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Hi all- first I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Ellis and I am a law student in South Carolina. I am looking to start playing some bluegrass guitar because I am particularly fond of the style of music. My question for some of you more experienced players is this- What are some good picks that you recommend? I have seen a lot of people are partial to the Blue Chip picks, but considering I am just starting out, I am hesitant to drop that much on a pick. Additionally, I kind of wish I was able to try out some picks before committing and purchasing them, because they're a little pricier than the standard guitar pick, and, being a student, money is tight! (especially in this economy!) Thanks in advance!
I'd buy several different picks and see which one worked the best for me. No need to purchase the expensive ones unless you just really want to.
I use a Martin pick on my Martin now, but for years I just used whatever pick happened to be available and most seemed to work. I found for me, that I needed a lighter weight pick but you may need a more heavy pick.
It's really a personal thing for each person.
Normally, I prefer something around 1.3 mm but this material is stiffer than any other plastic, so 1 mm works perfectly for me.
Don't get me wrong, it's still some sort of plastic - they call it synthetic bone/synthetic tusk, "Tusq". The point of it is, it's harmonically identical to bone, totally efficient in terms of resonance. You might notice they are super inexpensive too.
Growing up, I used a "Golden Gate" equilateral pick because that's what my Dad uses. He punches dimples in his, because they are slicker than snot. These GraphTech TUSQ picks are easy to grip, and there's no flex or "give" in them whatsoever. I simply place a Golden Gate pick on top of my bi-angle blanks and trace it with a pencil, then use a nail file to trim to size.
This material withers away very slowly, so... over time, you'll need to flip it and use the other side, and eventually you'll need to replace the pick.
BUT AT LEAST THEY ARE NOT $50! DON'T FALL FOR THE HYPE OF THOSE "BLUE CHIP" PICKS, THEY ARE PLASTIC.
When you drop a blue chip pick or any mainstream pick, you hear a flat clicking sound. When you drop an ivoroid bone pick or one of these TUSQ picks, you hear a chime sound. The best part is the feedback you receive when you attack the strings!
I prefer this same material for nut, saddle, and bridge pins as well. It makes ALL the difference! Your guitar will sing loudly with these parts installed! I had some junker guitars before, and people bragged on how great they sounded ![]()
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PQP0400BA--graph-tech-pqp-0400-ba-tusq-bi-angle-picks-4-pack-mixed
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