Dunlop Jazz Picks...Jazz IIIs...Tonal Findings
- Thread starter STRATDELUXER97
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DrNewcenstein
He Did the Monster Mash
Re: Dunlop Jazz Picks...Jazz IIIs...Tonal Findings
After 20+ years of only playing JIIIs, I can still use a full-size thick bass pick just as easily as I can pick with a Jazz III on guitar, even doing a fair amount of speed picking. Can't do much on guitar with a full-size pick, though, even the thinner ones.
I first started out with a handful of regular picks to find the thickness I liked best, and wound up with these super-thin light pink ones that matched the Salmon Pink Kramer Focus 1000 I had at the time. Weren't much for tone, but I could speed pick like nobody's business. Sounded like a bicycle with baseball cards in the spokes going downhill. Too bad my fretting hand couldn't keep up :lol:
After 20+ years of only playing JIIIs, I can still use a full-size thick bass pick just as easily as I can pick with a Jazz III on guitar, even doing a fair amount of speed picking. Can't do much on guitar with a full-size pick, though, even the thinner ones.
I first started out with a handful of regular picks to find the thickness I liked best, and wound up with these super-thin light pink ones that matched the Salmon Pink Kramer Focus 1000 I had at the time. Weren't much for tone, but I could speed pick like nobody's business. Sounded like a bicycle with baseball cards in the spokes going downhill. Too bad my fretting hand couldn't keep up :lol:
STRATDELUXER97
Stratoblaster Tone Meister
Re: Dunlop Jazz Picks...Jazz IIIs...Tonal Findings
My favs still are the standard Jazz III EJ and now the yellow Ultex Jazz IIIs...The larger size of the JP kinda grates on me..Tonally I Like the JP,but I still prefer the Jazz III sizing..
My favs still are the standard Jazz III EJ and now the yellow Ultex Jazz IIIs...The larger size of the JP kinda grates on me..Tonally I Like the JP,but I still prefer the Jazz III sizing..
Phantasmagoria
watch where you point that sabre
Re: Dunlop Jazz Picks...Jazz IIIs...Tonal Findings
Nice comparison.
I'm all about the yellow (transparent) ultex's myself..
I've tried the Petrucci's/EJ's/Red's/Black's/Carbon fiber's..but the yellow one's feel/sound perfect to me....sweet as hell.
I also like the 3mm stubby's (purple/transparent, brighter sounding) & the 3mm nylon stubby's (grey, darker sounding) sometimes..
Nice comparison.
I'm all about the yellow (transparent) ultex's myself..
I've tried the Petrucci's/EJ's/Red's/Black's/Carbon fiber's..but the yellow one's feel/sound perfect to me....sweet as hell.
I also like the 3mm stubby's (purple/transparent, brighter sounding) & the 3mm nylon stubby's (grey, darker sounding) sometimes..
XSSIVE
OCDologist
Re: Dunlop Jazz Picks...Jazz IIIs...Tonal Findings
So I got the Dava jazz picks and here's my thoughts...
Gel...not bad I could certainly play them but when I nit pick over them, I don't like the attack tone or feel over the strings a bit too hard feeling. They don't squeak like other clear plastic picks like v-picks which drives me nuts but they have a harder attack tone where the scrape of the wound strings is just a bit more audible that I don't like. This is a reason I like the red jazz III over the black and carbon fiber, due to that string scrape noise and the slight bit more flex in the red. I should note, the scrape I mention is more audible unplugged, it's less evident when plugged in but I test picks both ways to really nit pick over details.
Delrin...Much better than the gel in terms of attack tone and feel across the strings but not good enough to get me to switch to them. Again I could play them no problem however.
Nylon...I just ordered a whole bunch more! The Goldilocks "just right" variation of the three. The attack tone and feel across the strings is very close to that of the red Jazz III. They do have a bit more flex to them while having pretty much the same thickness but this is only in the middle of the pick. If you choke up on them close to the tip as I do this is irrelevant and the tiny bit of extra flex goes out the window.
The rubber grip which they all have is awesome and why I ordered some more to have. They're not as slippery as a regular Jazz III can be when your fingers are dry yet they don't slip if you get a bit sweaty either. They also feel more comfortable than the spikey max grip (which I don't mind) and they stick to your fingers pretty well which is nice. I can really loosen up my grip on them when trem picking and they won't slip or spin which is a nice plus.
Certainly worth giving the 6 pack of assorted gel, delrin and nylon type a shot if you like Jazz III shape and size picks.
I'm still keeping my red Jazz III and red max grip Jazz III around for sure but the nylon Dava Jazz will get a bunch of use too.
So I got the Dava jazz picks and here's my thoughts...
Gel...not bad I could certainly play them but when I nit pick over them, I don't like the attack tone or feel over the strings a bit too hard feeling. They don't squeak like other clear plastic picks like v-picks which drives me nuts but they have a harder attack tone where the scrape of the wound strings is just a bit more audible that I don't like. This is a reason I like the red jazz III over the black and carbon fiber, due to that string scrape noise and the slight bit more flex in the red. I should note, the scrape I mention is more audible unplugged, it's less evident when plugged in but I test picks both ways to really nit pick over details.
Delrin...Much better than the gel in terms of attack tone and feel across the strings but not good enough to get me to switch to them. Again I could play them no problem however.
Nylon...I just ordered a whole bunch more! The Goldilocks "just right" variation of the three. The attack tone and feel across the strings is very close to that of the red Jazz III. They do have a bit more flex to them while having pretty much the same thickness but this is only in the middle of the pick. If you choke up on them close to the tip as I do this is irrelevant and the tiny bit of extra flex goes out the window.
The rubber grip which they all have is awesome and why I ordered some more to have. They're not as slippery as a regular Jazz III can be when your fingers are dry yet they don't slip if you get a bit sweaty either. They also feel more comfortable than the spikey max grip (which I don't mind) and they stick to your fingers pretty well which is nice. I can really loosen up my grip on them when trem picking and they won't slip or spin which is a nice plus.
Certainly worth giving the 6 pack of assorted gel, delrin and nylon type a shot if you like Jazz III shape and size picks.
I'm still keeping my red Jazz III and red max grip Jazz III around for sure but the nylon Dava Jazz will get a bunch of use too.
STRATDELUXER97
Stratoblaster Tone Meister
Re: Dunlop Jazz Picks...Jazz IIIs...Tonal Findings
Nice...thx for taking the time to type this for us...My favs right now are the Jazz III EJ and maybe the yellow Ultex ones even edge out the EJ..I Like the smoother surface actually over the raised lettering on the EJ...Anything larger than these Jazz III sizes and I'm not comfy!
Nice...thx for taking the time to type this for us...My favs right now are the Jazz III EJ and maybe the yellow Ultex ones even edge out the EJ..I Like the smoother surface actually over the raised lettering on the EJ...Anything larger than these Jazz III sizes and I'm not comfy!
DrNewcenstein
He Did the Monster Mash
Re: Dunlop Jazz Picks...Jazz IIIs...Tonal Findings
And how many here have a flat attack, where you're hitting the string with the pick dead-nuts flat, rather than at an angle? I never could do it the way Mel Bay showed us - flat against the strings. I had to go to an angled attack, especially when I moved up to thicker picks.
I'm thinking that pick attack style is really going to influence which pick design you'll go with.
And while we're talking picks, anyone ever been able to master the Stylus Pick? I got one a few years back and it's just not something I can see myself ever learning. Great concept, and I definitely get its potential, but that level of control is just not something I can pursue.
And how many here have a flat attack, where you're hitting the string with the pick dead-nuts flat, rather than at an angle? I never could do it the way Mel Bay showed us - flat against the strings. I had to go to an angled attack, especially when I moved up to thicker picks.
I'm thinking that pick attack style is really going to influence which pick design you'll go with.
And while we're talking picks, anyone ever been able to master the Stylus Pick? I got one a few years back and it's just not something I can see myself ever learning. Great concept, and I definitely get its potential, but that level of control is just not something I can pursue.
Re: Dunlop Jazz Picks...Jazz IIIs...Tonal Findings
I only pick parallel to the strings with 351 sized picks when playing acoustic. Everything else has some angle to it. I mainly use an angle to it because I'm minimizing the contact patch from pick to string, it 'cuts' through instead of ever so slightly pulling the string. Afterwards I noticed that since the average strap doesn't adjust short enough for me to have the guitar at the same height standing up than it does when I lay it on my lap, my hand's natural position already rests at an angle from the strings. If I tried picking parallel to the strings standing up it'd involve some extra bending either at the wrists or thumbs, which is just not ergonomic.
I only pick parallel to the strings with 351 sized picks when playing acoustic. Everything else has some angle to it. I mainly use an angle to it because I'm minimizing the contact patch from pick to string, it 'cuts' through instead of ever so slightly pulling the string. Afterwards I noticed that since the average strap doesn't adjust short enough for me to have the guitar at the same height standing up than it does when I lay it on my lap, my hand's natural position already rests at an angle from the strings. If I tried picking parallel to the strings standing up it'd involve some extra bending either at the wrists or thumbs, which is just not ergonomic.
Rand-O-Monium
New member
Re: Dunlop Jazz Picks...Jazz IIIs...Tonal Findings
Flashback!!!
I tried 'em for a little bit when they came out!
Couldn't stand 'em,but one of my buddies kinda dug 'em,so away they went.
Played last night,used both the Red & EJ.
Latter was easier to grip,but seemed kinda bendy when comp'd w/teh Regs.
Lost 1 of my JP picks last show
,I'll bring one tonight & check back in...
The Nylon Davas I tried a while back were "OK",maybe they've changed the recipe.
Sometimes when I used teh pick to tap,the rubber-grippy-thingie gots in the way.
.02
Flashback!!!
I tried 'em for a little bit when they came out!
Couldn't stand 'em,but one of my buddies kinda dug 'em,so away they went.
Played last night,used both the Red & EJ.
Latter was easier to grip,but seemed kinda bendy when comp'd w/teh Regs.
Lost 1 of my JP picks last show
,I'll bring one tonight & check back in...The Nylon Davas I tried a while back were "OK",maybe they've changed the recipe.
Sometimes when I used teh pick to tap,the rubber-grippy-thingie gots in the way.
.02
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Rockstar216
New member
Re: Dunlop Jazz Picks...Jazz IIIs...Tonal Findings
I recently started to use a flat pick attack and I find I like it a lot. I use mostly Ultex sharps 2.0 and the Ultex Jazz which are just great for me. Also I don't choke up on the tip of the pick neither I leave a bit exposed. I really want to get my hands on a Petrucci Jazz 3 but none of the stores carry them.
Anybody here mind sending me one? I don't have a credit card so I can't buy them online.
I recently started to use a flat pick attack and I find I like it a lot. I use mostly Ultex sharps 2.0 and the Ultex Jazz which are just great for me. Also I don't choke up on the tip of the pick neither I leave a bit exposed. I really want to get my hands on a Petrucci Jazz 3 but none of the stores carry them.
Anybody here mind sending me one? I don't have a credit card so I can't buy them online.
XSSIVE
OCDologist
Re: Dunlop Jazz Picks...Jazz IIIs...Tonal Findings
Not me, thus why I need sharp tip bevel edge picks. I think my normal attack is in the 45 degree angle ballpark and when I trem pick my position changes and it gets even closer to vertical.
Not me, thus why I need sharp tip bevel edge picks. I think my normal attack is in the 45 degree angle ballpark and when I trem pick my position changes and it gets even closer to vertical.
gordon_39422
New member
Re: Dunlop Jazz Picks...Jazz IIIs...Tonal Findings
I miss the orange Dunlop Tortex Jazz picks! Those were my favorite and I finally lost the last of my stash, only to find they quit making them available!
I miss the orange Dunlop Tortex Jazz picks! Those were my favorite and I finally lost the last of my stash, only to find they quit making them available!
XSSIVE
OCDologist
Re: Dunlop Jazz Picks...Jazz IIIs...Tonal Findings
Orange is .60 gauge if I'm not mistaken so you can still get those picks in the "pitch black" series they'll be the same material and gauge, just black.
http://www.jimdunlop.com/product/Tortex-Pitch-Black-Jazz-III
Or you can get custom printed Jazz III style picks from www.intunegp.com in .60 gauge orange, white or black. They call them Delrin but the material is the same matte stuff the Dunlop Tortex picks are made of, not the glossy Delrin.
I had these made to hand out in place of business cards...
Orange is .60 gauge if I'm not mistaken so you can still get those picks in the "pitch black" series they'll be the same material and gauge, just black.
http://www.jimdunlop.com/product/Tortex-Pitch-Black-Jazz-III
Or you can get custom printed Jazz III style picks from www.intunegp.com in .60 gauge orange, white or black. They call them Delrin but the material is the same matte stuff the Dunlop Tortex picks are made of, not the glossy Delrin.
I had these made to hand out in place of business cards...
STRATDELUXER97
Stratoblaster Tone Meister
Re: Dunlop Jazz Picks...Jazz IIIs...Tonal Findings
Depends on what I'm playing,but I find I angle some for the faster picking..My tests were done with the picking technique the same for all the picks and without an amp..
Depends on what I'm playing,but I find I angle some for the faster picking..My tests were done with the picking technique the same for all the picks and without an amp..
Gone_Shootin
New member
Re: Dunlop Jazz Picks...Jazz IIIs...Tonal Findings
I agree about the Petrucci picks. I picked up some of them back in December and I love 'em. My go to pick for awhile had been the black Max Grip Jazz III because of the size, shape, and durability. But on the other hand I really liked the normal sized Ultex picks because of the tone I was getting out of them, problem was I would shred through the Ultex picks fairly quickly. The Petrucci Jazz IIIs seem to be a happy medium for me. Since they're made from Ultex, they sound more like the regular Ultex picks, but the shape and thickness lends it's self to better durability. Not quite as good as as the regular Jazz IIIs, but good enough that I can live with the difference.
I agree about the Petrucci picks. I picked up some of them back in December and I love 'em. My go to pick for awhile had been the black Max Grip Jazz III because of the size, shape, and durability. But on the other hand I really liked the normal sized Ultex picks because of the tone I was getting out of them, problem was I would shred through the Ultex picks fairly quickly. The Petrucci Jazz IIIs seem to be a happy medium for me. Since they're made from Ultex, they sound more like the regular Ultex picks, but the shape and thickness lends it's self to better durability. Not quite as good as as the regular Jazz IIIs, but good enough that I can live with the difference.
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STRATDELUXER97
Stratoblaster Tone Meister
Re: Dunlop Jazz Picks...Jazz IIIs...Tonal Findings
I Like the JP picks...Just can't seem to warm up to the larger sizing.
I Like the JP picks...Just can't seem to warm up to the larger sizing.
heavydutysg135
New member
Re: Dunlop Jazz Picks...Jazz IIIs...Tonal Findings
My current preference is for the red Eric Johnson nylon picks due to their tone and shape. Do the max grip nylon have the same tone, just with more grip, given that they are presumably made of the same material? Also, can anyone compare the tone and feel on the strings (more or less slick) of the yellow ultex to the red nylon? These are cheap enough that I will probably just pick them up at some point to try but would be nice to get the feedback of others.
My current preference is for the red Eric Johnson nylon picks due to their tone and shape. Do the max grip nylon have the same tone, just with more grip, given that they are presumably made of the same material? Also, can anyone compare the tone and feel on the strings (more or less slick) of the yellow ultex to the red nylon? These are cheap enough that I will probably just pick them up at some point to try but would be nice to get the feedback of others.
STRATDELUXER97
Stratoblaster Tone Meister
Re: Dunlop Jazz Picks...Jazz IIIs...Tonal Findings
I Love the EJ picks also...Nope..the max grip is snappier..You hear more of the clicky,brighter tone with the max grip...The EJ picks I Like better..They sound better and they aren't as grippy..I don't like that the max grip feels like sandpaper between my fingers(My least favorite)...The yellow Ultex Jazz IIIs are awesome also.
I Love the EJ picks also...Nope..the max grip is snappier..You hear more of the clicky,brighter tone with the max grip...The EJ picks I Like better..They sound better and they aren't as grippy..I don't like that the max grip feels like sandpaper between my fingers(My least favorite)...The yellow Ultex Jazz IIIs are awesome also.
