Problem with pro plec picks (warped)

**Tales** · 02-09-2018, 08:35 AM

Hello, guys.

I bought 20 pro plec picks (the normal size and some jazz III size). After I play a pro plec pick for some time (maybe one song or two), they start to become warped. Is it a regular problem with them or I bought some defective picks or something?

Do you know another pick that feel and sound similar that aren't crazy expensive? (I don't like stubbies, dunlop jazztones and the ultex material)

Cheers from Brazil and sorry about my poor english.

**Pukka-J** · 02-09-2018, 08:38 AM

I still have a batch from some years ago. No problems with them.

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**fitflatpicker** · 02-09-2018, 08:53 AM

I’ve never had a problem with them either. I’ve used the large triangle for years with no issues.

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**rio** · 02-09-2018, 01:30 PM

I had an older batch from years ago and they were fine. I have a more recent batch and all of them warped. So I stopped using them, which is a shame. I don’t know what caused it but it seems like they changed something about the picks - I thought I just got a bad batch but I guess there are more out there.

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**ptchristopher3** · 02-09-2018, 03:23 PM

I called D’Andera about a year ago and was told that they buy the material in sheets, then cut and tumble finish them.

They make the “Dawg” pick from this same material.

If you have what might seem to be a bad batch have you considered contacting D’Andrea? The guy I spoke to was very knowledgeable and helpful considering I only had annoying detail questions for him.

I have never had any Pro Plec warp at all.

To the OP: Are they expensive in Brazil? They are quite inexpensive here. Some years ago I sent some to a guy on this website who was studying in Argentina. Somewhere in the process a few picks were stolen for the package, which seemed funny to me. Maybe a jazz player worked in customs?

**Tales** · 02-09-2018, 06:13 PM

It's impossible to find this picks here in Brazil, I bought them from Strings by mail website. I'll contact them. It's a good idea. The worst thing is that I really liked the tone and the feel of the picks.

**Tales** · 02-09-2018, 06:14 PM

I'm thinking about try something similar too.

**ibnrushd** · 02-09-2018, 09:02 PM

Same thing happened to me on a recent batch. Old ones are still fine. Hopefully it's just a bad batch because I like the feel of their picks a lot.

**ptchristopher3** · 02-09-2018, 09:23 PM

Originally Posted by Tales

I'm thinking about try something similar too.

I have found absolutely nothing to be similar to the material used for Pro-plecs and the “Dawg” pick.

**neatomic** · 02-09-2018, 09:42 PM

op- you could try pressing them with some heat while completely flat under pressure...once they shrink a bit..they might be less elastic

just don't melt'em!!

cheers

**RonD** · 02-09-2018, 09:53 PM

I thought it was an optical illusion... or, an aging issue?? Me, not the picks. They're new.

Mine are doing the same.
It's subtle, at the moment, but it's definitely happening.

**Cunamara** · 02-10-2018, 08:01 PM

I've used the Pro Plecs (the small teardrop size) for years and haven't had this happen. But then it's been a couple of years since I had to buy any, so maybe something has changed in their materials. Sorry to hear this happened. I wonder if they got heated or something during shipping- package sitting on a heat source for a while or in the sun?

John W @ Strings By Mail is a good guy in my experience, I buy my strings and picks from him pretty consistently, and contacting him first would be a good start.

**rio** · 02-10-2018, 09:59 PM

Originally Posted by Cunamara

I've used the Pro Plecs (the small teardrop size) for years and haven't had this happen. But then it's been a couple of years since I had to buy any, so maybe something has changed in their materials. Sorry to hear this happened. I wonder if they got heated or something during shipping- package sitting on a heat source for a while or in the sun?

John W @ Strings By Mail is a good guy in my experience, I buy my strings and picks from him pretty consistently, and contacting him first would be a good start.

Mine warped over time just sitting in my pick box. I thought it was just because I always keep one in my pocket at first but then I discovered all of them were warping at the same time. A few of them warped in such a way that it made a little indent for my finger which was cool but I can’t leave those little differences to chance. I should order more though, I miss using them and maybe the newer ones won’t do that. Anyone with warping, what is the newest batch of picks you got that it is happening to you? Recently ordered?

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**RonD** · 02-10-2018, 10:28 PM

Rio, I got mine December 28, 2017 via ebay.

**Longways to Go** · 02-10-2018, 10:53 PM

Mine are slightly warped too.
But is it a deal breaker?
I'm still trying to figure out the pick thing after years of fingerstyle.
So it really doesn't bother me much.

**whiskey02** · 02-11-2018, 12:57 PM

I posted about this issue a few months ago. I used the small teardrops and never had a problem. I changed my technique and went the opposite direction and bought a dozen 351 size, most of them were warped. I contacted D'Andrea and they sent me a dozen 351's, they were ALL warped. I switched to Dunlop Ultex 1.4 (not sharp )and they are great, smooth sound, better articulation and at least with flatwound strings, virtually no wear. D'Andrea knows about this production flaw and still puts them out there, has been doing so for some time so I just won't waste my time with them any longer.

**CupofNoodles** · 02-11-2018, 02:13 PM

I bought a pro-plec rounded triangle pick last year and it bent in a week.

The Gold Gate I bought at the same time is still flat as a pancake. Love that thing.

**Tales** · 02-12-2018, 03:01 PM

Originally Posted by neatomic

op- you could try pressing them with some heat while completely flat under pressure...once they shrink a bit..they might be less elastic

just don't melt'em!!

cheers

Joking or not, I'll try this

**Tales** · 02-12-2018, 03:04 PM

Originally Posted by CupofNoodles

I bought a pro-plec rounded triangle pick last year and it bent in a week.

The Gold Gate I bought at the same time is still flat as a pancake. Love that thing.

I ordered some Golden Gate picks today, I think it will take something like to months to arrive here

**Tales** · 02-12-2018, 03:08 PM

Originally Posted by Cunamara

I've used the Pro Plecs (the small teardrop size) for years and haven't had this happen. But then it's been a couple of years since I had to buy any, so maybe something has changed in their materials. Sorry to hear this happened. I wonder if they got heated or something during shipping- package sitting on a heat source for a while or in the sun?

John W @ Strings By Mail is a good guy in my experience, I buy my strings and picks from him pretty consistently, and contacting him first would be a good start.

I don't know if I make myself clear as English is not my first language. They start to warp when I play them. Until one song or two they are ok. Maybe I am picking too hard or something...

**whiskey02** · 02-12-2018, 03:20 PM

Originally Posted by Tales

Joking or not, I'll try this

Been there, tried softening them up with very warm water, used a heavy object to flatten and then an iron with a cloth on top to protect the plastic. Get yourself some Ultex picks and be done with it.
I think when a manufacturer replaces an item for you that is even worse than your initial purchase that you have lodged a complaint against, you pretty much know that a good resolution is not to be had.

**neatomic** · 02-12-2018, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by Tales

Joking or not, I'll try this

was not joking!

it's heat thats warping it while you play...something in the materials are not properly cured....if you can heat and flatten it..even between two sheets of glass in the sun...you might save'm

and yes of course common sense says toss'em and get different picks...

but..you already got'em..so why not try!! there's nothing that can't be improved upon!

cheers