Blue Chip: TAD50-1R

Submitted by Chadtheguru on 8/18/2009

Where Purchased: Flatpick Guitar Network (gift)

Overall Comments

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