Bass Picks

bassman_bob · Post by **bassman_bob** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 2:31 am

I just stumbled on something. I've been using plastic Fender heavies and mediums for years on my 4001's. This weekend I tried a Dunlap 60mm nylon pick and WOW, what a huge tone difference and ease in playing. Hard to believe a 25 cent
item could make such a difference. Anybody else notice this ?

levykev · Post by **levykev** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 3:29 am

Also, try the serrated side of a Herco heavy pick...like Chris Squire. Great sound.

banta · Post by **banta** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 4:13 am

I always use a .60mm orange Tortex on my Rics. The speed and 'feel' I can get with them is much greater than if I try to use a heavier pick, and not nearly as clicky sounding.

dave4004 · Post by **dave4004** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 5:01 am

I used to use heavier picks because I thought they gave me more control, but I now use the gray Herco heavy (.75mm) most of the time when I want to use a pick. I didn't realize Squire uses one but I've never been into Yes. However it was Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones' pick of choice way back when.

admin · Post by **admin** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 5:38 am

Dave: Even though you are not a Yes man, it's nice to see that you're keeping up with the Joneses and have borrowed a Page from Jimmy's book. When it comes to choosing picks, it seems to be different strokes for different folks. The point is well taken, different picks do produce quite different sounds.

jeff_ulmer · Post by **jeff_ulmer** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 5:38 am

I use Dunlop 1mm nylons on pretty much everything I play, however I am tempted to switch to the newer heavier glow in the dark version since it is a lot easier to find on the floor than the black Dunlops.

I think 60mm would be a bit too thick for my use...

ricnvolved · Post by **ricnvolved** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 6:07 am

Thought I read somewhere several years ago that Chris Squire used a plain ol' American 25 cent piece as a pick at one time. Though I have all the respect in the world for Squire, I've never been a huge fan. But I'm pretty sure I read about this in one of the bass mags. Any Squire fans here know about this?

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 7:48 am

I use my fingers 99% of the time, but when I do use a pick I use Fender mediums. I like a little bit of flexibility in a pick, I've tryed the nylons, Hercos etc. I like the serrated edge, but they are too floppy for me.

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 7:53 am

I don't think 60 mm picks would fit between the strings would they? be kinda stiff if they did, haha.

bassman_bob · Post by **bassman_bob** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 9:06 am

Oh the torture for leaving out a decimal !!!

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 10:21 am

hahaha

mortivan · Post by **mortivan** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 12:48 pm

I have a video where Chris Squire talks about how he uses a Herco Heavy.

I've used the 1.14mm purple Dunlop Tortexes for years.

jps · Post by **jps** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 4:07 pm

When I do use a pick, which is very rare these years it is a .75 grey Herco just like CS.

goldcomet · Post by **goldcomet** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 5:46 pm

I use a felt pick. I like the white picks shaped like a Fender, not the heavy oval ones. The felt gives you a softer sound without the clacking I get from plastic picks. I picked (sorry) this up from a bass player back in the 60's. The only problem I have is that they are hard to find. If anyone tries felt, give it time to wear the edge down on the pick. It's a nice and different sound.

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 5:54 pm

here's what I am using these days ...