I interviewed the creator of Bluechip Picks

[@stephenwhite5658]

Fantastic pick!! I love them even more after meeting the owner ! Seems like a down to Earth humble guy!! Who stumbled onto the best pick material ever!! Good for him! The music world is thanking you!!!

[@Alex.Pickhard]

He really does seem like a super humble individual. Cool you met him in person!

[@Cut2Finish]

I ordered a TP48 the other day. I look forward to hearing the difference.

[@AlienInvasionDefenceSystem]

Love this interview. Made me help make my mind to buy two picks! Matthew seems like a great honest guy. I will support him as long as I can.

[@AlienInvasionDefenceSystem]

Also subbed to your channel. Great interview

[@Alex.Pickhard]

I am really glad that hearing him talk about his picks helped you make your decision to purchase a couple of them! Which ones did you go with? And really appreciate the sub and support. Thank you🙏🎸

[@AlienInvasionDefenceSystem]

TPR50 is my jam!

[@Alex.Pickhard]

I might have to try one of those out! But I also feel like going from a point to a rounded edge might be a learning curve lol

[@larryweathermon2906]

Great interview. I've been playing my Blue Chip for eight years now and I love it. You asked about how to get started and I was talking to a guy about what he did for a living. Thats always a great start. He was a window washer of peoples homes. I found out all I could and started the next day. When my agent sent me out of town for a week, I could rescedual and not have to find a new job. I did that for 36 years.

[@Alex.Pickhard]

Oh wow! That’s really cool you got a great out of just chatting with someone and it set yourself up a while. Cool story’ thanks for sharing! Have you been using the same Bluechip pick for 8 years and it’s still as good as new?

[@josephbeyer4579]

Excellent interview. It’s great to learn how the business started. Trying to find the “right” pick suitable for all types of music that would sound great with my all guitars was a journey. I literally have a bunch of bags of different types of picks. All sorts of materials and thicknesses. I heard about BlueChip picks but couldn’t imagine they’d play that much better to rationalize spending $35 each. After learning how to flat pick and playing Bluegrass music for a couple years I bit the bullet. I’m hooked. My favorite has been the TAD40. I’ve got one in each guitar case and rarely use anything else. I also use a TAD50 for my mandolin. Glad to hear Matt has done so well with them. They are best I’ve used.

[@Alex.Pickhard]

Hey! Thanks for sharing that! I was curious why you need to switch between the TAD40 and TAD50 for your mandolin playing? I am in the same boat. I use the TP48 and it is my daily driver now! Such a great pick. I find it makes my playing sound warm!

[@josephbeyer4579]

@@Alex.Pickhard I’ve experimented with several types and thicknesses which is how I arrived at the TAD40 for most all my guitar playing. The thicker the pick the warmer the sound for my playing. The thicker TAD50 just drives through both strings a bit easier and controls the shrillness of the higher notes a bit better than the thinner picks. I’ve also got a TP50 1-R which I also use on the mandolin and the rounded corner creates a much smoother, warmer tone than the sharper corners.

[@Alex.Pickhard]

I appreciate the insight into the different picks. I think I am definitely going to need to try the one with a rounded corner! You’ve convinced me haha 👍🎸

[@chrisflores4911]

I've purchased six different blue chips. They are a all different thickness, but have settled on a custom tad 35 with round bevel for my Eastman E6 om

[@Alex.Pickhard]

Very nice! What made you settle on the TAD 35 compared to the others?

[@chrisflores4911]

I like the little bit of flexibility in my pick

[@kvog85]

I love this story! What a genuine person. I have borrowed other's BlueChip picks and just got my own. Engraved with my name on the back. It sounds gorgeous!

[@Alex.Pickhard]

@@kvog85 he really is! That’s cool you got your own now! Which version did you get?

[@kvog85]

@@Alex.Pickhard I got the CT 55. I'm used to the 1.4 mm Primetones, so it feels more normal in my hand. It's fantastic! Barely even have to touch the strings, and it rings with the smoothest tone.

[@robmiller3464]

There great picks. I own 3

[@manguydude905]

I own the ct55 and loved it for mandolin, I recently got a 3 pack of dunlop primetone 1.4mm from a music store and was very surprised. They are very comparable too the ct55 and a pack of 3 is $7

[@Alex.Pickhard]

I would agree. I started with the primetones as well before deciding to make the purchase of a Bluechip. I will say, there is a much warmer sound to the Bluechip. But for someone who might not be able to afford a Bluechip, the primetone would do just fine!

[@Chedi57]

I live in Sydney Australia and have owned a Blue Chip 55 for about 2 years and wouldn't use another pick when playing acoustic. Now I can explain to disbelievers why these picks are so expensive compared to all the rest but more importantly why the sound is so good.

[@Alex.Pickhard]

I know exactly what you mean! There is just something about the sound. And I’m glad you got some useful information from the interview :) thanks for watching🎸

[@mikedr1549]

Love my Bluechip pick and I'm not a bluegrass guy by any stretch! Best thing about it - I never drop it. Something about the material that has just a little grip without every feeling sticky. Wonderful pick.

[@Alex.Pickhard]

@@mikedr1549 that’s awesome! Yea I find myself using it for all my guitar playing now, not just the bluegrass songs. All around great pick!

[@Bluegrassboy49]

I've tried several Blue Chip shapes in different thicknesses. I've found the TPR45 is the one that gives me the tone I like, easy to hold, and the rounded edges allow me to slide the pick off the strings faster than a traditional teardrop pick. The Blue Chip is no doubt the real deal especially for bluegrass.

[@Alex.Pickhard]

Very cool! I will have to give the TPR45 a go! I have been using the TP48, so it should be a rather easy adjustment! Thanks for the recommendation🎸🤟

[@randyjohnson9507]

I've been playing guitar and mandolin for over 6 decades, and used all different kinds of picks. My Blue Chip SR40rb is the perfect pick for my mandolin, on every level. Thanks Matthew, you got me running with your flag now.

[@Alex.Pickhard]

Very cool! Have you tried a few different Bluechip picks? Or was that your first one, and it just felt right? I’d be curious to know what you like about it specifically? Thanks for the comment🎸🤟

[@randyjohnson9507]

@@Alex.Pickhard A friend had given me a Kenny Smith40, and I really liked that one, but it was a little small. I went back and forth with Matthew in a couple of emails, and based on his information, decided to get a SR40 rb, and it's perfect. I use it for playing mandolin, and it has a round bevel, which I found can speed up my playing. It's clear and projects very well, and the material is amazingly non-slip and will probably never wear out in my lifetime. And the customer service is excellent as well. Definitely worth the cost.

[@Alex.Pickhard]

@@randyjohnson9507 that’s great! Yes honestly, that’s what I’ve noticed is Matthew is truly the heart of the company and wants his customers to be happy. Can’t ask for more than that!

[@SamVecchio]

What a humble guy. I just ordered a TD60. Thanks for sharing this. I’ve been thinking about getting one of these for years. This made me pull the trigger

[@Alex.Pickhard]

Oh that’s awesome! Let me know how the TAD 60 treats you :) I’m glad you got some useful information from this interview!💯🤟 Thanks for watching🎸

[@larryweathermon2906]

I started with the 60 TAD ,now I play the 50, but I want to try the40 and I haven't seen any wear.

[@Alex.Pickhard]

Yea it would be interesting to play the thinner 40 for sure! I like the TP48. Do you find much difference between the 50 and 60?

[@larryweathermon2906]

@@Alex.Pickhard My brother liked the 60 better, I don't find much difference, but I am trying to learn to play softer and the 60 is alittle louder than the 50. just turned 78 today, and tonight and every friday and saterday night I play for two hours at the Tucson swap meet. I play cover tunes so I can play original songs of which I have been blessed to rite 20.

[@Alex.Pickhard]

@@larryweathermon2906 that makes lots of sense the 60 would be quite a bit louder. Very cool that you are still playing! When I get to that age, I hope I am still playing :) I found it took me a little bit of time, but I have been able to get the TP48 to sound quite soft when strumming!

[@thecappy]

I recently lost mine and I’m devastated.

[@Alex.Pickhard]

Yea that is really unfortunate.😓 did you order another one? Which one were you playing?

[@thecappy]

@@Alex.Pickhard I play electric. I lost the TD35 but, I ordered the IBJ55. Love the new one, maybe I’ll reorder a TD again.

[@Mhammer1943]

The first Blue Chip Pick I saw was being sold at a small table at a festival in Dumpling Valley near Sevierville, TN 15 or 16 years ago. They explained how they were made and where the material came from, and how expensive it was then. Mr. Goins was probably the fella demonstrating the things, and I immediately recognized that this pick was something special, even though I did not have a guitar in my hands to try it out. I am not a professional player by any means, but I have acquired a few nice instruments over the years. My main guitar is a 2005 Martin D-42, and I had been using Red Bear Picks at that time. I still alternate between the Blue Chip and a couple of Red Bears, but the Blue Chip is great. After all this time, there is absolutely no wear nor even any scuffing. If you have not tried one, by all means do not wait any longer. The TAD 50 is my favorite. I also have a 40, but the 50 hits the spot!

[@Alex.Pickhard]

Wow! That’s wild you bought it that long ago and it is still holding up! I think I need to try out to see how a 50 handles. I use a TP48, so it can’t be that much thicker! I would be interested in trying out a Red Bear pick! Thanks for the comment and insight! It’s appreciated🤟💯🎸

[@JoshFarley1989]

Can’t beat blue chip picks! I have several of them and used the TP for a long time but the TPR50 is my favorite it is so smooth and has a full warm sound. Going from a sharp to round point was honestly easier than I thought it would be and I now prefer the rounder feel the way it glides over the strings

[@Alex.Pickhard]

I appreciate that input. I was curious about going the difference from going from a sharp point to a round point! I may have to try the TRP50! Thanks for the comment🎸🤟

[@larryweathermon2906]

Started ib11th grade for one year. Started seriously in 76, played accross the country for a year with a guy who had no legs, no left arm, and no baby finger on his right hand. He put the head of the guitar to his right and with his pointing finger he plucked the strings and with his middle finger and his ring finger he played notes. I played with an agent for a . Then I went to Dublin for a few years and played with an agent for a few more years. Then I went to Nashville and guit for 18 yrs. Now I'm back in Tucson and I have been playing for 8 years.

[@Alex.Pickhard]

@@larryweathermon2906 wow! That’s pretty cool that you got to play all over the place 🤟🎸

[@ranren]

I bought one from Goins when he first started selling them out of his RV at BG festivals. I was a tortoise only guy, but knew right away these picks were going to take off. First one I got was a TP 50 and I STILL have and use it. Since then I’ve bought three TP 48s because I now own 4 guitars and want a pick to stay in the necks of each. These wonderful things last forever and I think losing them is the only way you’ll ever need to replace it. For folks like me who can keep track of em Goins might’ve made em too good for his own good! They do wear down, but not much, and wear down evenly and smoothly. I’m a BC fan boy for life.

[@Alex.Pickhard]

That’s awesome. Thanks for the comment. I too use the TP 48. I quite like it. I have a buddy who plays every day and he had his 3 years before needing to replace it! Very worth it in my books. I lose picks often, but I have managed to not lose my Blue Chip because I always keep track of it 🤣

[@codylogan1]

Great interview thanks!!

[@Alex.Pickhard]

Thanks for the comment! I really appreciate it!

[@bobsmith-ji2uh]

These picks are great. I was skeptical about a $35 pick and find there’s a lot of snake oil when it comes to gear but these things do deliver. Also I think Billy strings said he uses the TP48 because Bryan Sutton does.

[@Alex.Pickhard]

I didn’t realize that is why he uses the TP 48. I bought the TP 48 after I saw a rig rundown with Billy and saw that he used that one :P

[@bobsmith-ji2uh]

@@Alex.Pickhard I think maybe it was made in that thickness for Bryan Sutton. Not sure, but it seems like it’s the only pick they offer in that very specific thinkness. Anyway good interview and enjoyed the one with Marcel as well. Goood luck with your channel.

[@Alex.Pickhard]

@@bobsmith-ji2uhhey, sorry I missed this reply! Really appreciate the support and wishes.🤟🎸

[@AP-ui7oi]

The TD 35 is the only pick I use.

[@Alex.Pickhard]

That’s awesome! Have you tried any others? How do you find the thickness of the 35?

[@mikedr1549]

TD 35 user here too - it's my main workhorse.

[@larryweathermon2906]

Any time you get tired of playing, just learn a new song. Have you learned the circle of fifths yet? I wish I new that when I first started wrighting my own songs. How many songs do you know all the way through? How long have you been playing?

[@Alex.Pickhard]

Never learnt the circle of fifths. Definitely something I need to do. I know a lot of songs all the way through. Wouldn’t be able to count haha I’ve been playing since 2008! How about you?

[@damongold]

i don’t get it, to spend $50 on a pick that you cannot test first and there are no returns?? I manufactured mixing consoles and i know CNC machining and the costs of patents (current company owns 15 international patents). at such an insane price, there needs to be a way to demo before you purchase or at least a 100 refund for return policy (the returns page does not exist on their website, hardly what you’d expect from an aerospace manufacturer) . i live 2 hours from the closest music store. this just seems like snake oil to me.

[@Alex.Pickhard]

It is definitely a big decision and I get why you might be hesitant! It’s one of those things you just need to trust the reviews. I personally haven’t been able to go back to my other picks. I really like the sound of the Bluechip compared to others. But it is quite expensive. Cost me 70$ Canadian to the door. Pretty wild stuff.

[@stephenwhite5658]

If you get one you won't regret it! There's a reason why they are so popular!!