Picks

Spalo

I know I'm running the risk of turning into the Django Books Site Bore but...

Any suggestions for a good pick for Gypsy Picking?

Even at this early stage of my GP career (still waiting for the book to arrive, but working through some of the on-line examples) I'm finding my Big Stubby 2mm a bit too 'slidy' for my liking.

I don't want to invest in something expensive like the Wegen version until I'm more sure of myself - plus I'd be worried sick about losing it !!!

So... Any suggestions?

SP

Jack

You could try some of the Sarod picks Michael stocks-they're pretty cheap and certainly less slippery than the Stubbies (though I'd also say try the 3mm version). My trouble with the Sarod picks was that they were too pointed for good rhythm work, but I simply sanded them down a bit. In the end I think you should at least try a Wegen or two (maybe the gypsy jazz 3.5 and the Fatone); a lot of people find they make learning seem easier. I think everyone has that fear of losing it, but the easiest thing is just to keep it in your guitar case, and take it out and put it back at the same time as your guitar.

Best,
Jack.

sockeye

The Dunlop 207 might be a good choice until you get yourself a Wegen or Moustache:

trumbology

Leaving Wegen's completely aside, here are some possibilities.

1.) Jim Dunlop 207 -- Thick enough not to flex a bit (maybe 1.5 mm?). I like these from way back.

2.) Golden Gate (not sure of the 'model number') -- these were being used by the first GJ group I ever saw play live, about 1998 or so. They are, for GJ picks, exceedingly thin, but they don't flex. And I know from watching others use them that they can do the job (but of course, so could a quarter in some people's hands)

3.) Sarod pick from Djangobooks (left) and 4.) Sarod-like mystery pick I found at local guitar store for a few bucks (right). I think I filed the tip on the sarod pick, if I remember correctly.

The larger pick on the right is my current favorite pick. My store only had one and didn't seem interested in restocking, so I'm out of luck if it goes. It's probably 50% thicker than the sarod pick, and I love the contours carved into it for the thumb and index finger. Tried to copy those contours on the pick I made (below)...

5.) Home-brewed pick I made last weekend from three Clayton 1.5 mm picks (superglued them together, then filed and sanded them for shape and finger contours). I think if I made a few more of these, I'd come up with something good. The two I've made are okay (I think it's all in the shaping and bevel, and I'm not expert in that yet). I like the material (it doesn't 'clack' as much as my sarod-type pick), and you can go plenty thick when you laminate three or four together. Takes probably two hours to get everything out, set it up, glue the picks, shape 'em, sand 'em, test 'em, shape and sand some more...You might have more productive ways of spending your time. But you might want to give it a try. The Claytons can be had at my local shop for .35¢ a piece, so you won't be out much money if you don't like what you come up with.

Happy hunting,

Neil

Spalo

Thanks to you all - plenty of food for thought.

SP

dennis

what do u mean by slidy? that you're losing your grip?

a lot of people have that problem , even some of the top players.. some have asked me if i ever had that problem... well i sure do...

ritary came up with an interesting solution... he uses 2.0 dunlops... and he scratches the surface a bit with a knife... and it seems to help the grip problem

trumbology

dennis wrote:

....you're losing your grip?

a lot of people have that problem , even some of the top players.. some have asked me if i ever had that problem... well i sure do...

Anyone tried Gorilla Snot?

http://www.gorillasnot.com/snot.htm

What do you think?

n

pallopenna

Shelley Park uses it for her rhythm playing. It seems to work.

-Paul

TenorClef

These are very fine gypsy jazz picks nice as the wegens IMHO.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Django-Reinhardt- ... dZViewItem

Spalo

Hello Everyone,

I 've settled for a Dunlop Gator Grip 2mm for the time being.

Also, the Book has arrived and I'm very pleased with it - open strings all weekend!

All the best to you all,

SP

Spalo

Hello Everyone,

I 've settled for a Dunlop Gator Grip 2mm for the time being.

Also, the Book has arrived and I'm very pleased with it - open strings all weekend!

All the best to you all,

SP