D'Andrea Pro Plec Question

[JackTripper]

Does anybody have any experience with D'Andrea picks? Maybe even the D'Andrea Pro Plec large round teardrop(http://www.musiciansfriend.com/acces...icks-one-dozen)?

I've been using a Clayton Raven teardrop and really like it... but then I've also been wondering what the rounded tip on the Pro Plec might feel like. Any info on quality and playability would be appreciated.

[Clement Barrera-Ng]

There's been a lot of discussion on Pro Plec picks in the past, and many people favor them even over some of the most expensive varieties. I have not used the small one linked in your post, but have used the big triangle one a fair bit (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/acces...icks-one-dozen). I like the tone they produce a lot, though they have a darker sound to it than, say, BlueChip or Red Bear. Also, for me at least, they seem to stick to the strings a little bit, and I find myself not picking as fast as I can on other picks. Beveling the round edge helps. In spite of all that, I still like them and keep a few in the drawer as backup.

[Larry S Sherman]

These ones are a classic.



I always have one on me with my keys in case of a random mandolin encounter.

Larry

[Shelagh Moore]

I quite like the ones that came with Jazzmando strings too but still generally use Ultex picks, or an old TS, in preference.

[dan in va]

One had a mid '80's KM 1000 that loved the big triangular pick best, and i recall reading that ROnnie McCoury prefers this brand. The Jazz Mando version is the same but better polished and much smoother and well worth it.

[AlanN]

For a grab-n-go plastic pick, these are good.

[Perry]

My ProPlec experience: warm and fat and fairly loud but the edges burr very easily making them raspy after some use thus requiring maintenance or a fresh one.

Very warm and dark especially in the driver seat but less projection and note clarity then a Blue Chip.

[lukmanohnz]

I really like the ProPlecs. I dress the bevel with a fine file and extremely fine grit polishing paper. But I recommend that you tread carefully, JackTripper - the ProPlec is a gateway pick...

[Earl Gamage]

Proplec is a good pick, try the large triangular ones.

[JeffD]

Try them and see. I have tried the big triangular ones and did not care for them. Not enough "snap" for my taste. The smaller ones were better. But its a very personal decision.

Lots of picks out there, and each has its advantages. No need to chose only one for everything.

[Elliot Luber]

Pro Plecs are my go to pick for four-string electric. I also use them regularly with my acoustic mandolin, though I prefer the Blue Chip ($$$$), Red Bear($$$), Wegens ($$) and V picks ($) when I play out.

[Pete Martin]

I use them, the big triangle ones. Sound the closest to TS as I've found.

[Dale Ludewig]

I second what Pete said.

[mandobassman]

I use them, the big triangle ones. Sound the closest to TS as I've found.

I would guess that all depends on the TS you are using. My limited experience with TS was just the opposite. I couldn't have found more different sounding picks. The Pro Plec being very dark and mellow and TS extremely bright and "edgy".

[JackTripper]

Thanks, everyone. I guess I'll have to grab a pack and see if they work for me.

As for the Jazzmando ones that Larry mentioned, about how big are they? I tried the Jazz III's and just couldn't get used to how small they are. That's why I switched to the Clayton teardrop-shaped ones. Those Pro Plecs got me curious, though, because a lot of people around here seem to prefer round tips on their picks.

Thanks again, everyone.

[lukmanohnz]

As for the Jazzmando ones that Larry mentioned, about how big are they?

The JazzMando ProPlecs are the same pick as the standard ProPlec 346, except they have the cool JazzMando embossing on the back side. If you have tried the Jim Dunlop Ultex triangular or the Dawg pick, they're very similar size. Bigger than a standard teardrop. Very similar in size to the pick shown in my avatar ;-)

[Bob Clark]

I like the JazzMando ProPlec a lot. They are my standard, everyday pick for my mandos and my OM. I do cut them down a bit though (narrower) and bevel them after I cut them. I've tried a lot of picks and like these best.

[Glassweb]

My new choice is this... the Fender ExtraHeavy 346... a genuine celluloid pick. The ProPlec (and really any pick thicker than 1.5mm) is a tone-killer... kills highs and mids. I think Mike Marshall uses the ProPlec and for that dark, "dawgy" tone it's the way to go. But I've retired the CT55 for the Fender. At around 35 cents a pop how can you lose? Some of the ExtraHeavy Fenders are stiffer than others so choose the ones you like best.

[almeriastrings]

I like the big Pro-Plecs... but, I do think to quite an extent it depends on the instrument and string combination (as well as your style/technique). I normally use a BC these days, but the Pro-Plecs and the Fender 346's are great alternatives. Main difference is you can afford to lose them.... my dog chewed up a Pro-Plec and for some reason, that one now sounds particularly good

[AlanN]

.... my dog chewed up a Pro-Plec and for some reason, that one now sounds particularly good

On Dawg's Rag, no doubt.

I never could handle the big triangle, dinner plate picks. The Pro-Plec I have is a tear-drop shape, I use the rounded shoulder. And I find I can only use one side mostly, which is the lettering against my thumb. Weird.

[Bob Clark]

...my dog chewed up a Pro-Plec and for some reason, that one now sounds particularly good

Could I send you one of my Pro-Plecs for your dog to chew? My cats aren't interested in helping me out with this. If it really does improve the sound, you could start a cottage industry of dog-conditioning picks. People could send their picks from all over. You could make a fortune (maybe I'm getting a little carried away!).

[lukmanohnz]

Could I send you one of my Pro-Plecs for your dog to chew? My cats aren't interested in helping me out with this. If it really does improve the sound, you could start a cottage industry of dog-conditioning picks. People could send their picks from all over. You could make a fortune (maybe I'm getting a little carried away!).

That reminds me of this. Sorry if I ruined anyone's appetite...

[Glassweb]

I like the big Pro-Plecs... but, I do think to quite an extent it depends on the instrument and string combination (as well as your style/technique).

I'm with you on this point...

[JH Murray]

I bought the starter 4 pack from jazzmando. It was well worth the $6.50 investment. It's always fun to try new picks. The Pro-plec works well on my oval hole, but not on my cheapo f-hole Fender. But that's not the pick's fault.

[Tom Haywood]

I use the Pro-Plec 351 for the mandolin, but I don't like it for other instruments. Too dark and heavy sounding. Just right on the mandolin, though I have quit using them several times and come back to them. For me they work and sound best playing on the rounded corners.