Summary: In this episode of the podcast, I discuss how to improve or drastically change your guitar tone for 34 cents or less. Yes, I’m talking about guitar picks. How does this relate to recording? Well, using the world’s best microphone and preamp isn’t going to help you if the sound isn’t happening at the source. Skeptical? Check out the screenshots below to see just how different guitar picks can sound. For the test, I played one note, five times in a row for each pick. My goal was to get a good average response for each pick and to eliminate some discrepancies in my playing. I then used Logic’s Match EQ to “learn” the response of each pick in turn. The results confirmed what I heard and offers a nice graphic representation. All samples were recorded one after another without changing any settings. The recording chain was a Shure SM-57, API 512c and Apogee Ensemble. Listen to the podcast from more information and to hear the audio examples. Subscribe to podcast Dunlop Tortex .88 mm My old standby guitar pick – the Dunlop Tortex .88 mm. I have always struggled with a shrillness or bitey edge to my tone. No wonder. Compared to the other picks, note the almost 5 dB bump at 2k and the added bite just above 3.5k. Telefunken 2 mm My first test subject – the Telefunken 2 mm. This pick was a freebie that came with my Telefunken CU-29 mics. Note the improved low end and subdued highs. This pick didn t have enough attack for my taste. V-Pick Large Rounded 2.75 mm My new favorite guitar pick – the V-Pick Large Rounded 2.75 mm. Note the extended low end, fuller mids, and nice high end response. More tone and less annoying bite. Awesome.
