Searching the plectrum spectrum for the Pick of Destiny.

I admit, the picture at left might give you the impression that I have a bit of an obsession with picks, and, well, what can I say, it would be the right impression. I first started over-worrying about my choice in picks years ago, back when I used Fender Mediums and Herco .50's, and I became convinced that my plectrum choices were holding me back as a player. Right or wrong, I began searching for a pick that would help me play better, especially when doing rhythm parts, which I have always feared more than leads, since rhythm demands, uh, rhythm and solos aren't so groove dependent. I finally settled on Dunlop 1 mm Jazz picks, and used them happily for over a decade. Last week, though, I was surfing around the 'net, and I noticed all these new pick choices. I had to check 'em out, so I placed my orders and here are the results:

(from top to bottom, left to right)

Clayton 1 mm Teardrop: Love this pick. In fact, along side my Dunlop 1 mm Jazz picks, Clayton teardrops have always been the "other pick" in my plectrum stash. They're hard and very smooth, but the teardrop shape really helps with grip and control, and they are fast on the strings.

Dunlop 474R Stubby Jazz Guitar Pick - The Stubby's are a contoured pick, thicker at the top, less so at the tip, and in between a 'thumb well'. Must have seemed like a good idea at the time it was developed, but in use, these picks feel to chunky to me and kinda cheap.

Cool Pick "Juratex" Jazz Pick: Cool pick, no pun intended. The grip tape patch makes for a pick that you won't drop -- unless you're doing your best Pete Townsend -- but the size is a touch too big for me. Bummer, 'cause I really like these picks.

Dunlop Tortex 1.14 mm Jazz Pick: Dunlop claims that Tortex recreates the feel and wear characteristics of turtle shell, but since I've never tried a turtle shell pick, I'll just have to take their word for it.  If these picks do indeed mimic true tortoise tone and feel, then turtle housing is just too slippery for my tastes.

Dunlop Jazztone Large: Too big, too thick, not for me.

Dunlop Tortex .88 mm Jazz Pick: See Tortex above: This pick is a little thinner, but I prefer the thicker one.

Dunlop Ultex Jazz III: I like this pick. It's hard and fast like the Tortex and the Clayton, but with some texture from the writing on it that really helps with grip issues.

Clayton Black Raven: Given my strong preference for smaller picks, I should have ordered tear drop version of this, and I still might. Feel-wise, it's very similar to the first Clayton mentioned above but its matte finish makes it a little grippier, I think.

Dunlop Tortex Standard and Jazz, both 1 mm: Standard pick is too big for me, Jazz pick not thick gauge enough. Both a bit slippery.

Dunlop Jazz III (red) and Dunlop Jazz III Stiffo: My favorite going into this plectrum extravaganza was the Dunlop Jazz III, but the Stiffo is right up there with it. Both my kinda pick: small, fast, stiff and textured enough for decent grip.

Going forward, I'm going to try the Clayton Black Raven Raven in a 1 mm teardrop, but the Pick of Destiny for me will most likely be the Dunlop Jazz III. Unlike the other stiff picks, the Dunlop is a bit mellower against the strings, and doesn't create the same brightness that Tortex and the like seem to.