The tortoiseshell pick demands an asessement of what one is looking for in a pick. As a "user" (when it comes to recording or playing in exclusive settings) I understand the point of "sound". Tony Rice (in his 80ies Homespun instruction video claims that he) uses TS made of crude chips of TS that he whittles down in size. Norman Blake (also in his Homespun guitar instruction video) claims to use TS for mandolin but does not get the sound he likes with this material playing the guitar. So to me the tone you try to get is not necessarily linked to a certain material even though one may be able to generalize.
To sum this discussion up:
- Some have claimed the Blue Chip pick to be a worthy substitute for TS.
- Some have given a shout out for Wegen picks (Michael Wegenīs website: https://www.wegenpicks.com/)
- Some go with Casein/Galiath picks (Red Bear, Hense etc.)
- I would ad Dunlop Primetone picks for the mix
What I have seen lacking from the discussion is the resemblance of tone of the mentioned picks with regards to TS.
Having bought a Blue Chip pick (out of curiosity) I found out that using this pick does not produce a sound that comes close to TS. Not even ... Blue Chip picks are very durable. That is a definitive plus (also with regards from a price point). But If it comes down to tone I do not like them that well. That said, my son likes his BC pick while I donīt use mine.
I have been made aware of Michael Wegenīs picks a long time ago by Kevin Lynch (Traver Hollow and caretaker of fine instruments/mandolins). It was then that I started to use them (regular teardrop shape and the "Dawg"-shape, that I donīt use anymore). I found that this material has a fairly close similarity to TS. Since the regular teardrop shape picks ("Bluegrass picks") are only made with "speed holes" and I donīt like that, this alternative to TS is coming to an end for me when I will have used up my Wegen picks.
I came to use Casein/Galiath picks with the advent of Red Bear picks. I since have also settled on Hense picks, since they are easier obtainable. You can also get them in the US. I found Casein/Galiath a very close resemblance to TS though it depends on the thickness and shape of the pick.
Now deceased cafe member Ivan Kelsall was very outspoken when it came to Dunlop Primetone picks. It piqued my curiosity and I gave them a try. I bought a regular triangle. I found that the triangle is a little to pointed which deferrs from the tone. I havenīt tried a different shape because I have my relieable casein/galiath picks but I would not disregard the Primetones.
Frome a pricepoint perspective I would not discard a real cheapo: Clayton Ultem picks. Before transitioning towards Wegen picks a long time ago, this is what I used. For about 0,50 USD a piece the sound comes close to TS. You can get them at Elderly instruments (https://www.elderly.com/products/cla...ck-12-pack-516) even though I would use a pick that is at least 1 mm thick.
To muddy the waters even more: Look at the list of picks available at Elderly and scratch your head. The amount of differet products is staggering and leaves me flabbergasted. I am glad that I am a person of limited taste and that what I like is available. I also havenīt changed my choice of mandolin strings in long years (only when they quit making the Andy Statman mandolin strings available from Homespun).
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