So since I started this thread a few months ago asking about pick options, I've been buying pretty much everything that was suggested (and a few that weren't but looked like they had potential), and after much trial and error I'm ready to give my findings! So here's the lineup:
1 - Dunlop Tortex Purple
2 - Dunlop Jazz III XL
3 - Dunlop Big Stubby
4 - Cool Picks "Phat Cat"
5 - V Picks Medium Pointed Light (I filed a bit down, here's a pic of it originally next to a Jazz III)
6 - V Picks Small Pointed Light
7 - V Picks Medium Rounded
8 - V Picks Medium Pointed
9 - Cool Picks Juratex
10 - Dunlop Tortex Pitch Black Jazz
11 - Dunlop Jazz III Ultex
12 - Dava Jazz Grip Delrin Tip
13 - Dunlop Jazz III
14 - Dunlop JD Jazztone 205
Impressions:
The whole top row is out without a doubt, all too huge and paddle-like for me, and the Big Stubby also felt very blunt and clumsy on account of how heavy it was
The V-picks were an interesting batch; I really wanted to like them because of how surprisingly grippy the plastic is, but I just can't jive with the equilateral shape, having a point digging into my thumb is very disconcerting and I couldn't get used to it. FWIW, though, my favorite was definitely the Medium Pointed Lite (#5), but even after filing it down as you can see in the picture, it still didn't do it for me.
9 and 10 were both great; I'm between them for my live pick since the Jazz III (my favorite, but we'll get to that
) is just a bit too small for crazy live antics. However, the Tortex (10) was just a bit too thin and unpleasantly snappy in feel of attack (hard to describe, but that's the best I can do) - I preferred the more dull warmness of the Juratex (9) and the sandy grip is AWESOME, but it's just a bit too big for comfort (though maybe not for live, but if so, then the Tortex wins)
The Jazz III Ultex (11) I liked at first cuz it was way grippier than the Jazz III standard, but the attack on this one too was just a bit too "snappy" like the Tortex, so sound-wise I wasn't diggin' it. The rubber of the Dava (12) was too grippy, so if the pick slipped from the ideal position I usually had to use my left hand to get it right again, no thanks. The Jazz Tone 205 (14) just felt too fat and blunt, but MAN did it grip nice, such a pity
So the Jazz III wins for me, not only in terms of feel but especially in terms of sound! The material just has such a warm full sound to it, and the beveled edges reduce those awful scratches that come from the Tortex picks and any others with flat sides. And here's how it looks when I hold it:
And while it took me awhile to get used to it, that's plenty of surface for some diesel chuggas as long as you develop the accuracy to use it! (took me a few days, but GOOD GOD it was worth it for my speed and fluidity)
Obviously this is all personal preference, but I figured an explanation of my thought process would help other people determine how much they can relate to my findings and thus whether this is of any use to them!
1 - Dunlop Tortex Purple
2 - Dunlop Jazz III XL
3 - Dunlop Big Stubby
4 - Cool Picks "Phat Cat"
5 - V Picks Medium Pointed Light (I filed a bit down, here's a pic of it originally next to a Jazz III)
6 - V Picks Small Pointed Light
7 - V Picks Medium Rounded
8 - V Picks Medium Pointed
9 - Cool Picks Juratex
10 - Dunlop Tortex Pitch Black Jazz
11 - Dunlop Jazz III Ultex
12 - Dava Jazz Grip Delrin Tip
13 - Dunlop Jazz III
14 - Dunlop JD Jazztone 205
Impressions:
The whole top row is out without a doubt, all too huge and paddle-like for me, and the Big Stubby also felt very blunt and clumsy on account of how heavy it was
The V-picks were an interesting batch; I really wanted to like them because of how surprisingly grippy the plastic is, but I just can't jive with the equilateral shape, having a point digging into my thumb is very disconcerting and I couldn't get used to it. FWIW, though, my favorite was definitely the Medium Pointed Lite (#5), but even after filing it down as you can see in the picture, it still didn't do it for me.
9 and 10 were both great; I'm between them for my live pick since the Jazz III (my favorite, but we'll get to that
) is just a bit too small for crazy live antics. However, the Tortex (10) was just a bit too thin and unpleasantly snappy in feel of attack (hard to describe, but that's the best I can do) - I preferred the more dull warmness of the Juratex (9) and the sandy grip is AWESOME, but it's just a bit too big for comfort (though maybe not for live, but if so, then the Tortex wins)The Jazz III Ultex (11) I liked at first cuz it was way grippier than the Jazz III standard, but the attack on this one too was just a bit too "snappy" like the Tortex, so sound-wise I wasn't diggin' it. The rubber of the Dava (12) was too grippy, so if the pick slipped from the ideal position I usually had to use my left hand to get it right again, no thanks. The Jazz Tone 205 (14) just felt too fat and blunt, but MAN did it grip nice, such a pity
So the Jazz III wins for me, not only in terms of feel but especially in terms of sound! The material just has such a warm full sound to it, and the beveled edges reduce those awful scratches that come from the Tortex picks and any others with flat sides. And here's how it looks when I hold it:
And while it took me awhile to get used to it, that's plenty of surface for some diesel chuggas as long as you develop the accuracy to use it!
(took me a few days, but GOOD GOD it was worth it for my speed and fluidity)Obviously this is all personal preference, but I figured an explanation of my thought process would help other people determine how much they can relate to my findings and thus whether this is of any use to them!
and I didn't get the tape centered either haha... Shit sticks incredibly well though, even to a glossy pick surface. I've had that pick in my wallet for over 4 years.
