What Should My Next BC Pick Be?

[Al Trujillo]

I own two BC picks and in my opinion the CT-55 is "bright" when compared to my TAD-3R/60, which sounds "darker/richer." I like them both and use them about 60/40 for different songs.

If you owned these two and was thinking about another BC that lies somewhere in between the CT-55 and TAD-3R/60....what would you recommend?

I sent a message to BC asking the same question but I'd like to hear from different sources.

Thanks!

[JeffD]

My opinion only:

I don't want a single pick that "almost" does it all. I would rather have a pick that is my just what I want for bright sparkly scintillating playing, and a different pick that is perfect for the darker, richer, sound. Then use them for what they are good at.

The swiss army knife does a lot of cool stuff, but nobody carries one in their tool bag.

Just my opinion, mind you, but the compromise doesn't seem worth the compromise, if the only benefit is reducing the pick choices before you head out to play. Better to keep that empty Altoids container and bring all your picks with you. Bring the choice to the venue.

But I realize I am answering a different question than you asked, which I need to stop doing.

[Drew Egerton]

You could try the TAD in a 1R model so you get the pointy side option.
I went from a TAD60 3R to a CT55 to a KS60 which was a dramatic switch. Very small and very round pick. Took getting used to but it was my go-to until I got a KS80

[Mandosurf]

Al, I'd highly recommend the XR50. Shaped like a dawg pick, 2 very rounded sides and one half pointed side, no bevel. The pointed side to me is right in between too pointy and bright (CT or TAD) vs too rounded and darker/muddy (TAD-R)
I go between an XR50 and XR60 depending on the mandolin.

[AlanN]

You could try the TAD in a 1R model so you get the pointy side option.
I went from a TAD60 3R to a CT55 to a KS60 which was a dramatic switch. Very small and very round pick. Took getting used to but it was my go-to until I got a KS80

C'mon, bud-ro. Order the KS100 already and be done wif it!

[Ronnie.]

In my humble opinion, its going to be hard to find a better pick than the TAD-3R/60

[jaycat]

It should be a Fender Heavy and put $34.75 in your pocket....

[Paul Busman]

Why look for an excuse to spend more money? I admit I don't have a BC and have only done it on less expensive picks, but who not reshape (SLIGHTLY round off) one point of your CT-55(I had to look that up)? It's not at all difficult and you'll end up with one pick that produces markedly different sounds.
I use one of those 4-in-1 fingernail files that you can get at beauty supply stores. Take a very little bit off one of the picks points and use the file to reproduce the bevel on the other two. Shape with the coarse side (which is still pretty smooth), then progressively smooth the point. The final part of the file is VERY fine and produces a nice smooth surface.
You'll probably want to try this on an inexpensive pick first. My go-to pick is a Primetone sculpted grip triangle,1.4mm and this is how I treat them. It's easy and effective.

[UsuallyPickin]

If you like the CT-55 you may like the difference between the 3-R model and the standard TAD 60 or you can order a 1-R in another gauge and experiment some in that direction .. R/

[mandroid]

Fender X heavy seems to be sold at 72 for $35, that should give you experimental samples ,

to try all sorts of shapes you make from them,

then once you like one, mail it to them to copy?

[loess]

Keep in mind that the folks at Blue Chip are gracious enough to make picks of any gauge, to your specifications at no extra charge. I recently found myself in a similar situation, caught in between those very same two BC picks (except I was using a CT-55 and a TAD-60 with the pointed corners, not rounded). I ordered a TAD-56 and it's turned out to be pretty much right on the money for me in both tone and playability. I also got myself a TP52 for guitar (coming from a CT-55) and have found that one to be an improvement as well.

All you have to do when you order a custom thickness is order the closest model (i.e. TAD50-1R) and specify exactly what you in the "order instructions/comments" when you check out (i.e. "I would like the TAD50-1R to actually be a TAD56-1R").

[Darrell D]

I had them make me a ct55 with two rounded corners, so i have bright and dark in one pick. I hardly ever use the point though.

[dang]

I have accumulated about a dozen BC (I know, I know...) different sizes and thicknesses, my experiences were similar to yours (CT too bright, TAD 3r too dark). I go to my TP 60 almost all of the time. I like it with NO bevel. I do use the others, but on different instruments for the most part. Sometimes I do switch to a STP 60 (again no bevel) when I want to feel a little more “speed”, and on my oval hole Collings MT2 I use a TPR 50 (no bevel).

Just my opinion, YMMV, it’s hard to be specific but after having all these in my hands (and I do go back and try them all, pretty often) I just have a feel for the TP 60 no bevel.

[bigskygirl]

Try the TAD80, send it back if you don’t like it.

[Skip Kelley]

C'mon, bud-ro. Order the KS100 already and be done wif it!

Alan, it takes a real man to drive a 100! That's why I can't use one!!! You go brother!!!

[Capt. E]

Mostly I use the first one I bought, a "BlueChip" 50...no TP, TAD etc. It is larger than my other favorite, a TP 50, and fits my fingers better. I do prefer the 50 and 55 thickness.