Pick comparison: Tortoise Shell, BlueChip, and Dunlop

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Here is a pick comparison of Tortoise Shell, BlueChip, and Dunlop Picks.

[@YouTubeHandlesAreMoronic]

Without talking breaks: Tortoise 4:45, Blue Chip 5:43, Dunlop 6:15 If you quickly cycle back and forth through those time stamps, listening to different specific notes each time, you'll pick out very subtle differences between them. At first, it seems that the Tortoise is the warmest sounding, followed by the Blue Chip. But, it's not that they have additional bass or midrange, it's that they damp more of the highs. Specifically, there is more high-frequency "sparkle" (or maybe "fizz" or "sizzle"...) as you move from the Tortoise to the Blue Chip and then the Dunlop. Pick noise (the non-musical clatter of the pick against the strings) becomes more evident, too. I haven't ever used real shell, but I have extensive experience with Blue Chip and Dunlop Ultex. Given that tortoise is a softer material, the sounds I'm hearing in this video are exactly what I would expect, and the variation from the Blue chip and Ultex is very similar to what I hear with softer grades of Celluloid, like that used by Fender and Galli. No wonder Celluloid is still so pupular!

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

@@KZbinHandlesAreMoronic those are some very great observations in my opinion. I think we are overdue and should probably do another one of these, and perhaps try a Dunlop Primetone in the mix.

[@TheChadPad]

4:39 vs 5:40 vs 6:09 for a quick comparison Tort Blue Dun

[@raymondeaton5692]

I've got all three and I prefer the Dunlop. Tortoise can be inconsistent. Dunlop Ultex (1.14mm) can be shaped and smoothed equal to tortoise and the tone is great to my ears. .50 vs $35 and up!

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

Very very excellent points sir! You are right about tortoise, for seemingly no reason at all it can start chipping, and all of a sudden you are back spending one hour with a file and sandpaper again LOL. Nothing bad about Dunlop.

[@raymondeaton5692]

@@ShawnBrockMusic You are a great player and you make great videos.

[@ellenrik]

I use the same Ultex 1.14 for both guitar and mandolin. Great sounding and long lasting.

[@jamesdalton7850]

I was lucky enough to be given an old turtle shell that was well over 90 years old and i made 6 picks from it. The sound is definitely different to plastic, but the cost and legal hoops are nuts! I do love how my shell picks play, but they do wear down fast. Great video mate. Very good comparison.

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

You are right about that; they will start to lose an edge pretty quick. I love them a lot though. Thank you very much for watching.

[@stephenpepper1790]

Consistency is the name of the game. I used to use V-picks, and they are awesome, but they wore out after about a year. I started using BC because they dont wear out nearly as easy. I recently tried Wegen picks and they have a great feel and sound as well. My main gripe about BC is that they dont make the shape that feels most natural to me, but like I said, consistency is key, so I can adjust if given enough time.

[@billdedrick1914]

TS is more articulate and fuller/richer sounding than the BC and Dunlop.. The Dunlop sounds the thinnest. Very good comparison demo

[@gimpyjwilliams]

i think the TS and the Ultex sound pretty close

[@SharpEdgeStandardOfficial]

Don’t confuse bright for thin, big difference. Ultex is brighter not thinner

[@billdedrick1914]

@@SharpEdgeStandardOfficial I have to disagree..I have Ultex 1mm and 1.14 mm and it does sound thinner than same thickness TS or same thickness BC both of which I have and have played back to back..The lows, mids and highs from the Ultex sounds thinner than the others with less body , depth and fullness..

[@jelly12329]

Nice video! You reviewed 3 picks I like to use. I love the Dunlop Ultex 1.14 large triangle on guitar , It cuts through the mix in my Cajun band and never gets in the way of a string bass.I buy a pile of them because you can loose them or pass them around when someone needs a pick I have a BlueChipTAD50, I've had it for many years but it's dirt coloured, let's face it, doomed to be lost so it rarely leaves the house. I left it on a window ledge in a bar and I had to pry it back from the sound man after repeated attempts. Great sounding on mandolin, a bit mushy on my D-28 especially when the strings are dead. I have a tortoiseshell pick ,a friend made several from a tortoise shell we found on the beach in Mexico many years ago, sounds great, somewhere between the Ultex and the BlueChip. The one I use most on mandolin is the Dunlop Prime Tone, 1. 14 or something like that. A great pick on mandolin or guitar. Prime Tone is the poor person's BlueChip in MHO. Wegen feels nice but also I find it mushy sounding. My partner loves the Wegen on the Gypsy Jazz guitar.

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

Just goes to show, we like everything don’t we? Lol! Collecting picks has been a 32 year habit that I don’t seem to want to break lol. I sure appreciate you watching, and passing on your insight!

[@stevebrennecke2285]

Had the same blue chip since 2006

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

That’s what I’m saying, where do these people get off saying they wear out in a year? Must be playing brick walls or something. 😂

[@billdedrick1914]

BC TP45 is obtainable from BC, by ordering a TP50 and specifying "Make as a TP45" in the special order comment box when ordering.

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

Hi Bill, thank you so much for this info! I got the BC TP-45 at SPBGMA one year, and have been looking for another, and couldn't find them to save my life... Now I know what to do, and I am thankful to you for sharing this info with us! That made my day! You rock Sir!

[@billdedrick1914]

@@ShawnBrockMusic Thank you Shawn You inspired me with your 1mm (.040") TS tone and articulation..I have a .042" and .043" TS triangle and was never really impressed by the tone/volume...I just finished increasing the speed bevels (wider and slightly deeper) and wow they are killer sounding picks now exceeding all my BC picks...extremely articulate-clear/balanced and very loud..thank you for the inspiration..Really like your playing style also...great bluegrass player with great tone.

[@robmiller3464]

Hi Shawn, great video and was curious if you could tell me where I might buy a tortoise pick. I own 2 blue chips and an ultex. The blue chip is just a bit too warm. The ultex is nice, but I’d like to buy a tortoise pick. Thanks Shawn, always enjoy your videos.

[@blairswanson44]

Thanks for the fine video Shawn. Love me some BlueChip TAD 50. The tort pick relative to the BC pick kind of resembles the comparison of Phosphor bronze vs nickel bronze strings, (the nickel being a bit warmer with less overtone quality to it). I like the fundamental focused note clarity of the BC & nickel bronze myself. I'm really interested to hear what that expensive capo is that you mentioned. It's something else that can make a huge impact on playing & comfort IMO. Thanks.

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

The capo I was referring to is the Eliot Elite. Funny that you should mention this, as I thought about doing a video with a few different capos, and attempting to demonstrate exactly what you are speaking of here.

[@blairswanson44]

@@ShawnBrockMusic I'd enjoy that. That's a great looking capo Shawn. Did some reading on it. I have a Scubb C1 which is very nice but the Scubb F1 seems more convenient for hanging on the headstock much the same as your Eliot Elite. Look forward to a video from you on it. You do a good job of assessment bubba! Be well & stay safe my friend.

[@astaschak]

I've used the ultex a bit, I like it for certain things, I normally use tortex jazz III on electric, I've been wanting to get an acoustic and completely change my style though. I think the blue chip sounds the best to me, the tortoise is a much better sounding ultex. Idk if I'm ready to drop more than a few bucks on a pick yet though. I would like to try real tortoise shell though. For convenience I'll stick with my Dunlap picks though. Boutique picks are just so neat to me though.

[@kentowens2179]

Nice comparison, the guitar sounds great with all of 'em, but the tortoise sounds a bit warmer, fuller, and it's got the tone. But, all sound pretty good. I prefer thicker picks myself.

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

I appreciate you watching brother, and agree with you wholeheartedly. As far as thickness, I tend to have some variation, depending on the styles I am playing. You bring up a very important point though, so many people get caught up and wanting to play with a certain thickness, because someone else does, but I believe a persons body structure helps determine the suitable pick thickness. Also, the amount of power someone uses in the right hand makes a big difference as well.

[@jaguarsunburst1570]

Great Video, Thankyou 🎸

[@TheGearPeddler]

Tortoise sounds best to my ears. Great tone on all 3🍻

[@markwillie]

I've been using Clayton Utem Standard picks for over twenty five years. Pretty close to Tortoise Shell (IMO). .94 are bright for flat pickin' and 1.07 for a warmer tone. Good feel, sticks to your fingers. $6 - $7 for pkg of 12. Thanks for the video!

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

Yes sir, they are very hard to beat. For some reason I have trouble finding them these days without ordering them. When I lived in Nashville, they were a common item. I appreciate you taking the time to watch.

[@markwillie]

@@ShawnBrockMusic I have to order them as well. No one sells them in my area either. Interestingly enough, as good as these picks are, I have yet to meet another picker who has even heard of them. Thanks for sharing your musical gift... I love to listen to you play. Be blessed!

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

@@markwillie been there used to be a ton of guys around Nashville that used them exclusively, but it is interesting that people out and about don’t really know about them. I sure appreciate your kind words, and you watching. God bless you brother.

[@752brickie]

My good friend sent me a bluechip and it truly is amazing. I also have a heavy Luxe pick by C F Martin and it is also a great pick. Most the time I use Black Mountain Thumb picks because I am more of a fingerstyle guitar player " probably does not sound like any fingerstyle playing anyone has ever heard "?

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

That’s really awesome; usually when my friends send something, that’s something no one would want lol. I also just did a video the other day on Apollo, Bluechip and tortoise. Apollo is another up and coming boutique pick maker like Bluechip Guitar Pick Shootout, Apollo, Bluechip, & Tortoiseshell 🥇🧪🥊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5ClY6qrjqqDrrs

[@752brickie]

@@ShawnBrockMusic Thank you Shawn for the intel on the Apollo Picks ! I will give them a look. I have also been looking at the Tone Slab Picks too. Thank you for your wonderful playing and information which is invaluable to each and every serious guitar player ! Thank you again my dear Brother !

[@Kmn55650]

I have a lot of old picks from the 70' and 80's when I used to gig - mostly Ernie Ball Heavy's. I'd buy them in gross packs. They sound a lot different to me than lets say a Dunlop Gator pick, which I recently bought a pack of. The old EB's are brighter and livelier sounding. Don't know if they're just plastic or tortoise. Probably plastic I'd guess. All the picks, old and new are heavy gauge. I've had some other newer picks that I've tried and they all consistently sound more "muted" to me. The attack's are not as crisp and the overall sound is not as lively. I should add that that is for acoustic guitar. I notice no discernible difference any on my electrics.

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

I have noticed something similar myself. It seems like plastic picks were harder 30 years ago, brighter and lasted a little longer.

[@RedLittleBee]

Hi Shawn. Thank you kindly. Very informative comparison! ❤

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

Always glad to do it, I appreciate you watching!

[@samstainer7455]

great video, if you had just played all three without saying what they were I doubt it if anyone would know the difference.

[@Robowx]

I’m playing over 40 years and used all kinds of picks. It in 2005. I stumbled upon the D’Andrea Pro Plecs 351 in 1.5 mm. I’ve been using them ever since!

[@ACOUSTIC_4LOVE]

I bought 6 Blue chips couple years ago. Triangle 60,55,50,40. And couple small triangle for Jazz /electric. They’ll last forever- don’t think I’ll ever wear one out. -Real Tortoise is best-but tuff to obtain. It’s amazing just the difference from pick to pick. Yesterday I was experimenting with 4 different Blue chip picks- and just bumping down from a 60 mil to 55 to 45. And 40 mil Theres tonal variations. Thick triangular Wegan’s are pretty decent- if your playing a guitar that lacks a bright punch Wegan’ is good choice. Good Vid Bro👍

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

LOL man, I am going to tell you something, and I hope it doesn’t complicate your life or make you hate me, but did you know that BC will make other thicknesses that they don’t advertise? For example, you could get a TP 41, 42 and so on. I have a difficult time deciding between a 40 and 45, and our friend Bill provided this tidbit of information, which has led to me making further purchases LOL. I appreciate you watching man!

[@ACOUSTIC_4LOVE]

@@ShawnBrockMusic Very cool. BC is a great company. I did read a while back where someone mentioned on a blog that BC does custom orders👍

[@cheese5666]

very informative thank you, always wanted to try tortoise

[@justinpaquette224]

I actually prefer blue chips for electric, because it helps smooth out spikey treble a little and they are super fast. But for acoustic I prefer ultex because I feel like they cut a little better

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

Brother, there’s nothing in the world wrong with those choices! Stick around, we are going to be doing some more pick comparisons; I have some new casein on the way.

[@Guitarwizzard1833]

Hands down…Tortoise Shell.

[@steveblanchard2712]

Tortoise has the edge in brightness. All have good qualities. It's also the driver. Fine tone with all of them.

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

Thank you very much Steve! Yeah, tortoise is excellent stuff when one can find it. Lol.

[@steveblanchard2712]

@@ShawnBrockMusic I have a very dependable source if you are interested...PM me.

[@SharpEdgeStandardOfficial]

Dunlop Ultex 1.0 are the best picks period! Perfect for dreadnought guitars the Ultex pics have the perfect about of crisp brightness to help large bodied guitars punch through better. Folks in bluegrass always sound muffled to me when playing live

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

There has become an unfortunate trend among some bluegrass guitar players, where the thickest and fattest picks are being used. While I respect everyone’s taste in tone, it is becoming a mud fest, and yes, such dark sounding picks sure don’t help one cut through, and have never added tone to rhythm, which is 95 percent of the job of a BG guitar player. Most have forgotten this, and stay overly focused on that muddy lead ride. No one will hear anyway lol.

[@SharpEdgeStandardOfficial]

@@ShawnBrockMusic lol agreed

[@luvbgrass]

As always, love your videos Shawn. I have spent way to much money in BlueChips, lol. Honestly that is the pick I play the most. Usually a TP1R50. I have different sizes and thickness. Primetone makes a decent pick for a cheaper pick. I have a TS pick a guy gave me I just haven't played it lately. Guess now Ill have to try it again, lol. I have an Elliott Elite also. Spent to much money in instruments and picks, and such over the years. I have been blessed. How do you polish your TS pick. I really don't know what your supposed to use on them. Thanks, EE.

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

There has to be more money in the pick Business than there is in the guitar business LOL! I generally use a range of fingernail files to reshape TS, starting with 250 grit, 500 grit, and all the way down to the 1000 grit, between grits, I will run water over it, and I finish up polishing with jewelers rouge or a buffing compound. It is such a interesting material to mess with, because the different colors give a slightly different sound, and also a different longevity for wear. I really hope I find something I like as good, because if I live long enough, I will run out of the ones I have made, and this will leave me looking for antique items that I can cut down and make more picks from. :)

[@luvbgrass]

@@ShawnBrockMusic Thanks for the reply Shawn. I play banjo in the gospel group I am in. Its my main instrument I guess Id say. I don't wear my guitar picks a lot,(not a super picker like you, lol) and I'm referring to the Bluechips. But I have a Bluechip thumb pick that I do wear off a bit on the end. It takes a while to wear it off. I usually touch it up with a small file and end up going through different grits of those fret erasers that I bought from Stewmac. it works out pretty good. As a matter of fact i need to touch it up again now. I didn't get a chance today but I'm gonna break out my TS and give it a go again. Thanks for the videos, I enjoy them. Some awesome guitars on there. God Bless, EE.

[@michaelwebster8389]

I'm a bit stuck on the fake tortoise shell picks, like Fender 1mm. I've tried several of the Dunlops that are made of a different type of plastic, and they just sound less bright to me. That blue chip sounded really nice, and was the closest to the tortoise shell for brightness, and possibly a little warmer as you said.

[@neoboomernostalgiacore]

This is fantastic comment for a music nerd like me.

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

Glad you enjoyed it my friend!

[@gregorywilliams3769]

Well orchestrated.

[@earlsinstrumentsandtunes9732]

First comparison Tortoise shell at 4:44, Blue chip at 5:42, Dunlop at 6:14,

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

Great idea sir! I will pin this comment, so others will know a timeline. Thank you very much!

[@earlsinstrumentsandtunes9732]

@@ShawnBrockMusic 👍👍I did that because it helps me quickly toggle back and forth and makes the difference in sound easier to determine.

[@DaVinci0963]

Thanks Shawn!

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

Thank you for watching my friend!

[@rickbreault2870]

Have tried Dunlop Prime Tone Guitar Picks ?

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

I have not, but should! I think I will place an order while it is fresh on my mind. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@deb8tn]

Nice sounding guitar. I don't recognize the brand. Did you build it?

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

Oh man, I only wish I could build something that would sound like that; it was built by Bob Altman in Georgia.

[@arctichare8185]

useful, interesting

[@Darkvibration]

5:42 Bluechip 6:14 Ultex

[@davidp158]

How well do the BlueChip picks "stick" to your fingers when playing? I find natural tortois shell adhears really well once it's warmed up, but of course, we can't use tortoise any more.

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

Man they do stick to your fingers decently, not as much as tortoise when it gets heated up, but they do stick some. 😀 shell will kind of end up warping a little and conforming to your thumb, and that is something I always liked a lot.

[@davidp158]

@@ShawnBrockMusic Thanks for the reply. I find some picks slide around a lot, and when I tried a real tortoise shell pick I was really impressed by how well it didn't. Of course, the tone of tortoise shell is Nirvana (to me, anyway), but I can't stand the sight of naked turtles. I guess it's time to cave in a try a BlueChip.

[@markelovett]

Shawn, got a couple tortoise shell picks that need the edges done right. They sound scratchy like they havent been polished right. What is the best way to form and polish the edges?

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

For something really rough, I get the general shape with 220 grit sandpaper then move to 400, 600, and finish out with 1000 grit. Then I use a buffing compound on them to finish things up. In between sanding, I also Wash them, as dust will build up in the pores and give you some trouble when it comes time to shine them up.

[@markelovett]

@@ShawnBrockMusic Thx for the tips. So far I’ve got them sanded down to a very fine smooth finish, but i havent been able to get a nice shine yet as I see on other tortoise shell finishes.

[@John-wr6yo]

You can not hide the percussive click of the tortise shell pick.

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

You sure can’t; they always have a very distinct sound.

[@anthonykelly5]

bluechip for me shawn,if only they made and sold hands.

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

LOL, I was kind of hoping for the same thing myself. I’m actually using the Bluechips A bunch these days. They will allow you to customize the thickness, and I really like this TAD made in a 42 thickness.

[@clawhammer704]

What strings r using ? Thanks. The blue chip wins out...the Dunlop is second on sound but it has pick drag on the strings that I can feel during picking but not so much during strumming....

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

Those were Elixir PB nannoweb 13-56

[@waynechurchill7212]

Bluie chip I like

[@John-wr6yo]

Ultex is great stuff.

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

Plus, you can’t beat the price on them!

[@JohnGauge790]

Dunlop Prime Tone

[@sjp7023]

I can not English. But thank you very much.

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

You are very welcome my friend! Thanks for watching my video.

[@codytyner8088]

Subed

[@johncruz9357]

Blue chip will make any shape you want….

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

I’m liking a TDR 45 pretty good. I wonder if they would make a 42?

[@johncruz9357]

@@ShawnBrockMusic I’ve sent them a pick to copy. I’ve also asked for a Jazz45 that’s not listed on the site.

[@talesbernardi4860]

I just cant stand this ultex dunlop material...sounds too bright for my taste

[@gimpyjwilliams]

ultex rules

[@Diego-sm9ih]

what strain did you smoke?

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

Sorry, don't partake in that, nor do I play games on youtube.

[@earlelfrink]

@@ShawnBrockMusic Great answer.

[@gettindrunker]

Tortoise shell all day and you play beautifully my brother! Thanks for the vid! Nice box also!

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

Brother I sure appreciate your kind words, and you’re taking the time to watch! I’m getting ready to do another one of these, using one of these new Martin $20 picks they are so proud of. So please subscribe and hang in there with me.

[@gettindrunker]

@@ShawnBrockMusic subscribed my friend!