Picks Galore...

temmyhp

Hi there everyone...new member here, just to start with I've been a long time visitor to the forum but have never joined...until now of course! The Gypsy Jazz style interests me much from both a musical and technical standpoint. I've not come across anything so uniquely eclectic in its style in all my playing years. I'm very much a newbie to this scene playing wise; for want of a better word and have much to learn, and I'm excited to get involved in the community and I'm ready to learn.

My first post however is very general! I actually collect picks as a side hobby along with playing guitar, I have used a Wegen Button for a long time now even before beginning to learn the GJ technique as I found it a really good pick in terms of grip and ease across the strings...

I was wondering how many people here use the Button also...

Which leads to my second question, the Button is a hefty 5mm! Back when Django was playing, there were no boutique pick makers to choose from like we have today, so what did the Gypsy's use for such heavy picks? Was shell available so thick? Or did they use other materials? I would be interested to know how the actual pick has evolved in this style, many thanks everyone.

noize

Tortoise was/is available at 5 mm. Having played around with the button and listening to Django's tone for several years, however, I doubt that he used something as blunt as the button. Perhaps he would use up a pick until it was worn like the button.

Elliot

I'm still using the same 3 coconut picks I carved a few years ago.