Archive for the 'Guitar Picks' Category
Some of the more odd picks in the guitar world come from exotic locations such as Japan or Arabian locations. Instead of the traditional three-sided, plastic, hand-held pick that most of the world is accustomed to, some simpler picks are fashioned out of bone, horn, and other natural materials. Others are more modern- from an Allen wrench to a loose piece of change.
The oud is a musical instrument from the Middle-East. Interestingly, this instrument was played with an eagle feather. Modern times have led oud players to find an alternative plectrum to use, as eagle feathers are becoming increasingly rare. Instead, the risha was invented. The risha is an elongated piece of bone or horn that has soaked in oil to make it softer. Plastic rishas are also available for beginners, and more crude forms of rishas can even be fashioned out of a plastic bottle.
Figure 1 - Imagine playing your guitar with a risha stick!
Read User's CommentsTortex is a type of plastic manufactured by the successful company named Dunlop. Jim Dunlop created the plastic known as Tortex to replace tortoiseshell guitar picks- since an international ban on tortoiseshell in the 1970’s restricted the sale of one of the best guitar pick materials used around the world.
Figure 1 - Standard Dunlop Tortex Picks
A Gemstone pick may seem like a luxury, but in some ways they are just as different as nylon and metal picks. On average, they can cost around thirty times as much as the standard nylon or plastic guitar picks- but is the price worth it?
Figure 1 - Agate Stone Pick - $32
Guitar picks, as it is likely everyone knows, are used to pluck guitar strings to improve sound, and reduce injury on fingers. However, there are many types of guitar picks to choose from- from materials, to shapes, and as well as sizes and colors. Some guitar picks are even used for special purposes, such as a double-sided pick for “double plucking.”
Guitar picks are commonly made out of plastic, but also may incorporate nylon, rubber, felt, tortoiseshell, wood, stone, metals, and even gemstone guitar picks to the composition. Each of the materials has a separate sound or grip from the other. For instance, metal has a very unique sound when plucked against a guitar string- but offers little grip. Tortoiseshell is one of the best for gripping, although an international ban led to the creation of Tortex picks. Choosing the right material is a matter of trying them all out, and deciding on which sound and grip works for you playing style- whether it be metal, bues, or jazz. If all else fails, weird guitar picks aren’t unheard of- from bone, to an Allen wrench- just about anything can become a good plectrum!
Figure 1 - Traditional picks, a thumb pick, and a triangle pick example
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