Replace Those Worn Out Picks!
I’ve been using the same Dunlop 44P textured .60mm grey nylon picks for the last 20+ years. I’ve tried tons of other picks (mostly freebies I picked up at the NAMM show), but I tend to always come back to these Dunlop 44P’s.
Unlike with smoother picks like the Tortex, I find that I never really drop these. I have one of those Dunlop mic stand pick holders, and I dutifully load it up with 3 or 4 picks at the beginning of every gig and rehearsal. But honestly, I have never, not even once, needed to reach for a replacement pick!
I change strings every couple months- more often in summer, when I’m playing in sweaty situations. But it has never really occurred to me that picks also get worn out and require changing.
I’ve always thought these picks would just last forever. But I recently ordered a new 12-pack, and was amused to see such a big difference.
I hadn’t realized that these picks I had been using were so ridiculously worn out! The new picks have a more clearly defined (undamaged) bottom edge, so they dig a little deeper when picking. Practicing with those worn picks, I’m actually getting used to holding my picking hand at the wrong pick-depth – not good! Time to throw away these old picks!
In years gone by, I was always a rhythm player- and the .60mm was the perfect pick gauge. But I’m starting to realize in my role as lead guitarist in the Drop Daddies, that a thicker pick may be a better fit. I just got a set of .73mm picks to try out, with the same Dunlop 44 tactile grip. They definitely feel different – more aggressive. I think I like!
August 5, 2013 @ 2:34 am
Hey,
I’ve been using the same picks until I found the Pickboy classic Nylon. They have everything that I like about the Dunlops, just a little better. Been using them for 5 Years now – 0.5 or 0.6 for acoustic and 0.88 for electric.
And you’re right about worn out picks, it’s like changing strings.
Cheers
Ben
August 6, 2013 @ 8:26 am
Haven´t seen those Pickboys. Will have to give them a try!
John
August 11, 2013 @ 7:12 pm
Hi, haven’t you tried the wedgie nylon picks? They are like the dunlops, except that they are concave, so they have even a better grip.
August 11, 2013 @ 8:24 pm
I’ll have to get those a try! Thanks for the suggestion,
John
February 17, 2014 @ 5:08 pm
I really love 1mm (black) Dunlop nylon picks. I thought that I could break some strings due to their increased thickness but the truth is that once you get used to their touch it actually seems more difficult to break a string: you don’t have to dig or strum so much when you want to get a really strong, assertive sound. Due to the thicker gauge there’s no doubt that you get more volume and TONE with the black picks, comparing them to the gray ones (still I remember when I used the fluffy white ones when I was a teenager, I guess I broke so many strings because I had to dig so much each time I strummed). I’ve been using said 1mm picks for more than 10 years and I’m a blues-rock oriented player, I combine rythm and lead parts and I find that thickness is just fine for me. As always, each player has his own technique and trade secrets but my suggestion is: next time you buy some Dunlops give the black ones a chance. I believe you won’t regret. By the way, I always use 10-46 strings (I favored Dean Markley but lastly discovered Electro Harmonix pure nickel wound strings and I really enjoy their relaxed and airy sound, not so shrill as the Markleys). Anyway, use what suits you best and most important of all: enjoy music!
February 17, 2014 @ 6:00 pm
Thanks for the tips. I’ll definitely try 1mm next time.
-John