Reducing pick attack noise in recording

MattyG · #1 01-09-2010, 12:12 PM

When I record I get a lot of pick noise as I strike each note. It's starting to bug me as I become more aware of it!
It may be a matter of playing technique that needs to be addressed but I was wondering if someone has any tips for reducing the noise.

I record direct from a pod xtpro into a multitracker. Not the most elaborate setup but it does the job for now.

The noise I'm talking about is most noticeable on the plain unwound strings especially when playing slow single notes with distortion.

Thanks

C.Thep · #2 01-09-2010, 12:51 PM

A good post-EQ will help alleviate alot of the scratch.

I haven't had that problem, but I bet using pointy picks, like Dunlop Jazz or Planet Waves Black Ice picks. I figure if there is less contact versus a round pick, there would be less noise.

I don't know if this would work, but perhaps lowering the pickups?

Or maybe coated strings? Elixirs?

toneboy · #3 01-09-2010, 12:52 PM

Here are some things to consider:
- Use a pick made of a different material than the one you're currently using. I used to use Dunlop Big Stubbies until I started changing my rig and core sound. At some point the "clicky" sound of the pick became annoying so I switched to more standard Ibanez sandpaper picks which are made from plain ol' delrin or some kind of plastic I don't remember the name of.
- Some pickups reproduce pick attack more than others but I would look at this as a last resort.
- Change the EQ on amp and/or pedals.
- Change the angle of attack of your pick. The close the picks comes to striking the string at a 90 degree angle, the more the sound of the pick attack comes through. However, this can also affect speed and of course tone but it's an easy thing to try.

skins345669 · #4 01-09-2010, 12:58 PM

Which materials reduce the sound of your pick attack?

I'm currently using normal Black Jazz III XLs and know that they produce that shape in other materials. Would using those be effective?

toneboy · #5 01-09-2010, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skins345669

Which materials reduce the sound of your pick attack?

The harder the material is, the more "pick click" it is capable of but you have to consider all the factors (angle of pick attack, where you pick on the string's length (closer to the bridge is brighter), pickups, and EQ).

Playing around with picking angle, where you pick on the string and EQ are the things to try first because they are the cheapest solutions.

S-man · #6 01-09-2010, 02:30 PM

Now that you have noticed it...you may be focusing on it... making it sound worse than it really is. Just a thought.

But yeah... all of the other advice sounds good as well.

skins345669 · #7 01-09-2010, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toneboy

The harder the material is, the more "pick click" it is capable of but you have to consider all the factors (angle of pick attack, where you pick on the string's length (closer to the bridge is brighter), pickups, and EQ).

Playing around with picking angle, where you pick on the string and EQ are the things to try first because they are the cheapest solutions.

I've spent ages getting my pick attack to where it is so it's as energy efficient (if that's not the most out of context use of that phrase I've ever heard, I don't know what is) and effective as possible, so I'd rather not have to start fiddling with it again. Which are the softer materials used for picks? Ultex?

toneboy · #8 01-09-2010, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skins345669

Which are the softer materials used for picks? Ultex?

Ultex, tortex, delrin and polyacetal.

MattyG · #9 01-09-2010, 03:30 PM

Thanks for the responses

MattyG · #10 01-09-2010, 03:35 PM

I'm wondering now if it's because my picks are a little old. The edges probably have hundreds of little notches from wear and tear. Perhaps a nice new pick will help.

toneboy · #11 01-09-2010, 04:39 PM

After I've used a pic for a little while, the edges become beveled and the point gets widdled down. I just throw those in the pick recycle jar so eventually I'll try and file new points on them. With the Ibanez pics, I know it's time for a new pick when the logo is just about worn off.

That said, picks like strings are disposable resource. I usually buy about a gross at a time. At this point I have about 500-600 pics and every 3-4 months, I buy a gross.

MattyG · #12 01-09-2010, 04:51 PM

Yea I've tried reshaping picks but it never works well for me! I use jazz iii and they're pretty expensive but maybe it's time to stock up again

toneboy · #13 01-09-2010, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattyG

I use jazz iii and they're pretty expensive but maybe it's time to stock up again

Heh, you might pay $3/6 whereas I pay $5 for 6 Ibanez Sandpaper picks but man I love 'em! The sandpaper really prevent slippage.

trouble311 · #14 01-09-2010, 05:53 PM

Try the Ultex Sharps...the shape (almost exact...you can lay the Jazz III over the Ultex Sharp, and it is nearly identical) and feel are pretty much the same, with much less noise and better tone. I use the 1.40 MM, and they are almost exactly as thick as the Jazz III XLs.

skins345669 · #15 01-09-2010, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trouble311

Try the Ultex Sharps...the shape (almost exact...you can lay the Jazz III over the Ultex Sharp, and it is nearly identical) and feel are pretty much the same, with much less noise and better tone. I use the 1.40 MM, and they are almost exactly as thick as the Jazz III XLs.

Awesome. Thanks.

Sorry to steal your thread dude, but, which which is closer in size to the XLs, an Ultex sharp or the Ultex Jazz III?