Picks, and that subtle difference...

nvn · #1 06-01-2002, 03:55 PM

Hmm, I've been lurking in the shadows around here for quite a while now but never actually posted something, but I guess today's the day. :)

I've been using Dunlop Jazz III's now for about 6 years. Before that I used some regular tortex picks (yep, very regular), but I found the thicker and more sharply pointed Jazz III doing wonders for my accuracy and speed. The thing is that lately I've become more or less obsessed with TONE.

The thing is, I believe (I might be over-sensitive or something) that there is a very clear "clicky" sound with these picks. The attack and release are very distinct and I like that, but that sound when the pick hits the string can drive me crazy sometimes. Similarly, a pick with is a less sharp tip than the Jazz III might give a "scratchy" sound.

Of course there's a bit (a lot perhaps) of this that comes from pure technique, but still...the shape, gauge, and material of the pick affects the tone. I guess I could sit here and try out a couple of millions of different picks, but...I would really appreciate some tips. :) What are your thoughts on the subject? Material, for instance...do you prefer nylon? Or tortex? Or something else? Smaller or bigger picks? Light or heavy? :)

I tend to over-analyze all sort of things so before I crush myself, say something wise which makes me go "hmm aha!". :)

kind regards and stuff.

Gresh · #2 06-01-2002, 04:03 PM

I too switched from regular tortex (the green ones) to Jazz III's. I don't notice any clicking noise. When going to a regular pick again, I notice a little more interference with the string and it is annoying and a little "brushy" sounding. The Jazz III definitely makes my tone a little darker compared to a regular pick, but the difference in feel and accuracy is well worth it.

caprile · #3 06-01-2002, 04:30 PM

i use fender .71mm nylon (the glow in the dark ones). obviously, different picks sound different, but i suse just this one and change the feel by gripping more or less pick area (i don't know if i explain myself)
the more you grip, the stiffer it feels.

jeffrey · #4 06-01-2002, 04:39 PM

I've used Jazz III's now (the black ones, the red ones sound different) for about 11 years now.

Recently I've been messing with different picks.

Namely the 2.0mm Stubbies (although they don't last long) and the purple/green/yellow Jazz-shaped Tortex's.

I think I may go with the yellows. They give a little and have a nice mellow tone to them.

BrianH · #5 06-01-2002, 05:05 PM

All of the 'hard' 'thick' picks make that 'click' sound. It doesn't really bother me, I've noticed if you work with your tone a little you can minimize the affect. It would take one heck of a pick to make me switch from Jazz3, infact it would have to a pick very similar but better in some way.

My advice, it doesn't get any better than the jazz3, however!!!! I use to you a graphite pick, kinda thin but very hard too, it is equal in my opinion to the jazz3 over all. I think it was made my jim dunlop as well. The clicking sound wasn't present with this pic, but I like the small jazz3 for my particular picking technique and finger picking requires this pick.

disassociative1 · #6 06-01-2002, 05:25 PM

you guys no of anywhere i can get my picks in bulk over the net

oooo · #7 06-01-2002, 07:16 PM

Let me be the first to say welcome NVN...

I've been using the Dunlop 500's (I think they are Gel picks) I bounce around when it comes to size.... but this week it's .96mm. I have no problem with pick noise, maybe because I'm 1/3 the thickness of what you guys are using.

disassociative1, try one of the usual catalog companies... like www.***************.com or www.***************.com they sell picks in bulk I think.

BrianH · #8 06-01-2002, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oooo

Let me be the first to say welcome NVN...

I've been using the Dunlop 500's (I think they are Gel picks) I bounce around when it comes to size.... but this week it's .96mm. I have no problem with pick noise, maybe because I'm 1/3 the thickness of what you guys are using.

disassociative1, try one of the usual catalog companies... like www.***************.com or www.***************.com they sell picks in bulk I think.

are they small like the jazz3? if so I'll have to check them out! course I love my jazz3, and all but never hear that clicking sound anymore... any hooo...

nvn · #9 06-02-2002, 03:00 AM

Thanks for the input folks...been looking around a bit and it seems the Jazz III's are very popular...understandably. :)

Mr oooo, thanks for the welcome and mentioning the 500's :) I checked them out at jimdunlop.com and the shape really appeals to me, I think I'm looking for something like that...with a sharper tip than regular picks, but not quite as sharp as the Jazz III's. I'm very interested in the material too...so now I just gotta find someone around here who sells them or I'm in for another world-wide shopping trip. :)

ScottB · #10 06-02-2002, 03:53 AM

If you like the Jazz III, try out the pointy 1mm purple Dunlop Tortex H3. I've been using them for about a month and I like them better than the Pickboy carbon nylon that I used for over 5 years. For nostalgia, I like the Fender Jazz extra heavy in tortoise shell. There's nothing like the smell of celluloid burning off on a fresh set of 9's!

Carlo · #11 06-02-2002, 04:37 AM

I used to use Jazz IIIs as well. But now I use 1 mm Ibanez picks. I think Jazz IIIs are great for fast picking leads but they don't work for me that well in the rythm dept.......I find the tone to be a bit too bright, when I do some strumming on the clean channel.

Vai the god of Sound · #12 06-02-2002, 01:13 PM

The 2.0mm delrin 500s are pretty thick, smooth and have less of that "clicky" noise you're talking about.

It also depends on the way you hold the pick. When attacked on an angle, the string should just flow on it and off it without noise.

Lauri M · #13 06-03-2002, 03:23 AM

I just love the Vai signature pick. I agree that the Jazz III is the fastest pick around, but I think it's short size is a disadvantage in songs like The boy from seattle. It's hard to reach the right notes in songs like that when in my opinion.
Vai's pick is maybe 1 mm thick and has the best shape I've played. Even dunlop tortex doesn't nail that feel I get from that pick.

jeffrey · #14 06-03-2002, 04:26 AM

For me it doesn't matter if it's a Jazz sized pick or one the size of a kite.

I 'choke up' on a pick so much anyway, there's only a fairly small nub hanging out.

It's the only way I can have consistancy at speed.

nvn · #15 06-03-2002, 05:33 AM

Hey...Lauri M...I got three of those Vai picks along with my "Secret Jewel Box". Wouldn't use them though :) but I've been SERIOUSLY tempted...from where does one buy such picks? I'd like to order a couple of thousand I think. :P

Picks, and that subtle difference...

Ah