Guitar Picks With a Round Point

**Brian B.** · 10-12-2012, 09:19 AM

Hello all,

So I’m interested in experimenting with picks, and I wonder if folks would be kind enough to offer suggestions. Far and away my overriding concern is tone. Or perhaps I should say that the reason I want to experiment is to see if can get an even better tone (yes I realize that your pick is only one small element in your overall sound!).

I’m currently using a Dunlap Jazztone 204 … and in general I’m very happy with it. However, the other day I couldn't find one, so I ended up using a 206 instead. Since I don’t like sharp picks, I turned it around and used the rounded end. Wow, the tone was beautiful! I don’t have a good vocabulary to describe tone, but I’d say it’s much warmer and fuller. Not sure if it’s the round end per say, or the longer shape/size of the pick.

So this experience has made me want to experiment with various other picks. Any suggestions? Here are a couple of (old) YouTube video so you have an idea of the sound I’m shooting for (both are using the Jazztone 204 … right side up!):

I just ordered from Amazon the Dunlap Primetone (the small ones with the rounded tip), on the assumption that this is something like the Wegen Twin. Would anyone suggest I also try the actual Wegen (I’m willing to spend the $10 per pick if it really does sound better). Any other suggestions? Of course, I’ve used the Jazz III, but much prefer the Jazztone over it.

Thanks in advance!

Brian

**Klatu** · 10-12-2012, 09:38 AM

Even though the Wegen has a somewhat rounded tip, it is a very bright pick, which is one of the reasons it works so well for gypsy jazz guitar. I wouldn't recommend it for straight ahead bebop jazz.

I play the Dunlop Jazztone 207, but there are a few others that are popular on the forum. These include:

David Grisman Presents Dawg Picks

Golden Gate Picks Golden Gate Pick - Flat Tortoise - 6 Pack

Red Bear Trading Co. The Best Guitar Picks Made - Your Tone Starts Right Here

**jazzkatten** · 10-12-2012, 10:54 AM

I'm trying some Butterfly pick for the moment. I got them yesterday, but so far so good

**Bryan T** · 10-12-2012, 11:03 AM

I'd recommend trying all of D'Andrea's Pro Plecs. I think they make 6 different shapes. Years ago, I bought a sampler of the different types from a guy on ebay. The picks have a very warm attack.

Recently, I've been using Planet Waves Black Ice picks. They aren't as warm sounding as Pro Plecs, but I find I play a bit faster with them.

I'd also recommend JB picks. They are similar to the Pro Plecs.

FWIW, I haven't liked they Wegen or Red Bear picks I've tried. I think the material they use is too hard for my tastes.

**Aant** · 10-12-2012, 11:29 AM

You might want to also have a look at Dugain's pick:

dugain_picks | Dugain Picks - the ultimate guitar plectrum in horn, bone, ebony, acetate, bronze, agate, mammoth tusk, mother of pearl and many more natural materials.

**SuperB23** · 10-12-2012, 11:32 AM

I've been using the Dunlop primetone for jazz playing for the last few years and I really like them. I got them from Blue Note Music in berkeley several years back and they were kind of new prototype picks at the time. I use blue chip and wegen picks for my flattops and I really like both of them. I'd like to buy some thicker Wegen and Blue Chip picks and give those a try as well. Its really good to experiment with lots of different picks and figure out what works best for you.

**mr. beaumont** · 10-12-2012, 11:59 AM

Originally Posted by Aant

You might want to also have a look at Dugain's pick:

dugain_picks | Dugain Picks - the ultimate guitar plectrum in horn, bone, ebony, acetate, bronze, agate, mammoth tusk, mother of pearl and many more natural materials.

I really like Dugains, and use them often-- I use a simple "faux tortoise" acetate model. Great pick.

I also use a John Pearse Fast Turtle which sounds almost as good--a bit brighter on an electric. But currently, I'm back to the Dugain full time...

**pantz** · 10-12-2012, 12:54 PM

Dunlop Jazztone 204s have become my favorite, replacing the classic black Dunlop Jazz III.

**Klatu** · 10-12-2012, 01:03 PM

Occasionally I am tempted to try other picks, but then I have to remind myself that I am completely satisfied with my Jazztones. Sometimes this forum can be a bit distracting.

**FrankyNoTone** · 10-12-2012, 02:17 PM

I like sharp picks but for blunt, mellow jazzy picking, I like the shoulders of Jazztone 208's, 2-3mm Big Stubby's, and 2mm Ultex Sharps because they have a nice round edge to them.

And of course any sharp tip will go blunt with a few swipes on the carpet or sandpaper so the pick options are totally open.

**Flint** · 10-12-2012, 03:32 PM

The Primetone picks come in 3mm and 5mm flavors, and only the 5mm flavor is beveled. I find it a bit more comfortable and it holds still in my fingers with rapid strumming. The rounded tips do produce quite a different sound from the pointed picks.

**Flat** · 10-12-2012, 03:44 PM

I learned about these unusual looking Dava picks on this forum, I think. I still really like them. The material has an unusual subtle softness to it that reminds me a bit of flesh over bone. Not sure if they're for you or not, but I'll toss the name out there for general consideration:

**D.G.** · 10-12-2012, 04:22 PM

I can't stand picks with any flex in 'em. I recommend this: Wegen 2.5mm

Yes, it's a "gyspy jazz" pick, but I use 'em on all my archtops. For my gypsy guitar I use the thicker standard 3.5mm pick. As for cost, they last forever and are cheaper than a set of Thomastik strings

**MarkRhodes** · 10-12-2012, 04:30 PM

I love the Primetone 505s (-small, with rounded tip.) VERY thick pick, but the playing tip is beveled. (This is one pick you can't use backwards! I used to play a Jazz III that way sometimes.)

**Gabe** · 10-12-2012, 04:37 PM

I like Fender EH Celluloid, I then cut them with a pair of scissors across just above the F of the logo which makes them Jazz III sized.

**Eddie Lang** · 10-12-2012, 07:13 PM

Like the OP I don't like sharp picks too much and I prefer a darker tone.

First, cheap picks: my favorites are the Clayton Ultem Gold small teardrop 1.20mm, the Dawg and the Golden Gate.

The Clayton Ultem teardrop 1.20 is a small pick. It has nice thickness, stiffness and bevel for both rhythm and single line playing. It provides a very nice warm tone.

The Dawg is a very nice pick. It feels good in my hands. It has a nice thickness and is very stiff. The combination of its shape and specs makes it the darkest pick I have played. This is probably the pick that works best for me when switching between playing with a pick and with fingers (with the pick tucked in the palm of my right hand) during a same song.

The Golden Gate: Nice and stiff, this pick is very dark sounding and I find it pretty comfortable to hold. I would choose this one if I wanted a Dawg pick and did not have one handy.

Next, expensive picks. My favorites are the Wegen Twin and the Wegen Fatone.

Both the Fatone and the Twin are the perfect picks for "four to the bar" type of strumming in swing and jazz as well as gypsy swing rhythm playing. They help provide the tone, speed, control and volume needed for these styles. The Fatone is the loudest of the two. The Twin is the most versatile as it also works well for single notes. There is a bit of a click but it is as not bad as some other picks. They are both very fat and warm with flat wound strings on any of my vintage Gibsons (1930s to 1950s) but sound much, much brighter on an Andersen Streamline strung with Newtone Archtop Series.

**monkmiles** · 10-12-2012, 09:02 PM

I like the Jazztone 204 myself. But I used to use a Dunlop Big Stubby 3mm and rotate it to use the rounded side. They look like this:

**jazzkatten** · 10-13-2012, 05:26 AM

The Butterfly pick I use now, is not so sharp as the picks I use to play, but I like the sound:

**SamBooka** · 10-15-2012, 12:17 PM

thanks for the links.. I have been using the golden gates pretty exclusively since early aug but thought I would try the Dawgs

**Dennis D** · 10-15-2012, 12:36 PM

Available in varying thicknesses.
For me, the search is over.

**Spook410** · 10-15-2012, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by Klatu

Occasionally I am tempted to try other picks, but then I have to remind myself that I am completely satisfied with my Jazztones. Sometimes this forum can be a bit distracting.

Hey.. come over to the dark side.. there are picks and strings and gadgets.

**SamBooka** · 10-15-2012, 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by Spook410

Hey.. come over to the dark side.. there are picks and strings and gadgets.

Exactly.. I change picks more than I change strings.
I even paid 9$ for a pick once!!!!!

**cosmic gumbo** · 10-15-2012, 02:09 PM

As far as being a jazz musician and trying to make some money, this is the pick that will do it.

**Spook410** · 10-15-2012, 02:55 PM

I've put quite a few of these on a Christmas list. The 2.5mm Wegen, the Pearse Fast Turtle medium, the V-Pick dimension junior. One of these days I'll find the perfect pick. Right after the Holy Grail, the Fountain of Youth, and a '59 Les Paul at a garage sale.

**Klatu** · 10-15-2012, 03:09 PM

Originally Posted by Spook410

Hey.. come over to the dark side.. there are picks and strings and gadgets.

If I decide to experiment with new picks, I'll probably try the Dawgs. I like their rounded tips, they seem to have the thickness I look for, and are priced. As for some of the others like Wegens or Dugains: I like them a lot for gypsy guitar but find them too bright for straight ahead bop guitar.

I refuse to try any bluegrass/bop pick that costs more than $10 per unit, as I subscribe to the law of diminishing returns and feel that that type of money is better spent elsewhere. Another reason I avoid expensive picks like Red Bear is that I might like them too much. I'd hate to fall in love with such expensive pieces of plastic!