Blue Chip Pick - Unboxing and Reaction by Jazz Guitarist

I recently purchased one of the famous Blue Chip picks and decided to film my reaction to using it for the first time. Timestamps and spoilers are below:
0:00 - Intro
3:41 - Playing (Blue Chip starts at 5:32)
9:33 - My Thoughts (Is it worth it?)
** Spoilers **
To summarize this video, I can tell it's a well made pick, just not necessarily the right choice for my preferences when it comes to jazz. I like the feel of the pick, though it's not unlike anything I've ever used before. It's sturdy and holds up well during serious picking passages... but again, so do many other (cheaper) picks. I can tell it's built to last and am hoping for the best. Sound-wise, it's fairly bright and bold. Jazz guitar is all about balance; I use round wound strings and a fairly bright amp, so I prefer the pick attack to be softer and more mellow. If I mellowed out the other components to my sound then I'm sure the Blue Chip would be a better fit, but for now my favorite remains the Tortex Jazz 3 by Dunlop. Just my 2 cents, hope you enjoyed the video and got something out of it.
Blue Chip Jazz LG 80
Dunlop Tortex Jazz 3
Ibanez Artcore with Seymour Duncan Seth Lover Pickups
Bugera V22 Infinium
Sennheiser E609
Yamaha MG10XU
Garageband
Sony HDR-CX455
John Pearse "Handsfull of Pick" - • John Pearse "Handsfull...
Wes Montgomery Solo Analysis - • Wes Montgomery's Solo ...
"There Is No Greater Love" - • There Is No Greater Lo...
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[@jjthomchickmusic]

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[@coolhandluke2310]

I have one for 15 years now and use it on all my acoustic instruments and it shows hardly any wear. They last for ever. Love it.

[@AbeldeBetancourt]

Nicest Jazz sound I've heard in a while. Quite a sensible review also. Thank you so much!

[@jjthomchickmusic]

Glad you liked it!

[@glennbasile314]

Well done! Lesson is really well organized and very informative! Thanks!

[@jjthomchickmusic]

Glad to hear it, thank you!

[@paulmurphy8993]

Now that's a pick. I love it. Of course just don't lose it!

[@radiotones3986]

Thanks for your honesty, I'll stay with my Max Grip Jazz 3 pick. Great playing 😎

[@jjthomchickmusic]

Thank you, glad it was helpful!

[@strumminronin]

i dig your tone! Thanks for sharing.

[@jjthomchickmusic]

Thank you!

[@jasoncasper16]

I got the BC Jazz 50 a few years ago and I forced myself to play it exclusively for about a year and a half (it was an expensive gift from my sister). I definitely had to adjust to it, but I have grown to love it. I have gotten several other BC picks since, one being the BC Jazz 60 which is thicker, and I still go back to the 50. It does for me what you feel the tortex Pick does. Low string noise and smooth tone. The thicker one is a bit louder and darker but I’ve gotten use to the thinner pick and it just plays easy in my fingers. I did a blind ear test with it and several other comparable picks and I could tell the BC so I think for people who have been playing a while, it is possible to hear a difference. All that said, it is certainly a preference and not ground breaking.

[@jjthomchickmusic]

Thanks for sharing!

[@uvp5000]

Thank you very much for posting this video. I found it informative and helpful. I've tried a very thick pick along those lines. I was not moved so much but I wouldn't stop playing it if it was mine (it belonged to someone else). I generally prefer Dunlop Jazz III pick shapes, the original nylon and Ultex models of various thicknesses. I must admit to being curious to try one of these Blue Chip picks to see what there is to see and feel, and hear.

[@jjthomchickmusic]

My pleasure, hope this was helpful. I can say that the Blue Chip has grown on me significantly; it's an excellent pick and I have developed a sense for its subtle yet fine qualities. I can safely say it's not my ideal jazz pick, but I use it for crafty playing on my solid body electrics.

[@stephenpepper1790]

Although I respect and understand why some people cringe at the price, for me, it all comes down to the idea of "does it connect me to the instrument in the most organic way possible to get the timbre and attack I need?" Since the pick is often the first line of response for players, some people's decision includes attack sensitivity, and about how efficiently the pick connects the hand to the string. Some pick shapes and materials feel foreign while others feel at home. Lets not forget that Violin players will often spend thousands of dollars on a bow. 35-90$ for something that will create the nuances you need or want is a small price in the music world. If you are the kind of person who keep losing picks....that's a completely different realm of conversation.

[@jjthomchickmusic]

I really appreciate the input - thank you for your thoughts. I have to say that the Blue Chip has really grown on me since making this video. I do feel the connection and tend to grab it for crafting more complex ideas. Definitely still not right for my jazz playing, but it's a solid pick all around.

[@susanroycroft89]

Yes there is a slight difference, very Slight, thanks again 😊😊

[@stevec.1802]

Nice demo video- ty. IMO. I have had a triangle BC TAD 1R 40 and 50 for several years. What I’ve notice after countless A/B comparisons is, there are some tone similarities between using a Clayton Gold Tortoise 1.07 and 1.20 and Blue Chip picks. Especially acoustically with playing a vintage 50’s D-28. They also. sound great on an archtop, or telecaster. Some might prefer the teardrop shape but the triangle works for me.

[@jjthomchickmusic]

Thanks for the input! I'm tempted to pick up a triangle. The BC has grown on me since this video - I like it for pretty much everything EXCEPT jazz, haha. I'll have to start saving up!

[@kevinbrianjohnsonmusic]

I got the 50. It came yesterday and so far so good.

[@stavrou0]

I like the tone of your guitar with the Blue Chip. The note separation was better and the pick attack had a smoother attack. Yes it was a little brighter. I liked it better. Just my opinion. Great Video. I am gonna have to get one.

[@jjthomchickmusic]

Thanks for your input! Glad you got something out of the demo, and congrats on deciding to get one!

[@bomacbaseball7666]

Agree

[@lazarus3.023]

I get EXTREMELY upset when I loose a random Jazz III that cost me roughly 55¢... I couldn’t handle the stress of owning one of these things

[@jjthomchickmusic]

Haha, yes I do feel that, always need to make sure this pick is safe and sound every night.

[@ltcuaa]

folks tend to take care of pricey things better than a cheap pic

[@motorbikeray]

I started the video against the Blue Chip pick based on price alone. After the video I'm FOR the Blue Chip pick because the sound of your playing sounded noticeably better (to my ears through headphones) when using the Blue Chip than with the Dunlop. As of this comment (Sep 5, 2021) the Blue Chip website is offering free shipping for Labor Day weekend. I might pick up a Blue Chip pick (with engraving), thanks to your great and honest review.

[@jjthomchickmusic]

Thanks for the feedback, and I'm glad my review gave you the clarity you needed! I have to say, I've honestly grown to love the Blue Chip, mostly because of the feel. Sound-wise I still stand by my thoughts in the video, not my pick for jazz, but for any other kind of crafty guitar playing it's awesome.

[@motorbikeray]

@@jjthomchickmusic Update. Yesterday I received my BlueChip BC Jazz 50 pick. I also bought a few days earlier the red Dunlop Jazz III, Dunlop Primetone 1.4mm Jazz III style, Ernie Ball Prodigy 2mm (white), Dunlop Tortex M3 (green), and Dunlop Ultex Jazz III. After using each pick to play the same single note guitar etudes and simple chord progressions the BlueChip pick stood out as the best-in-hand feeling pick and also the best feeling pick against the guitar strings. For me there's something about the BlueChip pick's material that makes it feel smooth yet non-slip in the fingers that the other picks don't have, though the green Dunlop Tortex M3 came in a close second place. I definitely agree with you about the feel of the BlueChip pick and I again thank you for your great review.

[@jfar3340]

@@motorbikeray BC picks are the best. They stick to your hand and have a punchy and articulate yet not harsh sound.

[@flashingit]

I have a BlueChip Jazz LG 40. It’s a great pick. If you are looking for a less expensive alternative then I would recommend the Gravity Gold in your favorite thickness.

[@DrJoshGuitar]

I don't think I could ever bring my self to spend $50 on a guitar pick - so thanks for doing it for us :) The only thing worse than hating it would be loving it. I think I will stick with my Dunlop Flow Standard Grip 2.0 which is my current favorite. $4 for 6 of them ;)

[@jjthomchickmusic]

My pleasure, and good point, haha! Loving this pick would be quite the investment if I ever needed more. Thanks for watching!

[@jfar3340]

why not?

[@timeWaster76]

I expect Dunlop will raise prices

[@swiessler]

Blue Chip TPR 60 has a less bright extremely smooth tone. It is slightly rounder in the tip, but beveled well.

[@jjthomchickmusic]

Thanks for the advice! Definitely looking into some other shapes, TPRs look nice, also curious about TAD1R.

[@Mhammer1943]

Try a "50" size in any style. That will more than likely tone down the brightness. They will last forever as they are made of a space age material that is extremely expensive. I alternate between Red Bear and the Blue Chip on a Martin D-42.

[@chrisking6695]

I'm more into rock snd shred type of music but I'm a pick connoisseur and I'll definitely try the BC.

[@jjthomchickmusic]

It will definitely shred. If you're a collector then go for it, but I have to say as a shred pick it's a pretty similar feel to the maroon John Petrucci flow picks. I'm not sure I could tell the difference in a blind test. Just some food for thought if you're looking for something more budget-friendly as well.

[@jfar3340]

Wow such a great demo. I actually prefered the brighter, punchier and more articulate sound of the BC than the rounder and warmer sound of your other pick. I like a jazz tone with some punch (ala frank vignola, sheryl bailey, dave stryker etc). I love BC picks.

[@jjthomchickmusic]

Thank you. The BC really grew on me, and it definitely depends on the guitar. I would still say it's not a good match with my Artcore, but I use the BC everyday here and there and continue to enjoy it.

[@mandolin123ful]

Thanks good job, nice picking and chords you play

[@jjthomchickmusic]

@@mandolin123ful Thanks!

[@jazzguitarneophyte-christo7988]

I like the tone with the Blue Chip.

[@jjthomchickmusic]

Awesome!

[@markellis8347]

Yep. It makes a heck of a difference on my expensive acoustic guitars. Not a lot of difference in my lower end model's. So. Something to think about. A low end guitar, will always sound like a low end guitar .😮 These picks are great on mahogany guitar if you want to brighten the tone a bit.

[@connorcoyle6592]

Have you ever tried Clayton Acetal picks? I'm mostly a bluegrass player (but I'm a wanna be jazz player), so I'm not as concerned with limiting pick attack, but this video has me very interested in these picks. Thanks for the video!

[@jjthomchickmusic]

I have not tried Clayton Acetal, but they sure are pretty! Maybe down the road. Thanks for watching!

[@DARKLYLIT]

Wondering if you've ever tried Clayton jazz picks? They're similar to Tortex, but different. I used to use Tortex, but tried some Claytons and liked the wear and seemingly reduced pick noise. Not expensive either!

[@jjthomchickmusic]

I'm not familiar with Clayton, but sounds very cool, thanks for the tip!

[@keithnorvell3583]

I was really disappointed when I bought my Snark guitar picks. But since have been using them they are my favorite. I thought they were crazy expensive but I really like them now.

[@jjthomchickmusic]

Interesting, I didn't know Snark made picks, just searched for them and they look pretty cool!

[@funL1F3]

i just bought a tad 50 blue chip, and i can say they are worth it to me. fyi, Also add $5 on for shipping. the material they use somehow binds with the skin in a way that stops from slipping. I have easily spent much more than $50 trying to find a pick that i like. I’m done looking, these are the route i will go from now on. if you are struggling to find a pick that doesn’t slip while playing these are very good.

[@jjthomchickmusic]

Thanks for sharing! I agree that they are fully slip-proof.

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

To me, the $5 shipping is a complete rip-off. It's a guitar pick and be mailed with a single stamp and envelope.

[@markrobinson891]

It would take quite an ear and maybe some good equipment for an audience to hear the diff. As a player, BC makes a bunch of sizes, shapes, thicknesses…If I’m gonna drop $50 i don’t want to experiment with their variety. My Ultex 1.0 mm is a great pick, holds up well, minimal string noise… about $50 for a pack of 70+

[@LivingstonWard]

When you first started playing with the Blue Chip Pick, the difference is sound was immediately noticeable. I chalked that up to the fact that it was thicker (and therefore presumably more rigid). Maybe there were other factors involved. Thanks for posting this-you may have sold a few picks, or you may have saved a few people $50.

[@jjthomchickmusic]

Thank you so much for the feedback! I'm glad the sound came through enough to distinguish the two picks. As I was listening back to my critiques I was thinking that some people might actually like what I didn't, so I do indeed hope this video goes both ways like you mentioned!

[@deblane401]

I play the mandolin and I have used my Bluechip Tad 50 for 5 years and there is no wear on it. They are the worth the price. George in Montana

[@jjthomchickmusic]

Thanks for sharing - incredible durability for sure.

[@d-boy1644]

Which Blue chip and Dunlop’s model are refering to in this video as rhere are so many variants? Thickness ?

[@jjthomchickmusic]

The Bluechip is the Jazz LG 80, 2.0 mm, and the Dunlop is Tortex Jazz 3, 1.5 mm.

[@d-boy1644]

@@jjthomchickmusic thank you 😊

[@saoirsepaddy]

I love my Blue Chip Picks TAD 100 & CT55 they last for yrs playing hard unlike this cheaper picks One don't lose a $75 pick like you would with a cheap pick

[@ltcuaa]

thought my friend was a fool for buying one but now it's the only pic i play. probably last for years....get the speed bevel option otherwise it would take years to break in

[@devondyreson]

I think it depends what you’re playing. I’m a bluegrass flatpicker and really work to dial in my pick and strings for maximum volume and articulation. Blue chip is worth it in that situation. But I can’t imagine justifying it for an electric guitar setup.

[@jjthomchickmusic]

It does seem to be very popular for bluegrass and acoustic playing. Sound-wise on electric there's not much to notice, but after using it for a while I will say it does *feel* amazing and smooth on electrics.

[@RPSartre01]

What I like about the blue chip is that it's less clicky than other picks I have.

[@ltcuaa]

yep

[@Andreorsel]

To me the Blue Chip sounded nicer for your Jazz playing. It still has that good bass and mid response the Dunlop Jazz 3 Tortex has but adds a little brightness to it, which i realy prefer. The material (Vespel) they are made off is very expensive and very durable. It is one of, if not the best high-performance polyimide-based thermoplastic material out there. I can tell from my own experience, that after several years of using the TAD 60, i still can’t feel any significant wear and have the feeling it will last several more years before it will start to wear. For me, Dunlop Jazz 3 picks will last a few weeks before they are worn in such a way i don’t like them anymore. So yes, BC picks are expensive but since it seems they last llike forever they are actually pretty cheap. The TAD series have three the same tips. So, even if one tip would wear you have still two more to go. I had realy to addapt to it’s bigger size (comming from using Jazz 3) but now i love it and can’t go back anymore. Highly recommended!

[@bluerazors]

I thought it was overly expensive until i did some research. The material is so expensive that I don't know how they can make much of a profit once you factor in labor and overhead. They must have a good source. At prices I see, 65-75 would be fair 50 is dirt cheap.

[@SamVecchio]

Can definitely hear the difference. Playing a high end acoustic and using a cheap pick is like buying a Lamborghini and putting 87 Octane in it 😂

[@keithnorvell3583]

Keith @ 5 watt world uses blue chip.

[@jjthomchickmusic]

Nice

[@timeWaster76]

HUH 25 cents VS 50 bucks ... screw that All us a peace of record vinyl i carved

[@JDStone20]

Can't hear a difference. I think the Blue Chip pick is really supposed to make a difference with acoustic guitar and other acoustic stringed instruments.

[@ozzie-sk9dh]

6:50

[@thn91506]

And made in America 🇺🇸

[@nathanjasper512]

I bought one for $50 and I couldn't be happier. The tone was warm and amazing and had such clarity. They feel like silk sheets for your fingers. Everything was super amazing sounding and suddenly I find it impossible to make mistakes. I've only been playing a few years and I'm playing licks way beyond my ability. It's like the pick of destiny. I play out every night and suddenly swimsuit models are hopping into bed with me. I went to a Ferrari dealership and the salesman just gave me a guitar because he said my playing was so soulful. He's begging me to marry his daughter...... Just kidding. It's just a freakin guitar pick, it's not magic and if you spend more than a few bucks on it you're crazy. Lol.

[@richgarey6079]

Blue chip hands down in my opinion but no way I’d pay $50 for a pick.

[@paulmurphy8993]

It's definitely a better sound and I'm not even in the room. Now is it worth $50 bucks? Maybe, yes, possibly?

[@jjthomchickmusic]

That is the question! After making this video I've become more obsessed with the feel rather than the tone.

[@dada1952]

a fool and his money are soon parted...

[@fancysun7836]

people trip about $50 pick, but a pro might spend $$$$ on violin bows

[@MsDenver2]

Blue chip are Not plastic

[@jjthomchickmusic]

Correct.

[@martinD1]

Not worth it . Had one .. Hype . Try Dunlop Jazztone . Different shapes and thicknesses available .. And if you lose one not much money at all . You can get a bunch of Jazztone for the price of blue chip .. enough to last forever .. practice is what makes you better not the pick ..

[@jjthomchickmusic]

They're not for everyone, I'm still partial to the Dunlop Jazz III Tortex.

[@nathanjasper512]

I don't think they could be worth it. It's like paying $50 bucks for a pencil. It doesn't matter how good it is. The price exceeds the possible value of the thing.

[@martinD1]

@@nathanjasper512 dunlop jazztone 208

[@nohillforahighstepper]

No. They are not worth the price. You can literally buy hundreds of better sounding picks and an emery board for the price of 1 Blue Chip pick. Then bevel your own.

[@MrRaErickson]

I’ve been using a 2.1 mm Chicken Pick lately and love it

[@jjthomchickmusic]

Nice!