This is a $35 Guitar Pick... what's the difference? // Blue Chip comparison

Dunlop Jazztone 205 guitar pick - amzn.to/38SI8P8
Dunlop Tortex guitar pick - amzn.to/3aWVzil
Today I'm looking at guitar picks made by a company called Blue Chip. They've been around for a long time but recently (back in January), I had a subscriber reach out after checking out my video where I talk about and demo different type of plectrums, and he offered to send me a Blue Chip TAD50 in the mail (among with a few other picks). Thanks Chris! You can check out the video here:
• Guitar Pick Shootout -...
Keep in mind as you're watching this video that the difference in tone is very subtle and I recommend that you use headphones. It'll be more obvious in some playing samples that others. Also keep in mind that a lot of the benefit that comes with playing with a Blue Chip or other handmade pick is the feel you're getting from it. In general, it seems like the Blue Chip slides off the strings nicely and doesn't move around in my hand as much as other picks do.
#BlueChip #GuitarPick #Review
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[@jazzguitarneophyte-christo7988]

Hi Alex! Chris here! Thanks for the email! I'm not sure why I lost subscription to you, Tim Lerch and a few other cats I follow. You tube has glitches and finding that out now! I'm glad you showcased the Blue Chip! It is really different when you hear it from the hands of a skilled guitar player! I think I mentioned this wen I first emailed you about it. I liked the Blue Chip but I do not think it warranted the $35. Yes, it appears to have more presence in all the great guitars you played here when I listen to you but it is not enough to justify $35 when the others only differ slightly. I personally now use an inexpensive Dunlop Jazz III little stubby! They are as small as your 205 and slide when my hands sweat but I'm getting used to it and they sound great! Thanks again for showcasing it and I hope you liked it!

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Great to hear from you Chris, and thanks for your thoughts!

[@midiman5045]

I heard the Blue Chip is brighter to me. Not to say that is worth $35. I think the 205 is better for Jazz.That big pick can get int the way when you need speed.

[@paparuffy406]

I’m new to boutique picks but would like to give one a try. I’m new to bluegrass style on my acoustic and thinking of trying a TD or a TAD. If I’ve never used a big pick, is the TAD hard to get used to?

[@jazzguitarneophyte-christo7988]

@@paparuffy406 Not at all. It glides although I have since switched to a Jazz TAD 50 which is a big as a dunlop jazz 205 and it is amazing both for jazz and just regular music. The TAD 50 or 40 will really sound good with acoustic guitar as well. The only issue I have with Blue Chip is cost. They are pricey but man they last for a very long time especially if you are more of a hobbyist and not a career gigging guitar player.

[@paparuffy406]

JazzGuitarNeophyte thanks for the info man. Yeah I’m just a hobbyist and I guess I have no idea how much others actually play, because I play mostly every day for an hour or more sometimes a few hours if I’m lucky. I don’t wear out picks, maybe I don’t play hard? Or I switch them up enough it doesn’t matter. In any case, longevity is just a bonus. I’m after the tone and the glide through the strings I hear about. Peace to you brother. I’ll give one a try.

[@paddyc8200]

Worth every penny dude! I just received mine today and it’s amazing I love it !!

[@markuyehara7880]

Fantastic tone demo. Play variation and speed in switching are key in the best demos and you've absolutely killed it.

[@crouch0746]

Excellent multiple comparisons with the different guitars. Very helpful.

[@RequiemOfSolo]

What I got from this video: That Martin is beautiful and sounds so lush

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Kaze it is a really nice guitar. Thanks :)

[@blankblank7101]

The difference with the blue chips was very clear to me. The dunlops were dull in comparison which was a little surprising. Thanks for doing this!

[@redplanetdrifter3352]

Great shootout! I had the opportunity a couple of years ago to try a bluechip, don't remember the model, but it was similar in shape to the one you tried. I could hear slight differences, and the feel on the strings WAS noticeable, but not enough to justify the pricetag. I've been using Dunlop Ultex .60s for awhile, and more recently their Flow design .73. I would like to have a bluechip, but dang, I just can't justify the cost......and then, yeah, I lose at least 2 or 3 picks a week. Great video, though,

[@giana9261]

Love to hear you play :-) I could hear a difference between the chips. Some of the time it seemed you were more comfortable, maybe out of familiarity with the Dunlap, doing certain licks.

[@JesseDylanMusic]

Great job with this video! I was surprised how much difference I could hear. I play a blue chip for the feel. I must prefer the tone too! Pretty clear difference in the quick back to backs. Excellent comparison. Also I like your corduroy pants! My kinda feller. Nice martin too.

[@dunebillydave222]

Just watched this on a whim because I bought a Blue Chip pick a while back. Man, you're a talented (and I imagine disciplined) guitarist. Impressive how you effortlessly switched atyles. Really interesting video. I like the Blue Chip I bought, but I mostly rely on my Dunlop Tortex 1.0mm Jazz picks. I think the Blue Chip is the quietest pick I've ever played. There's almost no little chirp when the pick contacts the strings. I like it for recording miked acoustic giutar for that reason. My 2 cents.

[@stevec.1802]

Comes down to the pick you like the sound of the best, providing it suits your grip. I use a BC 40 and a few Dunlop Ultex translucent triangle picks. Very nice demo and presentation.

[@bobsmith-ji2uh]

I bought a blue chip pick just out of curiosity. I can't say its obvious that it makes your guitar sound any better. It feels pretty good and I've had it for months and it's barely worn at all. Also I haven't lost it yet because I paid $35 for it.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Thanks for your thoughts!

[@mattprobert8268]

Hi, Does it add any weird sounds to your picking? I have some V Picks which are very comfortable but make a chirping/squeaky sound. Thanks

[@Guitarmickey23]

Thank you for a video that finally gets to the point! I watched over a dozen videos on bluechip and this was by far the most helpful. That being said, damn you for tempting me to buy a $40 pick! LOL!

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Glad it was helpful! I know I tend to talk a lot sometimes. Some people appreciate it, others hate me for it lol

[@wheninroamful]

thanks for the review!!!!!!!!! Ill check out some of your vids. Commenting my thanks and cuz that's what you do to help the algo.

[@ylonmc2]

Tone is in the fingers. A single pick can have a hundred different tones depending on how hard we squeeze it, wether we pick at an angle or parallel to the string, upstrokes tend to sound better and the left hand fingers matter the most (pressing the strings with the tip of the fingers at 90 degree angle does wonders to the tone). The pick might influence a lot because it's all a matter of being comfortable while playing. I use Dava picks because the have rubber which helps with sweaty hands and because they are big which is nice for when we need to play rhythm guitar in the middle of a solo (with smaller picks i tend hit my fingers on the strings and that hurts). When it comes to tone they sound the same as all other picks I'd think. Pat Metheny plays with the back of his pick because of the round edges, I can understand how that might influence the sound but aside from that it's all the same.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Well said! I do like the Dunlop 205 but it is so round that sometimes it doesn't work well for speedpicking. Different shapes have their advantages/disadvantages and it's all about how you use them.

[@scottyvalero3691]

Cool video man. I like your playing. Of what I can tell with the flat top acoustics there’s a lot more articulation that’s discernible right away. With the PRS, you don’t really hear that articulation change as much, probably because it’s wax potted humbuckers. The blue chip is definitely my favorite though. Will definitely have to get one

[@justajay2197]

There definitely seems to be improved clarity and definition on the strikes with the Blue Chip, especially in the high end. No idea how it feels to hold, which would be another factor to consider, but not much you could do to pass that info to us. I would think if you're wanting a muddy or weak sound you would not want to use it. As with all things the ear is the deciding factor. For durability and longevity, no contest, but don't lose it. Anyway, truly appreciate the A/B (and on so many different instruments), great review and actually quite helpful to me.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Glad it was helpful! I use this pick just about every day (pretty much only for acoustic and mandolin though). I’ve lost it a few times but I always find it

[@eldirtyfaygo5395]

Heard of blue chip. They are really a high demand in the blue grass community with professionals. It definitely made the Eastman pop out when playing with the blue chip but with the Martin they all sounded immaculate.

[@craigharper3941]

Great video... The Blue Chip has a very nice top end compared to the other two. The body on the Dunlop 205 is a bit more focused in the low end but the Blue Chip has most of that body and paired with a good top end. Worth the money if you can afford it!

[@AlexPriceMusician]

I totally agree

[@SteveTemplePilot]

They really are great picks, I've been using them for years.

[@joetoe9207]

I'm confident that in a blind test, other than from knowing the sound elements of a certain pick (Blue Chip, Red Bear, Ultex, etc.) it would not be possible to reliably hear sound differences. I think the value of a Blue Chip for me is the feel. It just doesn't slip. That said, like my experience with drum sticks, I'm confident that I could get used to any kind of pick, or drum stick. Then there's finger pickers...great playing and video! Thanks for doing it!

[@BwanaTube]

Great comparison. I've been using a TAD 40 as my main pick for over a year, and I definitely "recognize" the Blue Chip sound in these comparisons. I think what this video highlights is that no one pick is the best in every situation. I love the Blue Chip, but larger triangle shape and/or smooth material might not be optimal for some material, or what makes a track pop in a mix.

[@Riffme81]

Hi. How have you found the size of the TAD? I'm trying to decide on this or the slightly smaller TP. When this guy holds the pick up it looks quite large.

[@BwanaTube]

@@Riffme81 It's the same length as a standard guitar pick, from tip to the back edge, but with a wider triangular profile. I measure 1.21" tip to back edge, and 1.27" across. That's about .25" wider than Dunlop Tortex standard shape pick I have handy.

[@BwanaTube]

I like the wider profile, even though I spent a lot of time using small Dunlop Jazz picks. I'd like to try the Blue Chip Jazz40 LG, which seems to measure very close to Dunlop Tortex TIII that I'm used to (also is the pick I measured the TAD against, not standard shape as I said).

[@onionpierogi3038]

Wow man that Eastman really sounds good. Compared to the Martin I'm not sure I'd need something that expensive. Can't wait to hear more of it. Blue Chip sounds better to, but maybe not THAT much better for $35. Thanks for the video.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

The Eastman is great for the money. One of these days I'll string them up with the same set and do a shootout.

[@mtnwest]

Not sure why a video with less than 2000 views hit my feed...but good for you! The 205 seems not as bright more suitable material for mandolin maybe. I recently bought a Martin HD-28 changed the strings to bluegrass Daddario. Not as good a fingerpicker the bluegrass strings need to be plucked with a pick to realize the great Martin sound. So pick choice is more important even dependent on string choice..Nice job on the video!

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Thank you John! The 205 is my go-to for just about everything, but after playing my acoustic in this video, I’ve switched back to either the Blue Chip or a normal tortilla chip for that guitar

[@batman48195]

Nice thorough demo. I’m an acoustic player and would have like to see some strumming though. Not just you, but many overlook the strummers who like me are beginners.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

batman48195 thanks! How about the sample I’m playing at around 4:00?

[@batman48195]

Was looking for more up stroke strumming. That’s where my pick gets hung up and digs in. Might just be my technique.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Up strokes were hard for me in the beginning! Keep at it and it will feel more natural. Your wrist should rotate as you strum up and down. Analyze what you like about your down strokes and then reverse it! Pick angle makes a big difference. Best

[@gitaar335]

Have a BC JAZZ 100 for more than 10 year never lost it. But some panic when I can’t find it or it’s not in the usual place. It improved my tone a lot (tone is not so sharp but still enough punch), although on acoustic I noticed lesser effect. The picks are smooth and still have a good grip. There is hardly any wear after 10 years. The bevel works great reduces the friction. I changed 30 years ago to small picks; the red and black JD JAZZ II, and later to Dunlop Stubby 3.0. (I still use that sometime for acoustic). A smaller pick gives me more control over tone, faster and easier playing. It takes some adjustment I guess, cause I can’t play with big picks anymore! In the end there is only a small piece of the pick that touches the string. Yes, Size does mater!!

[@jakevidovich7851]

I’d loose it in a week. Maybe if your recording and want that pic for the subtle difference but the difference probably doesn’t matter much for practice and a live rock gig when there are so many other tones crowding the sonic space.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

I can agree with that!

[@denizb.6882]

When your pick costs more than your're payed for your gigs. ;-D

[@AlexPriceMusician]

I don’t recommend playing for less than $75-$100. If you do, you’re cheating yourself and your colleagues and other working musicians. For $35, better to stay at home and enjoy your time with your family.

[@col145]

@@AlexPriceMusicianif you pay $35 for a pick you need to spend more time with your shrink 🙃

[@justinn.]

What jazz piece were you playing on the Eastman AR810CE part of the sound demo, what genre is that and if jazz, what specific jazz piece? Its really catchy and mellow

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Joe Pass’ arrangement of The Days of Wine and Roses

[@livingroompickersclub6358]

Just a couple points.Bluechip picks are marketed primarily to bluegrass flatpickers.Their primary strength is that they are engineered for speed.The thickness offers rigidity which means zero flex wich equates to speed.But its the multi-edge bevel design that makes all the difference.Also The material used to make the picks releases microscopic traces of oil as the pick is used which also helps with speed-yet the pick does'nt slide around in your fingers.I bought one a couple years ago-Im a believer.Oh,And they last for years..not just months.

[@scottsmith4145]

How long they last is to totally dependent on how hard you pick and how many hours,, what lasts you a year may only last another 6 months.

[@jlange6171]

I've played the same Blue Chip TP 40 for over a year and haven't even had to turn it yet. I was using Wegens before that so I was accustomed to not treating my picks like trash. When you spend more on it, you'll tend to not lose it. When it comes to flatpicking, I really think this is hands down the best pick on the market. The added comfort and tone is worth every penny. There's a reason all the top flatpickers use these. Probably not necessary for beginners, but experienced players will notice a big difference. I don't remember who exactly said it (maybe Banjo Ben?), but I like the analogy of a race car when it comes to strings [and picks]. You're not gonna buy the most expensive Ferrari or whatever then just throw some cheap tires on there.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Thanks for your thoughts James!

[@jimjiminy76]

IMO, Blue Chip picks are definitely worth $35. They improve not only your sound, but also consistency of tone, ease of picking, and feel. It's not just a sound difference.

[@Poolproaz]

I am reminded of a quote from a published “Lady of the Evening”. (paraphrased): “The only reason there are $1000 hookers, is because there are $1000 johns.”

[@davidwoods358]

Cool pick and the tone is really nice, but, I don't know if I could spend the money on (one.) I did order a hand made $16.00 dollar pick from a company called Zenfire. It's the best I have tried to date. I'm actually placing another order.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Thanks for the recommendation! I’ll check it out

[@GUITARISTED]

I lost mine and am buying another. Loved it.

[@ant1sokolow]

A bit more volume sometimes with the BC. The shape and size is very different, and may account for a different picking action...

[@AlexPriceMusician]

ant Sor thanks for your thoughts!

[@ioodyssey3740]

I like my blue chip best of all my picks. My wegens are 2nd. So glad I finally bought one. If I lose it I will gladly buy many more. Feels great. Sounds great. Plays great. If you prefer an inexpensive pick, I am happy for you. It's all good.

[@Formisdestiny]

Great playing and comparison I prefer the blue chip on all of your instruments although with the PRS it was a little less noticeable. I just started using the CT 55 just getting used to it but I think I’m gonna like it.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Thanks for your thoughts!

[@jdl2180]

I bought two blue chips just out of curiosity and I do like them. I think the thumb pick is actually worth the money. The flat pick is not much better than a dunlop.

[@garagegunguy5089]

My dad owned a music store in the mid 60’s to 70’s and was a Martin dealer. My dad gave me some stuff before he died he thought I might like being a bluegrass player. I received a box of Martin branded heavy tortoise shell picks of which I’m still playing on and have some left. Will these picks make me give up my real ts pics on my D41? Or is this what they are trying to replicate?

[@ButtonHasher]

What's the song when you switch to the eastman at 6:45? Sounds nice.

[@rpgaleksy]

Nice comparison! To my ears, the Blue Chip gave the acoustics more life by adding more emphasis on the top harmonics and the slightest bit more attack. On the electric, I couldn't hear much of a difference except for a bit more top-end which is probably barely noticeable in a blind-test. Still inclined to try the Blue Chip out someday :)

[@AlexPriceMusician]

rpg aleksy thanks for your thoughts! I agree with everything you’ve said

[@Halliday7895]

I thought blue chip lacked range on the HD 28. I also play the hd28 . have for 8 years

[@randallrussel9358]

I got a couple of Martin's that I play on I never play my Les Paul anymore I have come to the discovery that blue-chip is really a great pic but it's expensive the Dunlop primetone however while inexpensive pick is nothing like a blue chip by way of price and it's to me it sounds as good feels is good and will probably last as long so I would recommend Jim Dunlop primetone

[@TheBenb1999]

The feel difference is just as important, those Dunlop picks are like picking with an wet ice cube for me, so hard to grip it’s distracting. Celluloid and whatever Blue Chip picks are made of stick to my fingers so I can relax.

[@xderiwx]

Hey, since posting this, can you comment on if it holds up well to pick scrapes? I know the material is said to last a long time with normal playing, but just curious how it holds up to something like pick scrapes, where most other picks/materials would immediately get a groove worn in them. Thanks!

[@AlexPriceMusician]

I don’t think I’ve ever done a pick scrape with this. It’s just not really my wheelhouse, sorry I can’t comment. Since filming this video the pick really still hasn’t shown any signs of wear at all. It’s pretty impressive.

[@hal1958]

Do you use the rounded bevel or the speed bevel? Great video btw

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Rounded. Thank you!

[@hal1958]

@@AlexPriceMusician thank you!

[@bradsparks6008]

As a bluegrass guitarist these picks are used all over the board (billy strings is a big bluechip player)and are the go to everywhere though providing a brighter and bassier sound as shown in the video. At $35 it doesnt warrent the price tag still undecided i might order once the world crisis has disappeared Stay safe! All the best

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Thanks for your thoughts! It's hard to warrant the price tag in my opinion when other picks that sound almost just as good are much cheaper, but at the end of the day if it makes you enjoy your guitar playing just a little bit more then it is worth it. Alex

[@Jcaburianhimself]

I absolutely adore blue chips... but losing one is heartbreaking. Closest I’ve found to the blue chip feel, longevity, and consistency are the the Dunlop standard primetones. Much cheaper and they last quite a while.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Thanks for the recommendation. I hadn't heard of them until now but my curiosity just got to me. I'm having a hard time finding any dealers that sell the 1.5 small triangle smooth pick

[@isadorealire5722]

More snap in the Blue Chip. Side by side, you could hear the other picks drag across the strings.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Yes I agree. The Blue Chip is very clean with not much noise. If I were recording a solo acoustic track, I’d go for the Blue Chip.

[@alfrede.neuman8898]

Steve Kaufman Says That Blue Chip Picks Are Really Easy To Hold On To And With The Speed Bevel They Are Really Good For Flatpicking. He Doesn't Endorse Them Or Any Other Products Though.

[@jwhmusic1]

I use Dunlop 205's exclusively as well - they're also known as "Stubby's", and the regular Jazz III's are called "Stiffy's" - honestly, listening to your demo, I still think the 205 is the best pick. Unfortunately, they don't make the Stubby's anymore, so I bought the last bag from my local Guitar Center a while back - enough to last the rest of my playing days. But thanks for the demo - I'm sure those Blue Chip picks are nice for those guys who need a $35 pick,.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Thanks for commenting Jeff. I have a couple Dunlop picks that actually say stubby on them, but they're not the 205. These are a harder, semi-clear plastic.

[@jwhmusic1]

I see those Stubby's. Looking on the Dunlop web page, the Jazz II and II's are "Stiffo's". The Stubby's are the clear monsters. Live and learn. The 205 is still the best pick IMHO.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

I have to agree. From hard rock to jazz and pop music, I can do it all with the 205. It’s nice when you find the perfect pick. It almost becomes a piece of the guitar. I don’t even think about it anymore.

[@davidp158]

Do Blue Chip picks stick to your fingers? I find some pick materials harder to hold than others. Some feel slippery, unlike a real tortoise shell pick that sticks to your fingers as they warm up. BTW, I’ve tried a few picks with textured “grip” surfaces, and dislike that feel altogether.

[@eduardoramirez6877]

Feels like any other pick. I do have the same pick - TAD50. And now the cost is $ 45.00.

[@georgevolk9269]

As For me the sound of the dunlop tortex or the 205 more mellow not as harsh kinda Like a martin smooth and mellow vs gibson harsh had loud

[@pablokagioglu2546]

Like your channel, subscribed recently I know this is way after the fact, but this is kind of a bogus question. Soundwise, the Dunlop 205 sounded a little “pointier” to me, but ultimately the guitar will be compressed and/or EQ’d, what it “sounds” like to over a KZbin channel is irrelevant, and certainly not enough info to chunk down $35 or more on a single pick. What really matters here is how YOU liked the way the picks played, how they glided or grabbed the strings and did you feel more “inspired” playing one of them in particular. Then is it worth paying $35+ or sticking with the cheaper ones. If could evaluate them myself BEFORE buying, then I could give an opinion and make a decision.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Couldn't agree more. It really just comes down to preference. I use the Blue Chip whenever I play mandolin or my Martin. The 205 is my everyday pick for every other purpose. Different sounds, different applications.

[@peterjosephpalmer9971]

Gonna last way longer than sixth months. I've had my SR 60 for over three years and it's still showing very little wear.

[@dividedbytimestudios]

I’m late to the comment game, but I’m on a pick search myself, again, 😂 But I do find some picks like V-picks, Gravity, and the harder materials have a glossier sound, sometimes clangy, the nylons and Tortex seem to help give more natural smoother tone, but they don’t glide as well, it’s like a give and take with each one,

[@mjolnircarlssen4211]

I’ve had mine for 3 years. Hundreds of hours of play time, still like brand new.

[@adamjosey1543]

They all sound very similar so what I get is that BlueChip sounds like Delrin and probably not worth $74 shipped to Canada for the TP60.

[@Andreorsel]

I have a TAD 40 which i used for a few years now and still no wear! Great pick and since they are so unbeleivable durable actually very cheap!

[@AlexPriceMusician]

I’ve been using the pick in this video for years. Still not much sign of use!

[@JohnnyRebKy]

I can’t spend that kind of money on a pick unless I can try them first. Where the hell do I find them to try ?? Which pick would be similar to a Martin medium pick ? I don’t like picks that feel thick as a toe nail

[@Zombie_Strings]

The real question here, is why does that Eastman PCH sound better than that HD 28? God bless....

[@guyinpajamapants6892]

Insane!!!!!!

[@denis7868]

Red Bear picks are the best. Cheers from Australia m8888.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Thanks for the recommendation Denis. I’ll check them out 🙏🏼

[@jasonmcelveen6295]

Got 1000s of picks, but over the years I only play the tortex ones. Best feel and tone.

[@joelhooker2580]

I've had my Blue Chips for years with no issues and if one breaks he will replace it. For flat top picking can't beat them.

[@rickflippin1]

How the hell can you keep up with a 75 dollar pick. Is use brass anyway thanks

[@stringst]

Keep in mind that pics can became like these, after playing with them for a long time

[@LetsArion]

A lot of people love the sound and feel of a blue chip, but from what I heard most people buy it for the durability. I know professional musicians that play hours and hours every single day and have been using the very same blue chip pick for well over a decade! My old guitar teacher has one since they started being sold. If you play that much you would wear through thick/heavy picks in under a month I guess and even faster with thinner ones. I think it's not worth it for 99% of people. For most of us a pick is a pick and we lose a bunch of them. Hard to notice much of a difference when playing, especially if you never used a blue chip for a while. If you want a similar feel and durability the primetone seems to be in the same ballpark. They sound different imo but you can get a pack of 3 for 5-10€ here.

[@no1fibersplicer525]

6 months? I’ve heard people talk years. I don’t have one but I’d love to try one just to see. For now Dunlop flow is good enough

[@AlexPriceMusician]

The Dunlop Primetone picks are fantastic as well. I just picked up a few. Should have a demo back to back with the Blue Chip out in a few days.

[@donaldjames4437]

Thinking the Martin guitar made the difference not the pick per se.

[@chrismcelrath9098]

You keep talking about "hearing of them lasting up to six months." I have some that I've been using for more like six YEARS that are still in great shape. Based on my experience, I don't think it would be unheard of for some people to get a lifetime out of a Blue Chip pick.

[@michaelfajardo7225]

For me the blue chip has a clarity and warmness. Very nice.

[@guppybill]

Six months, huh? Six months?! I play with Moshay picks since 1978. Never split, chip, crack or peel. Only problem is they're translucent. Drop one in a club, bar or stage show and it's a total loss. Still... at around $2.00 each, can't beat the value.

[@dawnkane5206]

What about billy

[@dylanbetz1620]

I purchased a Blue Chip after hearing all the hype, and I have come to a few conclusions about it. I really think that these picks shine in solo, acoustic, or small ensemble playing. It really feels like an extension of your hand, and almost disappears, which was my hope upon purchasing the pick. At times I’d be playing in a blues/funk scenario and I felt that the pick didn’t give me quite enough bite, due to how smooth the tone of the pick naturally is. Overall I love it, but there are some instances where I may reach for something a little different. Great video! I’ve been enjoying your recent videos!

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Thanks Dylan! For your compliments and experience. I can see how it might not be sharp enough for some styles.

[@kevinbrianjohnsonmusic]

I still like the Dunlop better. I use the 208 though. I love the feel of Blue chip but prefer the Dunlop's Sound. Not so much brightness

[@chalacochoro7023]

:-o $35.00 pluss. The way I lose picks, I would be $1000s in the hole in no time.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

chalaco choro I’ll be honest... I’ve lost it since making this video. I’m sure it’ll turn up but I haven’t seen it for about a month now lol.

[@ts4gv]

@@AlexPriceMusician Noooo!!

[@jimmyolsenband]

It's only worth it if it comes with an airtag..with luck I can follow it to the valley where all my picks have fled to over-the-years!

[@AlexPriceMusician]

😂 don't go there, they're planning a rebellion against us

[@johnnybx3254]

👍

[@Returnality]

I liked the Blue chip better for acoustics and 205 better for electrics

[@jameshart5302]

I Have a blue chip for my Banjo for over 10 yeas or more..It's best!!

[@rickygomez2316]

Haha you know honestly I couldn't really hear much of a difference. And for that kind of money I would definitely lose it instantly. Without a doubt lol. I still enjoyed the video!

[@rickygomez2316]

Actually the 205 does stick out as sounding a "warmer" on some samples. The Blue Chip might be somewhere in between the Tortex and 205.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

@@rickygomez2316 That's a good way to put it. A nicer top end on the Blue Chip than the Tortex and a more even response in the low end than the 205.

[@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

[@AlexPriceMusician]

I’ve lost this one a few times but I always manage to find it. A year or two ago I bought this little wooden pick case for my Blue Chips and tortoiseshells and I haven’t lost any since. amzn.to/3DH75yM

[@saoirsepaddy]

@@AlexPriceMusician I lost my B.C.P TAD 100 in my room I look high & low couldn't find it yr ago I ordered another TAD 100 ,TAD -1R 100 , BCP -CT 55 and the large box from BCP. After playing I always put it in the box. Last month I found TAD it was under the Aquarium Canister Filter

[@dasonhandjr]

I’ve heard people having these picks for 8 years or more.

[@georgelackey622]

Tried them and not a real difference to me, certainly not for the crazy price!

[@blankblank4642]

I thought rombo was pricey, just became a pick nerd.

[@coolhandluke2310]

My blue chip is the best pick I ever used.

[@ushnicyuvnikof2748]

Sounds very similar to a nylpro

[@guitarstrunged]

What's the difference? About $34.25

[@radwulfeboraci7504]

Did not hear $35 worth of difference. There was a slightly brighter sound on the acoustics with the Dunlops. The Tortex struggled on your archtop but the 205 was even with the BC. No differentiation on the electric.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Thanks for your thoughts!

[@gustavoblues]

205 all the way

[@AlexPriceMusician]

It's still my favorite too.

[@phillipb9328]

The difference is that your out 35 bucks

[@jimmycollette9209]

For $35 there should be a great difference which there's not to my ear. I'll stay with clayton's.

[@scottsmith4145]

Definitely not worth it unless you are an advanced picker then you need whatever edge to get an slight increase speed and precision. For beginners it makes no sense because the majority of improvement comes from technique from hundreds of hours of picking time not any special pick.

[@albionseed4866]

6 months? No way! It should last 10 years or more. They are worth every penny for a high end acoustic. For electric I use something else. And I've owned 10 blue chips and sold four. A pick with a resale value. 😊

[@AlexPriceMusician]

It most definitely has resale value. I found the same as you though - doesn’t make a huge difference on electric but on acoustic it did.

[@albionseed4866]

This is a long post, but maybe it will save someone a little money. I think a good casein pick has a better tone than a blue chip. But there are problems. First is consistency. Casein picks seem to vary wildly. Blue chips are consistent. Even the ones that seem to be darker or lighter sound the same. Second, casein picks have to be babied. You can't get them wet. They break. Often they have to be polished like tortoise shell or they squeak. Third is availability. Charmed Life picks simply aren't thick enough and they don't bevel. Fast turtles, well, I don't like them. In fact, they're rather slow. I refuse to buy Red Bear because I say I want this pick and they tell me what pick they have. Horse apples. So the blue chips are consistent, available, and have a great tone, albeit not the end all be all. But the blue chip plays better than any other pick I've tried. (Which is a lot.) They feel like butter across the strings. The Wegen is a great pick. Playable, fast, but tone wise just under the blue chip. For electric, my strings are 11s instead of 13s. I don't need as heavy a pick to push the strings, and I have a tone knob. I really like the tone of a pro plec. But they're slow. I tried to bevel some myself, but now I'm back to consistency issues. The fender tru shell is horrible. The ultem tortugas are better. However. I'm really digging the D'Addario radex 1.25. It sounds similar to a pro plec, kind of a round pick tone from a pointed pick. The thinner size is perfect for electric. For what it's worth... I've tried hawks, and just about every cheap material available. For now, I'm using the radex. At a $1 each, give them a try. But get at least one blue chip if your acoustic cost over a grand. $30 is not too much relative to the guitar. Thanks for indulging me. 😁

[@AlexPriceMusician]

I’ve never heard of Casein picks. Thanks for all that info. I appreciate it and might look into trying out some of your suggestions.

[@Waltriani]

@@AlexPriceMusician maybe you already know this by now, but in fact it's polymerized casein, with a cross-link agent to bond the molecule chains of casein. After polymerization it is not regular casein (milk protein) anymore. Red Bear and Hawk picks are examples of picks made with this material.

[@aum3.146]

At a certain level, the pick is a crucial part of the sound like the nut and saddle. The blue chip sounds warmer and rounder but projects less than the dunlop

[@SillyMoustache]

Alex, it is personal preference of course. The audience in unlikely to know, but the player will. But WHY do you say that a Bluechip will only last for six months? I'm sorry but that is PLAIN Wrong! They are lifetime purchases.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

I agree! I’ve had mine for years, lost it a few times but it always reveals itself when I am in need haha. My words were probably based on a forum post I came across while researching. Anyone can write those, I shouldn’t have regurgitated that info without having my own experience.

[@thebitterrootbluegrassboys7002]

Actually blue chips can last up to 10 years

[@steveb9325]

True

[@ibechuckp]

Sick video man! I'm not sure how to contact you directly but I made a new type of guitar pick that adds a lot more body to the sound and would love your feedback on it. Please let me know if you'd be interested. Thanks

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Hi - I'm always interested in that kind of gear. Love the idea of improvising on something that is otherwise a pretty standard design. Feel free to get in contact at www.alexpricemusician.com/contact

[@dawnkane5206]

It saves your finger