Johnny the Kid
Shaunofthedeadologist
Re: My new favorite picks
Ultex has so much attack and longevity, I almost can't play tortex anymore.
Ultex has so much attack and longevity, I almost can't play tortex anymore.
My new favorite picks
- Thread starter PFDarkside
- Start date
The JEM Ghost
New member
Re: My new favorite picks
That's very true. I tried switching to Ultex some years ago when they just came out, but never got used to them and kept on playing nylon Dunlops. The Ultex had enormous longevity, but I could not get used to the sharp attack they gave in comparison to the warm attack of a nylon pick. After playing nylon picks for so long, I could not make the switch myself, too different in feel (much less flexible than nylon) and attack, I guess other nylon pick players will feel the same, but if you play Tortex or Delrin picks these Ultexes are definitely worth trying!!
Don't get my wrong, I think the Ultex is a really good pick, it's just not my thing, too different from nylon.
That's very true. I tried switching to Ultex some years ago when they just came out, but never got used to them and kept on playing nylon Dunlops. The Ultex had enormous longevity, but I could not get used to the sharp attack they gave in comparison to the warm attack of a nylon pick. After playing nylon picks for so long, I could not make the switch myself, too different in feel (much less flexible than nylon) and attack, I guess other nylon pick players will feel the same, but if you play Tortex or Delrin picks these Ultexes are definitely worth trying!!
Don't get my wrong, I think the Ultex is a really good pick, it's just not my thing, too different from nylon.
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MkIII Renegade
New member
Re: My new favorite picks
I typically use Dunlop Gator Grip 1.14s. How these compare?
I got one for free in a pack of Dunlop strings. The strings are long gone, but I've bought a bunch more of the picks. The Ultex seems to give a bit more zing to the attack, and the sharp tip is super versatile... I love how precise I can get. It seems like all the Ultex picks feel about the same no matter the thickness, and the 1.0 feels as good as any. (I typically use Tortex .73, .88 and 1.0 depending on my mood)
If you aren't a Blue Chip, V-Picks, Gravity Picks, or Red Bear user, give one a go.
I typically use Dunlop Gator Grip 1.14s. How these compare?
The JEM Ghost
New member
Re: My new favorite picks
I know the question was not aimed at me, but still I'd like to give my opinion, hope you don't mind mate!
To my ear the Ultex has a sharper, more agressive attack than the Gator Grips. They also are made of a harder material making them more wear resistant than any other material I have tried. They also may be slightly less flexible than a Gator Grip too.
I would give the Ultex a try if I was you and see if you like it. I couldn't bond with Ultex myself, but that does not mean it's a bad pick at all. But if you like a warm attack, these will probably not please you in my experience.
I know the question was not aimed at me, but still I'd like to give my opinion, hope you don't mind mate!
To my ear the Ultex has a sharper, more agressive attack than the Gator Grips. They also are made of a harder material making them more wear resistant than any other material I have tried. They also may be slightly less flexible than a Gator Grip too.
I would give the Ultex a try if I was you and see if you like it. I couldn't bond with Ultex myself, but that does not mean it's a bad pick at all. But if you like a warm attack, these will probably not please you in my experience.
NoOnesFang13
New member
Re: My new favorite picks
I've been using Snarling Dog Brain .73mm Nylon picks for a really long time, I like the softer attack of nylon picks, and I play quite heavy handed and tend to break a lot of strings otherwise. Also they have a great grip and I drop picks a lot less.
I've been using Snarling Dog Brain .73mm Nylon picks for a really long time, I like the softer attack of nylon picks, and I play quite heavy handed and tend to break a lot of strings otherwise. Also they have a great grip and I drop picks a lot less.
Securb
One of Jerry's Kids
Re: My new favorite picks
I think of picks like paint brushes. I use different ones for different textures. My go to are my 2.0 Brossard's conversely I use super light picks on the acoustic for strumming, mediums if I am picking something out on the acoustic. Thanks for the tip I will definitely check those out.
I think of picks like paint brushes. I use different ones for different textures. My go to are my 2.0 Brossard's conversely I use super light picks on the acoustic for strumming, mediums if I am picking something out on the acoustic. Thanks for the tip I will definitely check those out.
Johnny the Kid
Shaunofthedeadologist
Re: My new favorite picks
I've been there man. I had to buy a pack of the green every week because I wore them down too much. If it helps make your decision, Hetfield uses a 1.14mm Ultex sharp.
I've been there man. I had to buy a pack of the green every week because I wore them down too much. If it helps make your decision, Hetfield uses a 1.14mm Ultex sharp.
PFDarkside
of the Forum
Re: My new favorite picks
I originally (1996) bought Tortex Green (.88) and Tortex Purple (1.14) because that's what James and Kirk had on their mic stand pick holders in the guitar mag pics from the Load tour.
I originally (1996) bought Tortex Green (.88) and Tortex Purple (1.14) because that's what James and Kirk had on their mic stand pick holders in the guitar mag pics from the Load tour.
PFDarkside
of the Forum
Re: My new favorite picks
I've never actually used those....
Looks like JEM Ghost gave a good reply.
I've never actually used those....
Looks like JEM Ghost gave a good reply.
Johnny the Kid
Shaunofthedeadologist
Re: My new favorite picks
Kirk was given a red Jazz III by Matt Heafy from Trivium. James has started using his signature Black fangs picks Fromm Dunlop which are black 1.14mm Ultex Sharps.
Kirk was given a red Jazz III by Matt Heafy from Trivium. James has started using his signature Black fangs picks Fromm Dunlop which are black 1.14mm Ultex Sharps.
2ndhandband
New member
Re: My new favorite picks
If they were using them on the load tour the picks should come with a warning that says beware: these picks might inspire you to play bad songs... :laugh2:
If they were using them on the load tour the picks should come with a warning that says beware: these picks might inspire you to play bad songs... :laugh2:
Silence Kid
New member
Re: My new favorite picks
Sharpness to me is uh... a double-edged sword. I find that blunter picks have a smoother release and glide better over the strings, but sacrifice dynamic control from having the point and being able to back off or dig in. That's why I prefer the Ultex Jazz iii at the moment, it's so smooth that it has little friction with the strings to hold you up, but still gives the benefit of the point. Tortex (esp. when worn) or even the carbons can feel rough against the strings.
As for the size... I can play with bigger picks, but I'm more likely to get sloppy and hold way too far from the point. Jazz iiis (or Jazz is and iis) force my game and make me play correctly.
Sharpness to me is uh... a double-edged sword. I find that blunter picks have a smoother release and glide better over the strings, but sacrifice dynamic control from having the point and being able to back off or dig in. That's why I prefer the Ultex Jazz iii at the moment, it's so smooth that it has little friction with the strings to hold you up, but still gives the benefit of the point. Tortex (esp. when worn) or even the carbons can feel rough against the strings.
As for the size... I can play with bigger picks, but I'm more likely to get sloppy and hold way too far from the point. Jazz iiis (or Jazz is and iis) force my game and make me play correctly.
Johnny the Kid
Shaunofthedeadologist
Re: My new favorite picks
Load is actually a pretty good album. I like it better than some stuff off of Kill Em All.
Load is actually a pretty good album. I like it better than some stuff off of Kill Em All.
Johnny the Kid
Shaunofthedeadologist
PFDarkside
of the Forum
Re: My new favorite picks
Found a negative....
When your toddler grabs them and drops them on the ground, they blend in with carpet. Doesn't quite stand out like a yellow or green Tortex.
But yes, definitely still liking them. I may have to give one of the more expensive examples above a try.
Found a negative....
When your toddler grabs them and drops them on the ground, they blend in with carpet. Doesn't quite stand out like a yellow or green Tortex.
But yes, definitely still liking them. I may have to give one of the more expensive examples above a try.
2ndhandband
New member
Re: My new favorite picks
I'd actually agree with you there... Kil Em All was long on aggressive enthusiasm and very short on great songwriting. Basically for me Metallica is three great metal records with touches of thrash and progressive influences, one decent commercial metal record (The Black Album is basically the best Ozzy album ever) and then 25 years of WTF. It bugs me that they get mentioned in the same sentence as bands who have given us bodies of great work spanning decades.
I'd actually agree with you there... Kil Em All was long on aggressive enthusiasm and very short on great songwriting. Basically for me Metallica is three great metal records with touches of thrash and progressive influences, one decent commercial metal record (The Black Album is basically the best Ozzy album ever) and then 25 years of WTF. It bugs me that they get mentioned in the same sentence as bands who have given us bodies of great work spanning decades.
Johnny the Kid
Shaunofthedeadologist
Re: My new favorite picks
When you've made your mark on the world in such a way, I think you stop caring about what you should be putting out and just put out what you like.
When you've made your mark on the world in such a way, I think you stop caring about what you should be putting out and just put out what you like.
