Do Guitar Picks Matter? Part 2 |
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Do Guitar Picks Matter? Part 2 |
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Jun 30 2021, 12:16 AM |
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/ 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/ 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/ This post has been edited by Todd Simpson: Jun 30 2021, 02:56 AM |
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Jan 6 2022, 09:27 PM |
-------------------- SEE MY GMC CERTIFICATE “Success is not obtained overnight. It comes in instalments; you get a little bit today, a little bit tomorrow until the whole package is given out. The day you procrastinate, you lose that day's success.” Israelmore Ayivor |
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Jan 8 2022, 08:21 AM |
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
-------------------- SEE MY GMC CERTIFICATE “Success is not obtained overnight. It comes in instalments; you get a little bit today, a little bit tomorrow until the whole package is given out. The day you procrastinate, you lose that day's success.” Israelmore Ayivor |
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Jun 10 2022, 03:37 PM |
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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