Worship Leaders Network | Worship Leader Forum | Worship Leader Resources

How often do you replace your pick / plectrum?

I've recently noticed that all my picks are a bit rounded and don't sound as good as they used to. How often should I replace my pick? Not sure the best way to measure this...is it by hours or weeks or months?

0 members like this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by daniel cash on June 9, 2009 at 5:10pm

Whenever I loose them! Though I got a nifty thing called the pick-pocket from a music store almost ten years ago. It's a little leather pouch that has a snap closure and a key ring. Since I've gotten that I only replace them when they break. That was back when I used Fender Thins (which broke every Sunday), now I use Dunlop Tor-tex picks which last for-ev-ver!

Plectrum sounds like something the dentist uses to inflict pain.

"Do you have a problem with your gums? They're bleeding a lot."
"They weren't until you started poking around in there. I think YOU did that!"

Or maybe a symptom of the flu. Why yes my plectrum IS green!

Permalink Reply by Lorraine Doswell on June 9, 2009 at 6:56pm

Have had my plectrum for the last five years, still going strong. I have a piece of velcro on it and stick it to my guitar strap near the neck, that way I don't lose it. I'm quite attached to my orange plectrum - I really must get out more. God Bless.

Permalink Reply by David MacRae on November 7, 2011 at 6:03pm

lol i like the velcro idea i must try it.

Permalink Reply by Lorraine Doswell on November 7, 2011 at 7:34pm

Yep, give it a go, it beats wedging it between guitar strings. Also, it's dead nifty if you want to swap from plectrum playing to finger playing between songs AND it helps stop the plectrum slipping your of your hand if you're perspiring like mad.

Please make the most of this advice, 'cos it's about as technical as it gets for me I'm afraid. :)

ps. got a new plectrum now, a grey one!

Permalink Reply by Stevo on November 7, 2011 at 11:44pm

Neither have I.

Permalink Reply by David MacRae on November 7, 2011 at 6:02pm

I used to change pretty regularly like once a month but on day i switched to dunlop tortex for like 10 cents more they are 35 cents each, but they last forever. also for more of a point that lasts i get the jazz tip ones.

Permalink Reply by Stevo on November 7, 2011 at 11:43pm

When it gets cracked, which happens rarely since I use Ultex picks.

Permalink Reply by Stevo on November 7, 2011 at 11:46pm

But the real question is - does anyone use Gorilla Snot on their picks to improve grip? It was originally sold to drummers but found further use in the guitar world. I love the stuff.

Permalink Reply by Stevo on February 20, 2012 at 4:12pm

I have to say, I'm a fiend about keeping up with my picks. It must be the OCD in me, but I never replace picks unless they "wear out". I have worn out some thinner Ultem picks - they tend to crack over time. But now that I've sort of transitioned to thicker picks - .8mm and above, I haven't worn any out.

When "should" you replace them? It all depends on what you demand out of them. If you're strumming or playing lead for praise team, I really can't imagine the gauge or shape of the pick would matter too much. But I've started playing some faster bluegrass stuff and the pick makes all the difference in speed and tone. So I can imagine I'll be more conscious of when to replace a pick.

And funny thing about all this - I've tried some semi-expensive picks like Wegens and some of the Dunlop jazz picks and I still go back to the Star Picks from Everly. $4 per dozen or something like that.