In the endless pursuit of the perfect guitar tone, we often overlook one of the most fundamental yet impactful elements: the guitar pick. While it might seem like a minor detail, the question “What kind of guitar pick do you use?” is far from trivial. It’s a genuine inquiry into a crucial – and often underestimated – aspect of your sonic signature. For guitar players chasing that Coolest Guitar sound, understanding your pick is paramount.
Recently, I’ve been experimenting with different picks, and the sheer variety in tone they produce has been eye-opening. It’s also surprising how quickly the cost of these little pieces of plastic can add up! Gone are the days when guitarists casually tossed picks into the audience as souvenirs. With the quest for the right pick becoming more critical and prices ranging from a dollar to upwards of $20, these essential tools are now precious commodities. Post-concert, you’re more likely to find me on my hands and knees searching for those elusive picks that escaped my grasp!
The Journey to the Right Pick Size
Like many guitarists, my pick journey began with standard-sized picks – whatever was readily available. For a significant period, I gravitated towards smaller, jazz-sized picks, exploring various brands and materials. My primary focus then was grip, as these smaller picks had a knack for escaping during more energetic strumming. The downside? After a night of playing, the nail on my index finger, where it met the pick, would be painfully worn.
Over time, I realized that while small jazz picks offered agility for riffs and solos, they weren’t ideal for rhythm playing. Gradually, my preferred pick size expanded, inching closer to the standard size favored by most players – about an inch in length. It seems I’ve come full circle, almost back to where I started in terms of size!
Now, I’ve settled on a couple of go-to picks, depending on the musical situation. My absolute favorite, and a key to achieving a coolest guitar tone for many styles, is the Cool Pick Ultra.
Material Matters: Exploring Pick Materials and Tone
The tonal difference between various pick materials is significant. From the bright attack of celluloid to the warmer tones of nylon or the unique characteristics of materials like Ultex or Tortex, each material brings something different to the table. Experimenting with materials is a crucial step in dialing in your coolest guitar sound.
The Cool Pick Ultra: A Bright and Accurate Choice
The Cool Pick Ultra stands out as a top contender for achieving a bright and articulate tone. Slightly larger than a typical jazz pick, it’s crafted from “Cellulon,” a bi-matrix composite material. This material is described as offering the smooth feel of nylon with the crisp attack of celluloid. While the exact composition remains somewhat mysterious, its sonic qualities are undeniable. It delivers a full sound, particularly noticeable when digging into heavier gauge strings like my .12 nickel wounds. The resonant, almost metallic sound when dropped on a hard surface hints at its unique properties.
Despite its 1.2mm thickness rating, the Cool Pick Ultra possesses a stiffness comparable to much thicker picks. This stiffness translates to exceptional accuracy and control. Furthermore, the patented AGT rubberized accu-grip coating is a game-changer, ensuring the pick stays firmly in your hand, even during the most dynamic performances.
Finding these picks can be a bit of a treasure hunt. Elderly Instruments online seems to be the most reliable source. If they happen to be out of stock, you might just have to wait until I replenish my own stash of 100 or so!
JB Picks: Solid and Fat Tones with Beveled Edge Option
Another interesting find in my pick explorations is the 1.5mm JB standard celluloid pick from JB Picks. These picks offer a different sonic flavor, leaning towards a solid and fat tone.
A notable feature of JB Picks is the option for a beveled edge. This bevel enhances playability right from the start, providing a smoother attack and potentially influencing the pick’s glide across the strings.
DIY Tone: The Pick Punch Revolution
Perhaps the most groundbreaking innovation in the world of guitar picks is the Pick Punch, created by Von Luhmann. This ingenious device is a true “why didn’t someone think of this sooner?” moment.
The Pick Punch is a compact, hand-operated punch, similar in size to a stapler, that allows you to craft your own guitar picks from virtually any punchable material of suitable thickness.
Priced at just $24.95 (the cost of a few premium guitar picks!), the Pick Punch is an incredibly worthwhile investment for anyone serious about their tone. I’ve purchased several as gifts for fellow tone enthusiasts. The pick size it produces is, coincidentally, perfectly suited to my preferences – small enough for intricate playing yet substantial enough for solid rhythm work.
Unleash Your Creativity: Making Picks from Recycled Materials
The Pick Punch opens up a world of tonal possibilities. Suddenly, everyday items become potential sources of unique guitar picks. I found myself scouring the house, punching out picks from old membership cards, expired gift cards, and even credit card offers. The results were surprisingly diverse and often sonically fascinating.
Von Luhmann also offers materials specifically designed for pick making on his website, www.pickpunch.com. He even provides video tutorials on creating picks with embedded images, further expanding the creative potential. The Pick Punch has undeniably transformed my approach to tone exploration.
One of my current favorite picks is actually crafted from an expired credit card! Recycling has taken on a whole new dimension, and even yard sales become treasure hunts for vintage celluloid items ripe for repurposing into unique picks. Thanks to Von Luhmann, the quest for the coolest guitar tone has become even more engaging and personalized.
Experimenting with guitar picks is an essential part of the journey to finding your signature sound. Don’t underestimate the impact of this small but mighty tool. Whether you stick to traditional materials, explore boutique options, or dive into the DIY world of pick making, your pick choice is a crucial element in unlocking your coolest guitar tone.
