Quoted Plectrum Thickness

[rogerbayliss]

I recently checked the thickness of several plectrums I have. I was surprised as to quoted thickness to what I measured them with Vernier calipers. I checked the calipers against a reliable measurement to ensure it was reading correctly.

Here is quoted v actual for some I have

George Dennis quoted 1.3mm - actual 1.14mm - Hanks often used modern day pick.

Gibson
Heavy none quoted but are 0.9mm
ExHeavy none quoted but are 1,14mm
Medium none quoted but are 0.66mm

Fender
Thin none quoted but are 0.48mm
Medium none quoted but are 0.7mm
Heavy none quoted but are 0.96mm
ExHeavy none quoted but are 1.14mm

Dunlop Tortex Sharp
1.14 quoted but are 1.1mm

Dunlop Delrin500
1.14 quoted 1.14 measured.

The trend for many picks is thinner than quoted.

I have often preferred a ex heavy pick and it seems many are around 1.14 similar to the George Dennis Sharps I measured.

Hope you find this useful .

Roger.

[rogerbayliss]

I took some stills from some early videos of HBM playing the early tunes around 1961 and managed to get shots of the plectrums and how he held them. They were shaped like the Burt Weedon type and in one shot at least he used a corner of the normally held part to play. I have some modern day ones off the well known auction site and these measured 0.9mm for info. I tried listening to them compared to the Gibson and Fender Heavy and ex Heavy ones and they sounded similar with my ear going for the ex heavy Gibson's pick.

I believe the Burt Weedon type being smaller means you hold nearer to pick point and therefore are slightly stiffer due to less material to bend between tip and held position.

[andyj47]

i use the money saving plectrums, just draw round your favourite shape on your wifes credit cards and cut it out !!! seriously they make ok picks.dont know if theyre the right millimetre though !

[bazmusicman]

Jul 6, 2018 9:15:53 GMT andyj47 said:

i use the money saving plectrums, just draw round your favourite shape on your wifes credit cards and cut it out !!! seriously they make ok picks.dont know if theyre the right millimetre though !

Now that is a money saver!!

[gthomson]

Jul 6, 2018 9:15:53 GMT andyj47 said:

i use the money saving plectrums, just draw round your favourite shape on your wifes credit cards and cut it out !!! seriously they make ok picks.dont know if theyre the right millimetre though !

I have a device, about the size and shape of an office stapler, which is designed for this very purpose! It punches out three to a card.

[glyderslead]

Hello Roger

I've found Jim Dunlop....Big Stubby....plectrums to be consistent in size and feel. They are marked as being 3.0 mm. This sounds as if they are way too thick, but they are moulded with a dip on the front and back which gives good grip. Never dropped one yet.

Baz,

I tried cutting my wife's card up to make plectrums; but as I then had to do the shopping I found it was a better option to buy plectrums, save shopping time and simply just pay the card bill.

Cheers

Mick

[Stu's Dad]

Jul 6, 2018 20:52:58 GMT glyderslead said:

Hello Roger

I've found Jim Dunlop....Big Stubby....plectrums to be consistent in size and feel. They are marked as being 3.0 mm. This sounds as if they are way too thick, but they are moulded with a dip on the front and back which gives good grip. Never dropped one yet.

Baz,

I tried cutting my wife's card up to make plectrums; but as I then had to do the shopping I found it was a better option to buy plectrums, save shopping time and simply just pay the card bill.

Cheers

Mick

I've been using them for years Mick. Did you know they come in three thicknesses, 3, 2 and 1mm? The grip's still the same but the 1mm gives a better tone.

Len

[glyderslead]

Hi Len

I’m surprised to hear that you find the 1mm credit card is best. I would have thought it would be too flexible and not hard enough to really bring out the tone.

I still have a couple of genuine tortoise shell picks,from the past, including the one I received with Bert Weedons “Play in a Day “ book. These old shell picks certainly bring out the tone of an instrument, so its a shame there is not something similar that is available and acceptable today.

Cheers

Mick

[Stu's Dad]

Jul 6, 2018 23:27:51 GMT glyderslead said:

Hi Len

I’m surprised to hear that you find the 1mm credit card is best. I would have thought it would be too flexible and not hard enough to really bring out the tone.

I still have a couple of genuine tortoise shell picks,from the past, including the one I received with Bert Weedons “Play in a Day “ book. These old shell picks certainly bring out the tone of an instrument, so its a shame there is not something similar that is available and acceptable today.

Cheers

Mick

I think I slipped up a little there Mick, I thought it was you talking about the Jim Dunlop Big Stubbies! But since you mention the old tortoise shell picks, here's your answer - and they work: www.stringsdirect.co.uk/accessories-c2/picks-plectrums-c50/guitar-plectrum-grip-c600/monster-grips-the-ultimate-grip-for-guitar-picks-and-more-p9075

Len

[gthomson]

Jul 6, 2018 9:15:53 GMT andyj47 said:

i use the money saving plectrums, just draw round your favourite shape on your wifes credit cards and cut it out !!! seriously they make ok picks.dont know if theyre the right millimetre though !

Further to this:

m.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_pick_cutter.htm?o=376&search=1531726585