12:24 AM

ok... I ordered a screamer, small pointed, med rounded, and acoustic... I hope they live up to the hype

My Jazz III's are getting nervous...

Posted by: Canis Aug 4 2008, 12:30 AM

Ordered two screamers, a small pointed, a medium rounded and a leather pouch. Hope they get to Norway soon ^^
Anyone else here living in Europe/Scandinavia who got their picks fast?

Posted by: Trond Vold Aug 4 2008, 01:15 PM

They arrived here around a week after i ordered, thats fast delivery if you ask me

Posted by: Canis Aug 4 2008, 01:24 PM

Great ^^

Posted by: fkalich Aug 4 2008, 01:53 PM

I felt the same. at first is seemed thick, but a little latter, feels natural.

Posted by: Praetorian Aug 4 2008, 08:57 PM

Holy cow...did you see the "Insanity" pick?!?!

I also just ordered a slide as well as a couple regular picks.

Posted by: Joe Kataldo Aug 4 2008, 09:25 PM

to me looks like a lot of advertising for nothing, Dunlop makes big stubby from years, same material, and they sticks the same, any non porous surface will stick with with our skin when it gets warmer, duo to moisture

Watch out before spend 5 bucks for a pick!

I have some dunlop and I can recognize the same sharp attack/sound of that material from video demos, I'll always prefer nylon or celluloid picks, they are the warmest!

anyway I may give them a try when people when people will start sell them

Posted by: Guitar1969 Aug 4 2008, 09:43 PM

So what does the GMC Master Kris say to these V-picks ? - Or is he fishing right now.

I looked into these V-picks a few months back, and couldn't get over the thickness - I currently play .73-.88 Dunlop Nylons, and like the little flex I get, but now I am feeling the peer pressure to try them out but I've never liked thick picks(Was using .46mm Nylons up until recently)

Sounds to me like the screamers, and the medium rounded are the most popular, but what do you all recommend for acoustic(Anything different?) - Can't go by V-picks recommendations or I would end up spending over $100 for a few picks, and I already have so many other picks, including Jazz IIIs which I don't like because they are too small and slip alot.

Posted by: Joe Kataldo Aug 4 2008, 09:53 PM

Here some picks already in stores from years, same material, same sound, this are tinner models



Left is a big stubby from dunlop 1mm right is a pickboy 1mm

yeah too tick, I'm sure strumming and funk rhythms will be horrible

Posted by: holoshreder Aug 4 2008, 10:28 PM

im gonna try them anyway
i do have a couple of celuloids and i hate them those were the ones that sliped the most for me
so i decided to get the Tortex 0.88Mm

Posted by: RIP Dime Aug 4 2008, 11:40 PM

I've tried the Stubby Dunlop picks before and I didn't like them, they wore out pretty fast, sounded shrill, and the edges were inconsistent(sometimes they were very bumpy). So if V-Picks are just like Dunlop Stubbys I won't like them. Don't get me wrong, Tortex picks are still my favorite picks ever, but I'm still gonna give these V-Picks a shot, because if they are awesome I don't want to miss out on it.

Posted by: Joe Kataldo Aug 5 2008, 11:27 AM

Me too

Posted by: fkalich Aug 5 2008, 11:42 AM

don't hold your breath

Posted by: mmasters Aug 5 2008, 06:43 PM

I've tried those picks as well in the past and they are nothing like the V-picks.

IMHO, the best ones to order are the medium rounded, medium pointed, diamond and shredder

Posted by: Nancy Smith Aug 6 2008, 06:46 PM

Hi there, everyone! I am delighted to join your group. I have corresponded with several of you when you ordered V-Picks. and I appreciate that fact that you have been talking so much about V-Picks.

Kris has set me up to be able to take any questions that you might have. I can also help anyone who may not know which pick to try........I usually can point you in the right direction after I ask a few questions about your playing style, which type of guitar you play, what guitar pick do you play now, and more.

Vinni, (my husband and the maker of the V-Pick) is a guitar player who looked for 35 years to find a pick that would do what he wanted. He made picks out of every type of material that crossed his path, ....wood, metal, plastics, glass, stones, coins, and much much more......just trying to get some life from his guitar pick. He finally found a material that worked, and then he started experimenting with shapes and thicknesses and the edge. After years and years of work and experimenting, we now have what we think is the best playing guitar pick in the world. We want to share this with everyone. Sure, we have made it into a business, but the passion for music is still there and will always be there for Vinni. It is exciting to see a guitarist play with a V-Pick for the very first time, strum a bit and then look up with wonder in his eyes and ask, "What IS this?!!!" We live for moments like this.

It is not just a business to us. It is our joy to help others get more from their instrument.

Vinni will be registering soon. He is a fantastic musician, loves the guitar with a passion, and loves to talk about tone and sound.

So , if anyone has a question .....ask away. I'll check in later.

Thanks so very much to all of you.

Posted by: Bedlam Aug 7 2008, 02:57 AM

I got my v-picks in the mail today, and I am very happy with the feel and sound. I can't say that I have any use for the hundreds of jazz III's laying around the house... any takers? I really like the screamer and med round. Maybe the med round a little better, but since I only have a couple hours playing time on them I can't say for sure. I'll be placing another order soon. Thanks for starting this thread.

Posted by: Toni Suominen Aug 7 2008, 09:40 PM

These look interesting, I might take a look at them at some point

Posted by: blindwillie Aug 8 2008, 09:48 PM

Thanks! You where right. Holding the pick that way feels just right now.

Posted by: Joe Kataldo Aug 8 2008, 10:20 PM

If it's not the same material I'd really like to try one, anyway looks like even the thinnest model is too thick to work for me, I like something that will let me play solo and rhythm, without the need of change pick, something around 1mm, are there any model available?

Thanks

Posted by: Vinni Smith Aug 9 2008, 01:50 AM

Hey all, Vinni here. I would like to address this issue of the Dunlop Stubbies in this photo below. I played them for years and are VERY familiar with them.

First of all let me say, they are good picks and they are made well. I never mean to bash Jim Dunlop in any way. I think he has some great products.

Now, as far as these models go in this picture. They are Lexan picks. Therefore, they are nothing like a V-pick in any way other than looks. They really don't even look much like them because they are not as clear.

Lexan does not have the same characteristics as the cast acrylic that I have chosen. There are 8 different cast acrylics and I have found 2 that I like. The material that I like the best out of the two is the material used in our new model V-Picks. What do that have over Lexan? They are warmer feeling and stick to your fingers better. When you get sweaty hands, a Lexan pick will literally squirt out of your fingers. Our picks will not. A Lexan pick has a glassey, noisey sound. V-Picks do have a little noise, as do all thick picks but it is greatly diminished compared to Lexan. V-Picks have a gliding action, almost like graphite, and yet they bite into the string enough for great tone, Lexan does not.

In closing I would just like to reiterate that these picks shown in this picture are not even close to a V-Pick.

Thank you for your time and your interest in our picks.

Oh, BTW, for those of you that want a pick that flexes, we now have V-Pick Ultra Lites!!! My buddy runs a music store about 1 hour from my house. He just does not like my fat picks. Today I took him 2 Ultra Lites and I now own Bill Stevens! He LOVES them.

Vinni

Posted by: Joe Kataldo Aug 9 2008, 09:18 AM

Thanks for the detailed explanation

How much thick (in millimeters) are the V-Pick Ultra Lites?

Posted by: Vinni Smith Aug 9 2008, 03:08 PM

The V-Pick ULTRA Lites are .5mm

Thanks for the question,

Posted by: Matt23 Aug 10 2008, 08:48 AM

After being advised what picks to get by vinni (very fast reply), i've ordered a medium Pointed, a large Rounded and a screamer. Can't wait to get them and see how they compare to my stubbys after what everyones said about how good they are.

Posted by: Koopid Aug 13 2008, 09:19 AM

Gah, OK

I just ordered a bunch too..

Medium rounded, Large rounded, Freakishly Large rounded, Diamond and a pickholder.

One of each, If I like them I will order more of the one I like most...

Posted by: fatb0t Aug 13 2008, 08:21 PM

I got my V picks! Holy crap - pretty awesome. I feel like a machine with these things. The shredder is wild. Very articulate and fast. I highly recommend them!

Posted by: MickeM Aug 13 2008, 10:50 PM

Vinnie, got one issue here. I don't sweat much and never had any problem holding onto picks and the Diamond sits pretty well but the Screames runs through my hand like a soap when I'm playing. The Medium rounded was slippery too.

Why is that, I can understand this happens with the glassy surface, but your homepage says - the V-Pick will "stick" to your fingers - and these do the opposite in my fingers.


When I buy picks usually I go for picks with a rugged surface since they sit the best between my fingers.


I'll keep trying, I do love the sound from these, in worst case I will have to rug the surface up a little bit see if that helps.

Posted by: superize Aug 13 2008, 10:57 PM

I had to change the way i hold my pick to be able to play with them. The mor i use them the more i like them. but i still have an issue with the gliding. It goes well when playing lead and also some rythm but when i play AP on two strings i cant hold the pick.

But as i say the more i use them and get used to playing with them the more i like it.

Posted by: Smikey2006 Aug 13 2008, 11:13 PM

Mine have arrived but i have no time to try them yet but i just wanted to post to thank the people at v-picks for the super fast delivery! im going to order a pick holder to add to my keychain thanks guys ill post how i like em when i have time to sit down and play with them for a while

Posted by: Marcus Siepen Aug 14 2008, 02:09 PM

I am also still testing mine, but since I am a curious person, and specially since I really like the screamer and also the other pointy V-Picks that I got, I also ordered a Diamond

Posted by: Fsgdjv Aug 14 2008, 02:23 PM

I got my Small Pointed today. It's nice to play with, but I can't hold onto it (and no, I'm not going to change the way I'm holding my pick, I'm even holding it in the way you rewcommended superzise to change to), plus the pick noise is horrible and an angled jazz III sounds 500 times better. Much sofer and nicer tone.

I have to say I'm dissapointed.

Posted by: DeepRoots Aug 14 2008, 02:25 PM

yikes, mine should be arriving soon, hope i don't have a similar experience

Posted by: Fsgdjv Aug 14 2008, 04:51 PM

After playing with it some more, my impression is a bit better, and I'm gonna keep giving it a shot. I'm stioll leaning towards my jazz 3 though. Also, I found that I had got an extra medium rounded for free, tried that, and I quite like that one aswell. The grip and the pick noise being not as good sounding as on the jazz III are still big issues though. But I'm a bit more optimistic right now.

Posted by: Smikey2006 Aug 14 2008, 09:52 PM

i just picked mine up and so far im impressed. The Shredder really dug in and it was a bit more than i enjoy, i find it slow and really hard to do anything with, my favorite is the medium rouded, really smooth tone and really easy to play with, i find the screamer a bit to sharp as well and im still getting used to the thickness but i think these are my number 1's from now on

Posted by: Vinni Smith Aug 16 2008, 04:46 AM

Just for fun, let's try and experiment. Lick your fingers and make them just a bit moist and see if that helps.

Vinni

Posted by: Smikey2006 Aug 16 2008, 04:53 AM

WOW so ive been using these picks all day and my jaw has dropped! The diamond is my favorite by far! Its soo smooth, so fast, easy to grip, great tone great feel, its improved my playing tremendosly! everything i want to play now it seems like i can pick those hard patterns flawlessly! Although my technique has not increased any i don't seem to hit a bad note! my triplets are smoother and my string skipping is more precise! Im ordering 5 more diamonds and a pick holder! Im just in awe that a pick could feel sooo good

Posted by: Shifted-Paradigm Aug 16 2008, 05:43 AM

If you are willing to promote your product in such a way, Vinni, I'll take a free sampler pack

Regarding how the product is being marketed, I have an opinion pertaining to the possible quality of the product, but of course would prefer to not assume. If any of the picks will replace the Jazz III ultex's I utilize, I'll be sure to write a favorable review and purchase your product.

Posted by: Rooks Aug 16 2008, 04:13 PM

I received my V-picks 2 days ago, From US to Denmark in 6 days. To me that is incredibly fast delivery.

I have only tried them out 2 days but I already have a lot to say, even though I'm a beginner.
I don't know if theres better picks out there.. I tried some different Dunlops and George Dennis picks, both different thicknesses and shapes. But these V-picks really rock that's for sure ..

Here's a small review from me.

My favorite of the ones I've ordered is the Screamer and Large Lite Rounded.



This is my V-picks, from left to right: Small Pointed Niteglow, Screamer, Large Lite Rounded, Shredder.
Below is a Dunlop .60mm for comparison

The Large Lite Rounded has a really juicy and full tone, very smooth attack thats easy to control. And the grip is far better than I expected. The size is close to the average pick, only a bit more triangular. This is my favorite of the V-picks I've tried.

The Screamer is a lot like the large rounded in size and shape, just thicker and with sharp corners. It has a more agressive attack than the Large Lite Rounded, and I think it is the pick with the best finish of those I ordered; The edges have a very soft curve, and the corners are very fine, even and contoured.
Personally, this one hits my thickness limit. I think I get used to it, but it feels a bit awkward to have the fingers holding it so far apart.

The Shredder has extreme sound with hardly any attack, but I think it too easily makes unwanted sounds having 4 sharp edges coming to a point. The edges are far more rough than the screamer, and the points are uneven with the edges. I ordered 3 and 2/3 are a bit uneven. This could be solved with angling, but don't think there ought to be difference from pick to pick. Considering this is a precision and speed pick, the grip doesn't amaze; The complete triangular shape with radical machined edges makes it narrower to hold, and I think this compromises the grip. At least for me.
Despite all this, the shredder makes a full sound with hardly no movement of the hand and hardly no force to the attack and allows very fast and very precise playing.

The Small Pointed Niteglow is very similar to the screamer in shape, just thinner and a bit smaller. The glowing material is not very good for grip, but very good for just being awesome. To me this pick is just too fat for it's size, however I did order it just to show off with a glowing pick, and to that task the Niteglow definately pass the test. Some of my guitar-playing friends were in a state of awe when I showed them.

Thanks to the V's for great service and fast delivery. I definately think I will order more V-picks when I have played some more with the ones I got.

edit: should not forget to add +1 to V-picks for aesthetics. My regular picks are plain black/matte brown/grey and white, some subtle some just ugly. The glasslike V-picks looks pretty cool, and when you care about
the aesthetics of your guitar, then if a really good pick is a treat to the eye that's a finish bonus.
Mr. V told me that in near future they will be able to make custom gravings, and that would be an even cooler finish feature.

Rooks

Posted by: jdriver Aug 17 2008, 07:57 AM

Is there a picture of this somewhere? I'm not understanding what you mean.

Posted by: Fsgdjv Aug 17 2008, 06:52 PM

I tried playing some more with this pick today, nothing advanced, but just trying out this pick. I can't really tell because I'm not able to play anything advanced right now with my left hand, but I think I love this pick anyways. I hated it a few days ago So yeah, I'm definetly ordering some more soon.

Posted by: Smikey2006 Aug 24 2008, 01:42 AM

VINNIE QUESTION! i was stareing at my Diamond and i was thinking how sick it would be in red! or a dark green! I know that colouring acrylic is possible sooo is there any way we could look into this? i would be willing to pay extra for a custom pick order if you could colour them for me ! just PM me if you think this is possible or not!

Posted by: Iron King Aug 24 2008, 08:54 AM

Got the picks I ordered a few days ago
I can see the Screamer being my main pick from now on. I play a bit slower with them because I'm used to the tiny Jazz IIIs but I find it so comfortable. The III's would always slide out of my hand but the screamer has this little groove that makes it so comfortable to use. I will definitely buy more of these.

I also bought a medium rounded and I don't really like it. It's a bit too rounded for me and doesn't work well for Thrash type music.

I also think they look great
I've had a few people ask me about them already

Posted by: RIP Dime Aug 24 2008, 11:03 PM

I don't think the normal V picks are for me, I love the grip, sound, and how they glide over the strings. I just can't get over the chirp/squeak sound . It's not as noticeable when I flatpick, but honestly flatpicking fast stuff feels very unnatural for me. I guess the way I play I tend to get that sound of the pick brushing the string(because I do like to angle the pick), I just don't find that chirp a desirable pick sound.

Are there any V picks that can be held at an angle, and not get the chirp? The Screamer seems to do it the least, while the diamond has a huge chirp sound. Do the lite V picks tend to chirp? I'm still interested because V picks rule in feel and sound(when it's not fast picking on the high strings).

Posted by: bsamn Aug 25 2008, 01:36 AM

I ordered a few aswell..

im really hoping this will be it for me as far as picks are concerned.

Posted by: jdriver Aug 26 2008, 05:07 AM

I got my V-Picks today, and I have to chime in with everyone else... they are great. Sound great and feel great. I got the medium rounded and a diamond.

I got one of the slides also and the large slide really is very large, so unless you have super-fat fingers, don't get the large.

Posted by: Ttask Sep 11 2008, 09:52 PM

I just received my picks. For now, I have only been playing for a couple of hours with them, but I have to say that the Screamer is really amazing. I love the way it sounds, the way it feels and I can't explain why, but I get an incredible control and regularity in my attack of the strings. I also tried the shredders. Very sharp sound, I like it too. However, I find it pretty hard for now to play very fast licks or tremolo picking. I guess it requires additional training due to the sharpness of this pick. Still, I really like the way they sound and feel for string skipping / legato licks à la Paul Gilbert (final part of Scarified). Great picks overall, I think I'll stay with the Screamer for a long time!

Posted by: Canis Sep 12 2008, 07:45 AM

Hehe, I tried playing with some regular Jazz III's yesterday, and they were extremey uncomfortable!
I'll problaby keep the Screamers for my entire guitar career

Posted by: Keilnoth Apr 15 2010, 07:37 PM

Just bought a few of those picks to try them. A Screamer, Diamond, Large Ultra Lite Rounded and Medium Lite Pointed... hope they are good !

Posted by: ruben_mcn Apr 15 2010, 08:01 PM

Where can i buy this V- picks from ?? they don´t sell them in portugal :S ..

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Apr 15 2010, 08:21 PM

You can order them through this web site :

http://www.v-picks.com/

Posted by: Staffy Apr 15 2010, 08:28 PM

I've started to use them as well, switching from jazz III, and as far as I concern, they give even greater control.

//Staffay

Posted by: ruben_mcn Apr 15 2010, 08:28 PM

Thanks they send them to everywhere (world wide )???

Posted by: NoSkill Apr 15 2010, 09:34 PM

I started using them a few months ago. There's a rumor they are going to pay me to go back to my Dunlop's. I do really enjoy them though. I use the "Tradition," though I bought a few different designs to look for the one I wanted to use.

Posted by: Staffy Apr 15 2010, 09:44 PM

If they send them to Sweden, I bet they send them anywere!!!



Ahaa, thats the same as for me - Sharkfin gonna pay me if I'm starting to use their green one's again.....

Posted by: Santiago Diaz Garces Apr 16 2010, 08:16 AM

Too many nice comments. I think I'm losing something!. It's time to try them

Posted by: audiopaal Apr 16 2010, 08:40 AM

I have played the Screamers, but that pick was not for me at all..
But I decided to order a bunch of other picks from them a few days ago, which looks like they'll fit my playing too a tee.
So hopefully I'll be happy when they arrive

I'll let you know how it goes

Posted by: ZakkWylde Apr 16 2010, 10:24 AM

They feel great and make playing easier but I totally hate how they sound... I stick with Dunlop Pitchblack Tolex Jazz picks...

Posted by: Skewlbuzz Apr 16 2010, 11:13 AM

How durable are these picks?

4-5$ a pick seems kinda expensive.

Posted by: Keilnoth Apr 16 2010, 04:04 PM

Now, that's a good question!

Because Dunlop and others last for a few hours before they become rounded. When you pay them 0.5$ or 1$ it's OK. But at 4-5$ or even 10$ a pick, I hope they last for a bit more than a few hours.

Posted by: Joruus Apr 16 2010, 04:30 PM

They last many weeks, And if they loose some sharpness you can easely repair that aswell http://www.v-picks.com/tips/22

I love my V-pick Dimension (unbuffed) it seems way way too huge when you first get it, but now i totaly love it and use it for anything

Posted by: jafomatic Apr 16 2010, 04:31 PM

I ordered just a pair of small pointed v-picks sometime in january. I'm still using that same pair. They did round a little bit, it took a week or two. That particular shape, small pointed, has three identical points which can all be used if they "round" too much with use.

I couldn't say how fast or slow they buffed down since I don't play all heavy/shreddy strokes.

Posted by: Skewlbuzz Apr 17 2010, 08:57 AM

Okay, I think I will give them a try then

Probably going for some pointed Medium Lite and Ultra Lite.

Posted by: Sollesnes Apr 17 2010, 09:59 AM

Lately I've fallen in love with Dava picks, but all this hype just made me put in an order at the V-pick starter kit with 7 picks. Looking forward to try them

Posted by: kaznie_NL Apr 17 2010, 01:25 PM

I've used V-picks and stopped using them I just like a regular pick better

Posted by: stratman79 Apr 17 2010, 10:19 PM

I use the rounded one, bought it in red so I don't loose it!!!

I find I get about 2 weeks of moderate play on one side before it gets scratchy.

Think I may look into a blue chip...

They're nice picks esp for picking ok for strumming, I'd def recomend using/trying one

Posted by: thefireball Apr 17 2010, 11:24 PM

yeah, V-picks are awesome!! I tried going back to my old ones....they didn't match up with the V-pick. It's so fast! the only disadvantage is if I drop it or lay it down....it's very hard to find. I still don't know where my other one went. But that's okay, I'm using the spare one!