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The flatpicked guitar reviews database is here to help educate people before they purchase an instrument. Of course, this is not meant to be a substitute for playing the instrument yourself!
161 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: BlueChip online store (http://shop.bluechippick.net/tp48/)
Without a doubt the best commercially available pick I've ever owned for flatpicking/bluegrass guitar. The TP48 (tri-corner 1.22mm) comes closer to the highly desirable responsiveness and tonal qualities of a pick made from the carapace of a Hawksbill sea turtle (commonly referred to as a "tortoise shell" pick) than anything else I've tried. Like a "tortoise shell" pick, the BlueChip pick material is extremely durable with no signs whatsoever of wear after 40+ hours of hard use. The "speed bevels" on the edges of the pick are identical to how I've modified my own picks for decades now, and so it's nice to have that done beforehand.
Furthermore, I have to give Matthew extra credit for his prompt and excellent customer service: I initially ordered two different BlueChip picks to see which shape/style felt and sounded the best to me. The TP48 was the winner in this regard (obviously), and so I called and asked if I might exchange the other pick for a second TP48 instead. No problem! I mailed it back the next day, and he shipped me a second TP48 pick two days later at no additional shipping cost.
I've acquired and experimented with other expensive, boutique picks over the years, but this is the first one where I truly feel it was worth the money. All this being said, pick preference is a highly subjective topic and, understandably, opinions vary quite a bit. But if you're seeking the sound and feel of tortoise shell from a synthetic pick, you'd be hard pressed to do better than spending $35 for a BlueChip TP48.
My two cents, your mileage may vary, yada yada yada...
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Janet Davis Music
I was taking a guitar class at Davis & Elkins {Augusta] and a woman sitting next to me had a Blue Chip Guitar Pick. I said "they cant be as good at $35 each". She said her husband bought her two picks, " would I like to try one for the afternoon" I said sure, but I still couldn't justify the price. So I used the borrowed pick that afternoon. WAS I WRONG! Best guitar pick I've ever used and I've been playing for about 50 years. When I got home I called JDM and ordered one. IF i lost it- i would order more. $35/40 is cheap for this product.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Blue Chip
I've been playing with a TD-50 and TD-40 pick for three months now and really like the sound and feel of the flat picks. For years I've only played with Dunlop nylon flat picks (0.6mm) which I still use occaisonally on electric but these Blue Chip picks sound incredible and I'll be using them on acoustic from now on.
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: Flatpick Guitar Network (gift)
I recently won a Blue Chip pick (yes, the $35 one) in a drawing from the most generous Stefan Jadefjord on the Flatpick Guitar Network. In my "entry post" I said that I could never get it under the wife-radar and about the only way I would ever have one is if someone gave it to me. I am the kind of guy that shops around for months before I buy a $10 USB key just to be sure I have the best deal. I am not prone to splurging and spending money on things that I can make myself or make due without. I'm not really tight, I'm just careful with my finances to make sure the income is as much as the out-go.
I considered the Blue Chip one of those "luxury" guitar accessories that were only for professionals and people with lots of disposable income. How could it possibly justify a $35 price tag?
Well, I've played with it all weekend. The thickness was perfect, but I wouldn't have chosen the shape I was given (the triangle with one rounded edge). However, I doubt I will ever buy another teardrop shaped "bluegrass" pick. The triangle is so much easier to handle in the same way I guess that a bigger pen is easier to write with.
The material itself behaves exactly as advertised. Pick-to-string contact noise is minimal (I can hear it, but I really have to listen) . The material seems to stick to my fingers except once when my hands got exceptionally sweaty. A quick swipe of on the britches leg fixed that though. A few back and forths with a Dunlop Ultex revealed that the Blue Chip is indeed superior when it comes to friction. After playing around with the Blue Chip, the Ultex sounded like sandpaper against the strings.
Will it make you a professional? Not likely. Will it improve your playing? It depends. If your right-hand technique is suffering (pick slipping around, not cleanly releasing from the strings) then it is possible. It won't solve your problems, but it does make a little difference.
In summation, there was no way in heck that I'd ever spend $35 for a pick. Now, I believe I would replace it if it ever got lost (after much begging and pleading). If you run into someone with a Blue Chip at a festival or jam, ask to borrow it for a couple songs. You'll see what I mean.
www.bluechippick.net
Overall Rating: 9
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