In the intricate quest for the perfect guitar tone, one element often overlooked is the humble guitar pick, or plectrum. What was once a casual question – “What kind of guitar pick do you use?” – is now recognized as a serious inquiry into a crucial, yet frequently neglected, component of a guitarist’s sound.
This article delves into the world of guitar picks, aiming to shed light on their significance and perhaps spark discussion among fellow guitar enthusiasts. Like many players, I’ve recently explored different pick options and been genuinely surprised by the tonal variations that different materials offer. It’s also eye-opening to see how the cost of these small pieces of plastic can accumulate!
Gone are the days when guitarists casually tossed picks into the audience as souvenirs. With the journey of finding the ideal pick becoming more complex, and prices ranging from a dollar to upwards of $20, these little tools are now precious commodities. After a performance, you’re more likely to find me on my hands and knees searching for any picks that escaped my grip!
My own pick journey started with standard-sized picks – whatever was readily available. For a considerable period, I transitioned to smaller, jazz-sized picks of various brands and materials. My focus was often on the grip, as these smaller picks tended to slip away, especially during more energetic strumming. By the end of a gig, the nail of my index finger, where it met the pick, would be noticeably worn – a painful reminder of the night’s playing.
However, as my playing evolved, I realized that smaller jazz picks, while offering agility for riffs and solos, weren’t optimal for rhythm playing. Over time, my preferred pick size gradually increased, eventually circling back to something very close to the standard size, approximately an inch in length. It seems my pick journey has come full circle, in a way.
Currently, I rely on a couple of picks, depending on the musical context. My overall favorite is the Cool Pick Ultra. This pick is lightweight, produces a bright tone, and is slightly larger than a typical jazz-sized pick. It’s crafted from “Cellulon,” a bi-matrix composite material described as having the smooth feel of nylon but with the crisp attack of celluloid. The exact composition remains a bit of a mystery, but it undeniably delivers a rich sound, especially against my .12 gauge nickel wound strings. The tonal resonance was even noticeable when I dropped the pick on my desk – it rings almost like a coin, with a metallic quality. Despite being rated at 1.2mm, it possesses the stiffness of picks twice as thick. This rigidity allows for exceptional playing accuracy. Furthermore, the Cool Pick Ultra features a patented AGT rubberized accu-grip coating, ensuring it stays firmly in your hand.
I’ve only been able to consistently find these picks online at Elderly Instruments. If you happen to find them out of stock, it might be because your friendly author has just placed another order for a hundred!
Another interesting find is the 1.5mm JB standard celluloid pick from JB Picks.
This pick offers a solid and full sound. Additionally, JB Picks provides the option of a beveled edge, which enhances playability right from the start.
Perhaps the most revolutionary development in guitar pick innovation is the Pick Punch, created by Von Luhmann.
Von Luhmann deserves the “why didn’t anyone think of this sooner?” award! He invented a manual punch, no larger than a standard stapler, that allows you to create your own guitar picks from virtually any punchable material of suitable thickness.
Priced at just $24.95 (the cost of some premium guitar picks!), the Pick Punch is an incredibly sound investment in your pursuit of tone. I purchased several as gifts for fellow tone enthusiasts. Coincidentally, the pick size it produces is precisely what I prefer – small enough for intricate playing, yet large enough for a solid grip during rhythm parts.
I’ve found myself exploring my home for materials, punching out old membership cards, expired gift cards, and credit card offers. The results have been remarkable. Von Luhmann also offers materials on his website, www.pickpunch.com, specifically for making picks. His site includes video tutorials on crafting picks with embedded images, further expanding the creative possibilities. The Pick Punch has genuinely transformed my personal tone quest.
Another favorite pick of mine is actually made from an expired credit card! Recycling takes on a whole new meaning. Even yard sales with old celluloid items become potential treasure troves for discovering new tones. Thank you, Von! For those interested, here’s one of the video tutorials on pick making.
Published June 14, 2011
