Dumb pick questions

[DaveyO]

How long did it take to find the right pick?
I thought I was OK with the fender medium for many years
Now I'm thinking of going Jim Dunlop
With the soft plastic
Not as bright sounding
But a little bit warmer

[B0WIE]

35 years and counting. I used various types for years until I discovered the Ultex in the early 2000's. Less pick noise without dulling the tone. I got caught up in the Blue Chip and other boutique excitement about 10 years ago, but realized they weren't any better than the Ultex, just different. After going on a fingerstyle only journey, I recently came back to flat picking too and bought a couple dozen different types to try. I found I still like the Ultex, but in a Jazz III XL. Pretty specific, but that's my sounds right now. I love that Dunlop is making all their materials available in every pick shape and size now

If I could say I learned anything, it's that picks are the cheapest way to change not only your tone but your playing nuance. Also, don't feel that you need one pick to do everything. In fact, it makes a lot of sense to have a lighter pick for strumming and a thick one for songs that are primarily picking (arpeggio/solo) work. One of the String websites (maybe Strings by Mail?) sells individual picks. This is helpful and most places just sell packs now.

Also, those interested in the boutique/Blue Chip picks but have more sense than to spend $40 on a pick, try the Jim Dunlop Signature. They come in a pack of 3ea for around $12. They have all different shapes, and are hand polished. The feel and sound is just like a lot of the expensive picks but I suppose it was just a matter of time before someone brought them to market in an economical way.