Wegen Big City Question

Jazzaferri

Glad to hear your reunited with your pick Stuart

Jim Kaznosky

We were having a conversation about picks between sets last week, where the sax player, violin player, and bass player were involved. In particular, I bought a few relatively expensive picks and we got on the conversation of cost of these things and if they really contribute to better picking. In general, I think we all agreed that it shouldn't be so absurd that a pick costs a few extra bucks. When you consider a bow or a mouthpiece or reed costs, a pick cost is a pretty low cost if it is more comfortable for the player live.

I don't think there is any question that a pick, in general, will make you a better player. When I watched the French players use the Dunlop, they seem to be able to function quite well. These are the same picks that I used before I came to GJ and they work well. I certainly feel like I have better control when I use a Wegen 3.5 or a Blue Chip but I still keep the Dunlops around and use them at home (as well as the Dunlop Blue Chip "copies") as I am more likely to lose an expensive pick at home then out. Use what works and what feels good. While I'm generally done with the experiments of buying everything that comes out, I certainly don't find it to be foolish to buy a pick for $20 or $30 when we're willing to pay ~$10 for a pack of strings and the G string typically falls apart in a month or two. Good technique will translate, but the pick just might not feel as good as others in your hand.

Here's my take: The Wegen 3.5 and rounded Blue Chips are my picks of choice as they sounded great for rhythm and lead. The Dunlops GB (et al) use are good backups to pack in your gig bag or case and I use the rounded edge, which sounds great for rhythm. The Dunlop Primetone semi-rounded picks are what I typically use at home, but did not feel that great for me for rhythm. Big City feels good for lead but I generally don't like the tone for rhythm. The Guzz felt great before the tip was worn down, rather quickly I will add. Nothing else stood out as either good or bad to me, including tortoise shell, bone, horn, and wood.

In general, I can confirm that no magic pick exists that will make me play like ____, just like these guitars. I still have to practice to make it happen.
Do what makes you happy.

bohemewarbler

I've heard that they're made of the standard material, but can't say for sure. I've tried about a dozen different brands of picks mentioned in this forum, from cheap to expensive, and there are too many out there for me to try them all. Nonetheless, the Wegen Bigcity picks are my hands-down favorite. They give me the cleanest sound. These picks seems to correct sloppy technique, and the picks slip less than all the other picks I'v tried in the manner that I hold them, as I like to hold the pick relatively loose between my thumb and finger and on its side. I've tried the 2.2, 1.8 and 1.4. Currently, I like the 1.4 the best.

Jehu

Thanks for the info. I may yet give it a go if I make an order at some point. Shipping to New Zealand is too expensive to be just ordering stuff willy-nilly!