Choice of Guitar/Mandolin Flatpicks

Subject: Mandolin Flatpick
Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2001 14:36:46 -0400

One last question. I've
heard all sorts of stories about what the *best* pick is. What's your
opinion? Standard guitar pick, rounded guitar pick, round side of a
standard guitar pick, medium, thick?

Thanks for all your help.

Sincerely-

Eric Blankenship

This is subjective to the individual player's taste. Well, when first starting out on mandolin, it's very difficult to decide on a perfect pick...the problem being that you haven't played long enough to make a valid decision. There are many ways to look at "how to choose a pick?"...for instance, the style of music may dictate what size and thickness of pick to choose...many jazz players prefer the tiny teardrop pick (I can't even hold on to one myself)...If you're read my chapter in "Mandolin Crosspicking Technique" book, you'll find some points of interest such as how the thickness of a pick affects tone. A thin pick creates somewhat of an undesirable slapping noise. A thick pick will create more of a fat sound which usually has more of a thud. I've found a medium thickness offers an optimal tonal quality (no slapping sounds and no thuds).

Hope the above helps in some way...Mickey

Date: Fri, 3 Nov 2000 01:25:17 -0600

Mickey,

I did get the M-11 in the mail. Everything is fine with it. I put some
slightly heavier guage strings on it and to me it sounds and feels much
better (than it did before and better than the M-2).

Do you have a catalog with items that are not on your website?? If so,
can you please send one to me. I'm interested in your string and pick
selection.

thanks,
gary

Hello Gary,

We're currently working on our catalog which should be printed soon...even so, it probably won't cover pick selection.

If you're looking for a certain sound, or certain feel, email me...I can assist you with your selection. I personally use a Tortex .73 which gives me the best flexibility and tonal quality. As far as strings, you can do the same by emailing what you're trying to achieve in tonal quality and feel. I like a medium light gauge...too heavy a gauge of string sounds a littly thuddy...Mickey