Using a coin instead of plastic pick

[Johtosotku]

Years ago after hearing about Billy Gibbons and Brian May playing with coins I decided to give it a shot myself too. I tried it a few times but didn't really like it at all. I never really got a feel for the coin and didn't like the sound.

Now at the last rehearsal I found myself without my usual stash of 2mm tortex dunlops or any other plectrums at all. I wanted to play the rehearsal through anyway so I reached into my pocket and picked the biggest coin with the smoothest edge.

Turns out it didn't sound half that bad and actually very ok. Didn't really hamper my playing either. I was very surprised and it made me think about it again.

What are your thoughts on the subject? Any of you use a coin regularly?

 

[LatsMcGee]

Re: Using a coin instead of plastic pick

I really like picking with quarters, it's great for metal. If you want to hear a metal band with a guitar player picking with a quarter check out Dim Mak.

 

[astrozombie]

Re: Using a coin instead of plastic pick

Waaaaaaaaaaay too heavy for me.

 

[Ashurbanipal]

Re: Using a coin instead of plastic pick

I use one regularly (Aus 5¢ piece), gives a distinctive attack and cut; I particularly like it playing clean, very sparkly/shimmery. Serrated edge gives a cool effect too, esp. on the wound strings.

 

[Wattage]

Re: Using a coin instead of plastic pick

The Rev grinds down Mexican Pesos fwiw.

 

[tone4days]

Re: Using a coin instead of plastic pick

most coins out of my pocket do not work for me for anything more than chunky chord playing ... and even then, it pretty much only works for crunchy tone down-picking ... for me, absolutely useless for alternate picking or anything ... the US dime is too tiny and has a cerrated edge that catches and binds ... the quarter is too big and too thick and has the same edge problems as the dime ... the penny is too small and has a sharp edge ... the nickel is close but a bit too small and has the same sharp edge as the penny .. if a nickel is REALLY worn so that the edge isnt too sharp, it might work in a pinch, but extremely sub optimal

i use fingers-only if i cant find a pick .... much better for me

t4d

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Using a coin instead of plastic pick

It's the lack of a point that always kills me when I try this . . . I tend to like the really pointy picks (Jazz IIIs) and the super rounded edge just doesn't work for my hands. That and constant fear of chewing up the top of my guitar . . .

 

[Stef]

Re: Using a coin instead of plastic pick

my buddy uses it all the time

 

[Bass_Medic_05]

Re: Using a coin instead of plastic pick

I've used a penny, nickel and a quarter at times in a pinch.....but I usually use my fingers. But I like coins for bass strings they work well.

 

[Red_Label]

Re: Using a coin instead of plastic pick

It's the lack of a point that always kills me when I try this . . . I tend to like the really pointy picks (Jazz IIIs) and the super rounded edge just doesn't work for my hands. That and constant fear of chewing up the top of my guitar . . .

Same here. I use strictly the large Jazz IIIs. The point must be sharp, and when it starts to dull I throw the pick in my firestarter stash (they make great firestarters for camping!). I do a lot of fast, single-note precision picking and just can't do it with rounded picks. Years ago I bought a whole gross of Gator picks and hated the point, so I gave it all to my bass player.

Once at a gig I found myself without a pick and tried to use a quarter... I was miserable all night.

 

[AlleeCat]

Re: Using a coin instead of plastic pick

I used Jazz III's for a long time. Then I found "Ice Pixx", their staineless steel picks, like a Fender teardrop shape. I love them, great attack. I tried a quarter several times, but prefer the Ice Pixx. Check them out!

AlleeCat

 

[thespricket]

Re: Using a coin instead of plastic pick

I can't play with a (US) Dime pretty well. Not to big and clumsy and still has the serrated edge. It's a little awkward at first, but I can usually get used to it after a while.

 

[Johtosotku]

Re: Using a coin instead of plastic pick

The coin I used was a 2 euro coin. I like thick picks so I didn't mind its thickness. It also hasn't any serration on the edges.

I somewhat agree on the points about alternate picking. I thought it sounded too round and lacked a bit of punch I look for. The problem was biggest on the bass strings for me. I didn't mind soloing with it, though.

I'll have to play some more with it and see how it goes.

 

[dmandude123455]

Re: Using a coin instead of plastic pick

I took an old arcade coin and grinded into the shape of one of my JazzIII picks(the only picks I can use) It's nice but I only use it when I'm out of normal picks.

 

[IanBallard]

Re: Using a coin instead of plastic pick

I've grown fond of the 2mm Stubby from Dunlop, so the thought of a non-sharp, non-pointed pick just doesn't interest me. If I wanted a dull attack, I'd just use fingers. Yeah, I've picked up coins if nothing else was around, but it's not really designed for plucking strings on a guitar.

The Stubby just makes everything easy to play and pick attack sound is awesome! Maybe if I ground down a quarter or a nickel to the shape of a Stubby I might like it.

 

[robertkoa]

Re: Using a coin instead of plastic pick

Well- picks don't work in Vending Machines................. but coins do work as picks.

I think it's better to cut subtle grooves in regular or metal picks- but personally I like to go the other way and have everything real smooth sounding - no pick noise .

 

[TheLivingDead]

Re: Using a coin instead of plastic pick

Can't say I've ever liked it. Maybe if I modded one like previous posts have said.

 

[FuseG4]

Re: Using a coin instead of plastic pick

I can't deal with coins. Not having a point kills me. The heaviest pick I usually use is .94 mm and I usually use .7 mm so stuff like a quarter just feels freakin huge to me.

 

[Skullkrusher]

Re: Using a coin instead of plastic pick

I've used quarters on occasion when my pics have gone MIA. Always gets the job done.

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: Using a coin instead of plastic pick

BIlly gibbons' quarters are "railroaded" so they have been squashed and stretched by being run over by a train. Brian may uses a sixpence. The aussie 5c piece is a good substitute for that but a litlle smaller.