Recommend me a Blue Chip pick

[brencat]

Originally Posted by DesertTwang

In a perfect world, BlueChip would make a TD-45.

They likely can... just ask them! I once had them make me a TP-35... no problem, same price.

[DesertTwang]

Originally Posted by brencat

They likely can... just ask them! I once had them make me a TP-35... no problem, same price.

Really? I should try that! Thank you for the idea!

[iim7V7IM7]

A couple thoughts:

• Pick preference is a very personal choice. What is great for one player doesn't work for another.
• My preference depends on whether I am playing an acoustic flat top, gypsy, archtop or electric guitar
• I own a number of BlueChip picks that range in size, thickness and shape

TD35 (0.89 mm)
SR40 (1.00 mm)
TPR45 (1.14 mm)
TD50 (1.27 mm)
XR50 (1.27 mm)
KS60 (1.52 mm)
JAZZ100 (2.54 mm)

All are great picks depending on what I am doing. If I had to pick one that is my all around favorite its the KS60.

[SpruceTop]

I have a BlueChip TD-35 that works quite well on medium-guage-stringed guitars but is too stiff for light-guage strings. For my playing style, if BlueChip would make a TD-25 or TD-30 thickness, I'd be in heaven as they would have a bit more flex for Carter-style bass/melody playing. I wonder if BlueChip's pick compound and machining process precludes making a thinner-guage pick than a 35 (.089 mm)? If some players are like me, I'm assuming the company has had requests for a thinner-guage pick.

Regards,

SpruceTop

[Silly Moustache]

Originally Posted by Haasome

I don't like thick picks because they seem to dampen the sound too much for my ear and style of playing. I do like Blue Chip TAD 40s as my go-to pick. They are a little larger, stay put in my grip and sound great.

The TAD-40 would also be my recommendation. It has a number of advantages :

1. three points (doh) but they have a wider angle than a teardrop and so make flat-picking or strumming a little easier.

2. The extra surface area (over the teardrop shape) makes it easier to grip.

3. The extra mass of the large triangle makes it easier to have one grtade lesser thickness than a teardrop (.040" = app 1 m/m) but retains the brightness of attack whilst giving the driving power of a thicker pick.

After resisting these overpriced, and gimmicky picks for some time I got one used on ebay ........ I now have a TAD40 and a TAD50 in the pick box of all my dreads, a TAD 50 3r for my mando, and a nice new TAD60 for my 12 string.

Here in the UK we have topay more postage and import duty too so tey are even more expensive! ....but worth it.

p.s. It is important to order them (whatever shape) with their speed bevel!!!

[bitraker]

TD 35 or 40. Both are great. Have both. I find I reach for the 40 more.

[Ed-in-Ohio]

Bumping this thread for some feedback...
I think I'd like to try another Blue Chip. I had the Thile 55, and while it was nice on my mandolin, I thought it was too dark and rigid for guitar (75% strumming).
I current use and really like the Wegen 120 picks.
Which Blue Chip do you Blue Chip users think I should look for...I'm assuming a 40 (TD40), a 45, or a 50? Thoughts?

[ericduplantis]

The closest BC to my Wegen .120 in sound and feel is my TAD 45.

[Mobilemike]

Originally Posted by ericduplantis

The closest BC to my Wegen .120 in sound and feel is my TAD 45.

I agree with this completely. However lately I've been enjoying slightly smaller picks so my favorite Blue Chip of the moment is a TP-1R 45. The TP shape is a little smaller than the TAD shape, which gives it a little more control for me. The "1R" means it has one rounded corner (and two pointed corners), which I also highly recommend - the rounded corner is great for switching up the tone between strumming and picking.

-Mike

[TaylorCocobolo]

I highly recommend a TP-1R 50 or TP-1R 60

They are the perfect BC style for strumming and flat picking. You will get a very loud, clear, and full sound with those styles. No harshness or excessive pick noise either

[Wade Hampton]

Originally Posted by bitraker

TD 35 or 40. Both are great. Have both. I find I reach for the 40 more.

I had two of each, and found that while I love the TD-35, the TD-40's were mostly going unused. So I traded those off, and now have two pairs of TD-35's, one pair in its little wooden box in my mandolin case cover pocket, the other in the same kind of box in my baritone guitar case pocket.


whm

[Ed-in-Ohio]

Thanks for the replies.

Originally Posted by ericduplantis

The closest BC to my Wegen .120 in sound and feel is my TAD 45.

Originally Posted by Mobilemike

I agree with this completely. However lately I've been enjoying slightly smaller picks so my favorite Blue Chip of the moment is a TP-1R 45. ...snip...

Have these shapes been discontinued in the 45 thickness? I don't see them on the Blue Chip website.

[Mobilemike]

Originally Posted by Ed-in-Ohio

Thanks for the replies.

Have these shapes been discontinued in the 45 thickness? I don't see them on the Wegen website.

Do you mean the Blue Chip site? It was a Blue Chip I was referring to. If so, the '45 thickness is a custom thickness, but there is no extra charge or anything like that for it. Just put a TP-1R 50 (or whatever shape you want) in your cart and during checkout, in the comments section, tell them you want it in the "45" thickness. They are happy to do that or any other in between for you!

-Mike

[Ed-in-Ohio]

Originally Posted by Mobilemike

Do you mean the Blue Chip site? It was a Blue Chip I was referring to. If so, the '45 thickness is a custom thickness, but there is no extra charge or anything like that for it. Just put a TP-1R 50 (or whatever shape you want) in your cart and during checkout, in the comments section, tell them you want it in the "45" thickness. They are happy to do that or any other in between for you!

-Mike

Thanks Mike! (Typo on website name fixed. Sorry for any confusion)

[Montesdad]

I ordered and use a custom Blue Chip TAD 35 with a speed bevel and couldnt be happier for my strumming / rhythm style of play.

Just the right amount of flex and power for me.