Pick

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!