Do Guitar Picks Matter? Part 2
Todd Simpson
Jun 30 2021, 12:16 AM
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Let’s continue with our DO PICKS MATTER series and talk about 3 more important picks. Hopefully, you are aware, at this point, just how important choosing the right pick is. It can have an impact on your tone and on how you play the instrument. It’s not something to be overlooked.


DUNLOP JAZZ III XL

*Information on the Jazz III XL from the Dunlop website
https://www.jimdunlop.com/jazz-iii-nylon-pick/
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Let’s continue with another version of the Dunlop Jazz III XL Pick. The Jazz III was pointy way before being pointy was cool and it’s beveled edge was something of a revelation that would be copied later by wads of pick vendors. However, the Jazz III was not right for everyone for a simple reason. It’s a small pick. It’s just much smaller in the hand than the standard size pick. For some people, this is one of it’s best features as it allows variety in placing it in the hand. Yet for some folks it was just too small. To wit, Dunlop gave us the JAZZ III XL. It’s got the same features as the Jazz III but it’s bigger.

DUNLOP JAZZ FLOW (standard)
*On the Dunlop Web Site
https://www.jimdunlop.com/flow-standard-pick-1-14mm/
Attached Image

Here is Mick Thomson from Slipknot, talking about his evolution from JAZZ III to FLOW picks. As a Metal/Shreddy guy, he needs something fast that sounds aggressive. So he found the Jazz III. As we have talked about, it’s a fast pick due to it’s point and bevel and curved sides and thickness/lack of flex. It’s got all the bits you need. However, like many folks, he found these picks slipped out of his hand. So, like many of us, he started using a knife to cut hash marks in the pick grip to make it easier to hold on to. Of course, Dunlop heard the suffering of players and released the MAX GRIP version of the Jazz picks. This version has stubby texture on the grip to prevent the pick from sliding out of the hand. He also added the DUNLOP FLOW pick.

*Here is Mick talking about his the Jazz III and FLOW


The flow comes in a variety of thicknesses. It’s made of a very solid version of ultex material so, as per the video, even the .88mm pick is very stiff and doesn’t flex. Also, it’s a full size, (slightly larger than) pick so it’s not going to get lost in the hand as the original Jazz III might. In addition, it’s pointy and beveled and like the Jazz, has a curved contour from top to tip. This helps with string traverse. Lastly, it’s taken it’s grip inspiration from the DUNLOP PRIME TONE pick (it looks very similar) and has a nice textured grip area to prevent pick slip. The Flow is everything Dunlop has learned about picks up to this point. It’s their ultimate expression, to date, of everything that shredders of all types have been requesting for many years. Instead of making yet another version of the Jazz, they just created an entirely new pick, with a new shape, and all of the features folks have requested in such a pick.

*Here is Ola giving a quick playthrough with the Flow

(It does look very close to the more boutique prime tone pick)


However, there are tons of pick builders out there. Dunlop is just one of the most available brands. I wanted to share many options that are easy to find. Most every music store online and offline will cary Dunlop Picks. They are not very expensive and they have many of the same features of boutique picks, but a lot less money. If you want to try something a bit more boutique, let me introduce you to the

MATTHAS GUITARS IMPALER (2.0mm)

*Information on the Mathas Guitars Impaler Pick from their website
https://mathasguitars.com/collections/guita...ks-2-0-mm-black
[attachment=52338:Screen_S...43.30_PM.png]

These Mathas picks are boutique units built to shred. They feature all of the bits needed to get the job done. Zero flex, huge side bevel, sharp point, side curvature. So it’s all there from the start. Before I even tried one I knew I’d like it. The bevel on these is much more pronounced than on any other mass produced pick I’ve ever tried. The result is impressive. The side curvature, combined with the huge bevel, makes string traverse a breeze. These traverse strings with almost no effort on the part of the player. It’s a 2.0mm pick so it’s thick and is dense material. These have no flex at all even when warmed up. Frankly I love these things. I’m always on the lookout for new picks to try. I’m always getting new picks and comparing them. These stack up to any I’ve tried. The only issue is the price. These are $7 each. That’s a lot when you can get a six pack of flow for under ten bucks. Still, these are amazing picks and I’d suggest them to anyone wanting to try something new.

ANY PICKS THAT I"VE LEFT OUT?


HERE IS PART 1 OF THIS SERIES!
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_fo...t=0#entry790237

**Here is a great lesson on alternate picking!

https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Altern...-Picking-Riffs/

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This post has been edited by Todd Simpson: Jun 30 2021, 02:56 AM
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AK Rich
Jun 30 2021, 02:08 AM
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I've used the standard red jazz III's for decades but in the past 5 or more years I have used the Petrucci signature jazz III's as well.

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jstcrsn
Jun 30 2021, 08:45 PM
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This is how I finish off my picks. Once they have passed every other test requirements . I put 4-5 dots of medium super glue and most importantly wait for the glue to dry. I have found I can even put a bump in a certain place if need be for the thumb or finger for comfort and stability. Medium Glue works best as you don't want the bump to flatten out. And the best part, Some might like flatter bumps, more or less bumps, it is extremely customizable and with a sharp knife can easily be scrapped off and redone.

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Todd Simpson
Jul 1 2021, 07:12 PM
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The JP is an important pick in the lineup and I almost included it as well. I think I'll do one more and put that one in there. It's bigger than a jazz but smaller than a standard pick so it's a bit of a hybrid and the way the grip works is unique as well.


QUOTE (AK Rich @ Jun 29 2021, 09:08 PM) *
I've used the standard red jazz III's for decades but in the past 5 or more years I have used the Petrucci signature jazz III's as well.

Attached Image



Clever trick! Many pick builders are starting to put better grips on their picks. This started in the boutique pick world much the same way super pointy, beveled stiff pick seemed to start. Eventually the bigger vendors take these changes in and new picks come out that are far more affordable.

QUOTE (jstcrsn @ Jun 30 2021, 03:45 PM) *
This is how I finish off my picks. Once they have passed every other test requirements . I put 4-5 dots of medium super glue and most importantly wait for the glue to dry. I have found I can even put a bump in a certain place if need be for the thumb or finger for comfort and stability. Medium Glue works best as you don't want the bump to flatten out. And the best part, Some might like flatter bumps, more or less bumps, it is extremely customizable and with a sharp knife can easily be scrapped off and redone.

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AK Rich
Jul 1 2021, 10:24 PM
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QUOTE (jstcrsn @ Jun 30 2021, 10:45 AM) *
This is how I finish off my picks. Once they have passed every other test requirements . I put 4-5 dots of medium super glue and most importantly wait for the glue to dry. I have found I can even put a bump in a certain place if need be for the thumb or finger for comfort and stability. Medium Glue works best as you don't want the bump to flatten out. And the best part, Some might like flatter bumps, more or less bumps, it is extremely customizable and with a sharp knife can easily be scrapped off and redone.

Nice. I have used a soldering pencil in the past to score my picks and make them more grippable.

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jstcrsn
Jul 1 2021, 11:37 PM
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QUOTE (AK Rich @ Jul 1 2021, 10:24 PM) *
Nice. I have used a soldering pencil in the past to score my picks and make them more grippable.

where there is a will ,we find a way. I will also sand them sharp and a quick drag thru the carpet melts away the roughness left by sanding

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Phil66
Jan 6 2022, 09:27 PM
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Here's a pretty important pick to me, I wonder if Mr Kris Dahl remembers this? cool.gif



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Storm Linnebjerg
Jan 7 2022, 02:18 PM
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Speaking of picks, these are the ones I got from the competition we had back in maybe 2014. I think they were made from Von Hotch, if I remember correctly:

Attached Image


My favorite pick is the Dunlop Flow .88 Olive, but it wears down SO quick despite being made of ultex like some of the other sturdier picks are made of. Not sure why this one wears down so quick. I used to play with the Jazz III Max Grib made from carbon fibre and they would last forever, but they weren't quite pointy enough compared to the Dunlop Flow. The Jazz III are 1.38 mm, so they are quite a bit thicker, however now that I've gotten used to the Flow .88 I must say 1.38 feels too thick. .88 just have an ever so slight wobble cause of the thickness, but it's the perfect amount for me. The .73 is too flexible and 1mm is too stiff. The Flow picks are all nice and pointy though smile.gif

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The Flow picks are slightly smaller than a standard pick, but larger than a Jazz III:

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Todd was kind enough to ship a small bag of picks all the way to Denmark from the "type fast"-competition, and there was a flow pick in that bunch, and I fell in love with it smile.gif

This is Todd's picture. He kindly put some more picks into the small bag he sent.

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At that time I was only ever playing with Jazz III and I usually was always only able to find 1 or 2, maybe 3, around my desk. I've since gotten a lot of Flow picks and a few other ones and when I completely cleaned my house a while back I ended up finding maybe 25 more laugh.gif

Attached Image


...and in they go:

Attached Image

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Phil66
Jan 8 2022, 08:21 AM
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Those Ibanez JTC picks are my current favourite, I like the GMC pick but don't use it because I don't want to wear the print off it wink.gif

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Kristofer Dahl
Jan 8 2022, 12:21 PM
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QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jan 6 2022, 09:27 PM) *
Here's a pretty important pick to me, I wonder if Mr Kris Dahl remembers this? cool.gif





Sure do! You deserved it back then and I think you deserve a new batch 🤩

It was Marcus Lavendell who recommended me this type of pick and I used it for a long time (and still do).

My main pick now is a Jazz III tortex which Ola recommended me when I recorded some demo videos for his Solar guitars. I played standard jazz 3 for many years when I started out, but like many others I felt there was something not working with the grip / material, so that's why the tortex picks seemed like a perfect match.


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Storm Linnebjerg
Apr 6 2022, 05:54 AM
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So, I don't think I mentioned this about the Flow picks, and it's the only downside as I really love playing with them.

They are very pointy, which is absolutely great, but they wear down very quickly. I've never had that problem with the Jazz III carbons.

Attached Image

The one on the right is the "newest", but still used (shadow makes it look less sharp maybe). The others have been used more, but not a lot. I kinda go between a lot of them, as I have about 25 of them. Just pick one that's sharp enough, but it's kinda interesting (in a bad way) how quickly they wear down.

Maybe a better angle here (middle one most worn):

Attached Image

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Todd Simpson
Apr 9 2022, 04:02 AM
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I'm really glad you ended up liking one of those picks smile.gif it was a grab bag of just about every pick that i've bought or been given to review. Finding the right shape, thickness and material is a perpetual quest.

Sounds like the material is the part letting you down a bit on these as they do seem to dull quickly. I noticed that as well. Good pointy tip, but it's ultex which I always found to wear down way to quickly for my tastes.

Then again, my faves are still the Vpick switchblade (material is tough so stays pointy) and the vonhotch metal pick. I did notice the metal pick actually wears through my strings a bit so I only use them when recording.

Attached Image

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Apr 6 2022, 12:54 AM) *
So, I don't think I mentioned this about the Flow picks, and it's the only downside as I really love playing with them.

They are very pointy, which is absolutely great, but they wear down very quickly. I've never had that problem with the Jazz III carbons.

[att

The one on the right is the "newest", but still used (shadow makes it look less sharp maybe). The others have been used mor

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Storm Linnebjerg
Apr 9 2022, 02:35 PM
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QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Apr 9 2022, 05:02 AM) *
I'm really glad you ended up liking one of those picks smile.gif it was a grab bag of just about every pick that i've bought or been given to review. Finding the right shape, thickness and material is a perpetual quest.

Sounds like the material is the part letting you down a bit on these as they do seem to dull quickly. I noticed that as well. Good pointy tip, but it's ultex which I always found to wear down way to quickly for my tastes.

Then again, my faves are still the Vpick switchblade (material is tough so stays pointy) and the vonhotch metal pick. I did notice the metal pick actually wears through my strings a bit so I only use them when recording.

Attached Image


Yeah, it's actually started concerning me how quickly they wear down. I do like the very slight flex it has, but I'm gonna go to the music store in 5 minutes and check to see if they have the Jazz III Max Grib Carbon Fibre.

...and now I just got home only to realize I never click to post this laugh.gif

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Todd Simpson
Apr 10 2022, 03:46 AM
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let us know how those work out. I've got an entire set of Carbon Fiber picks hand built fro WORF PICKS that I'm going to do a video review on. As carbon fiber becomes a more common material, we may see others vendors embrace it as well.
Attached Image

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Apr 9 2022, 09:35 AM) *
Yeah, it's actually started concerning me how quickly they wear down. I do like the very slight flex it has, but I'm gonna go to the music store in 5 minutes and check to see if they have the Jazz III Max Grib Carbon Fibre.

...and now I just got home only to realize I never click to post this laugh.gif

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Storm Linnebjerg
Apr 10 2022, 07:46 AM
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QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Apr 10 2022, 04:46 AM) *
let us know how those work out. I've got an entire set of Carbon Fiber picks hand built fro WORF PICKS that I'm going to do a video review on. As carbon fiber becomes a more common material, we may see others vendors embrace it as well.
Attached Image


I like the carbon fiber Jazz III's. I've used them in the past, but I started using the red ones, as the black ones blended in too much with my black desk at the time. It was getting to me laugh.gif I didn't play too much last night, but I like them, but I just gotta get used to the smaller size again - the Dunlop Flows are a bit bigger in size.

Do those in the picture have any sort of grip? They look to have some sort of texture, but I've come to realize that I really do need the "sand paper" grip. My right hand finger tips are very smooth and I don't sweat a lot in my hands, so holding on to something slippery it's almost like applying an extra layer of flour to the pick. Nearly always slip from my hand after a short time smile.gif

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Storm Linnebjerg
Apr 10 2022, 08:11 AM
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Also, I forgot to mention that the guy in the store had told me half a year ago he'd bring a Petrucci JP pick that he had at home and we'd both kept forgetting about it. He had it for me yesterday and I got that one for free, but I'm honestly not a fan. It's also too smooth for me.

Here's a picture for comparison of size. I sharpened the JP (it was kinda blunt) and also one of the dunlops. The 4th one to the right is how they look from factory (the JP was even more rounded when I got it from the store, but it had been used by the owner a bit of course).

Attached Image

I think from factory the JP pick is similar to the carbon ones. Here's a picture of a JP:

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Storm Linnebjerg
Jun 10 2022, 03:37 PM
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Any of you guys tried these? I might order a set.

https://www.thomann.de/dk/ibanez_bpa16msbl_pick_set.htm

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Todd Simpson
Jun 10 2022, 11:51 PM
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The WORF carbon fiber picks are boutique picks and nice but a bit pricey. They don't have a grip area that you seem to want. I have cross thatched them with a knife which works for grip.

These ibby picks look like they might be a great choice for you as they have all the bits you've been looking for in one design!

QUOTE (Storm Linnebjerg @ Jun 10 2022, 10:37 AM) *

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ElChals
Jun 12 2022, 12:26 AM
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For a long time, my favorite pick was the Jhon Petrucci. But after reading this post, I was encouraged to try new picks. And my new favorite is the Ernie Ball Prodigy 2mm(At least for the rest of this week biggrin.gif ). It took me a while to adapt, but right now it seems perfect. It is very pointed and with a good bevel. Perfect for the shred, although perhaps too aggressive for more subtle things.


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Todd Simpson
Jun 13 2022, 01:00 AM
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The Prodigy is a very good pick imho. Ticks all the boxes, thick, no flex, pointed and best of all beveled smile.gif Not that long ago, one had to go to a boutique pick builder like Vpicks and pay very high prices for these types of picks. I had to request that Vinnie from Vpicks actually bevel my picks, which he did by hand. These days, great picks are available from a variety of vendors. It's a great time for guitar players smile.gif


QUOTE (ElChals @ Jun 11 2022, 07:26 PM) *
For a long time, my favorite pick was the Jhon Petrucci. But after reading this post, I was encouraged to try new picks. And my new favorite is the Ernie Ball Prodigy 2mm(At least for the rest of this week biggrin.gif ). It took me a while to adapt, but right now it seems perfect. It is very pointed and with a good bevel. Perfect for the shred, although perhaps too aggressive for more subtle things.


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This post has been edited by Todd Simpson: Jun 13 2022, 01:00 AM
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