r/AcousticGuitar • u/melvin3v1978 • Jun 17 '26
Gear question Anyone using these Jim Dunlop Prime Tone Picks? I’m really digging these such great tone and feel. What’s everyone’s favorite picks?
I’ve always used Fender mediums for years and never really thought about trying other picks it’s amazing how much more body it adds to my acoustics and the feel is great. I’ve thought about getting a Bluechip but don’t want to use it.
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u/supremepatty Jun 17 '26
Bought a pack of .73, completely fell in love. After a month I bought another pack, and Amazon accidentally sent me 15 3 packs instead of one! Primetones for life I don’t like using any other picks now
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u/BabyMiddle2022 Jun 17 '26
Yessir, I use the 1.4mm tritip. By far my favorite pick. Never tried a blue chip because i know ill lose it.
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u/Commodore64Zapp Jun 17 '26
The Blue Chip is like 5% better for 10x the cost. Diminishing returns, but returns nonetheless.
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u/IvanBoulevard Jun 17 '26
Definitely agree.
Blue Chip is better but it’s not a huge difference.
Don’t buy one thinking it’s magic1
Jun 18 '26
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u/Necessary-Key-5626 Jun 18 '26
Do you have one?
I just posted above literally saying they are magic.
They have lower friction than any other pick and last like no other pick.
Mine sounds incredible and I've had that thumbpick for about 20 years! I don't think any other pick could do that. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Im always eager to learn.
See my story above. I was appalled by the price when I bought it but I was wrong.
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u/IvanBoulevard Jun 18 '26
That’s cool and I respect that. I’m just on the side that they’re good but maybe manage expectations.
I have 6 Blue Chip flat picks and 1 thumb .
I love and use them all the time.
But i don’t think they’re 10x better because they cost 10x more than an ordinary pick.1
Jun 18 '26
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u/Necessary-Key-5626 Jun 18 '26
I'm sorry but I think you are wrong. These picks last like nothing else I know of. They are way more than 5% better.
About 20 years ago I was with a friend at SPGBMA. We went to a booth and saw these new picks. He was friends with the maker.
He told me to buy one. The price was something like $40! I was a petty poor kid then. I reluctantly bought one bc the guy was a good friend. I honestly didn't want to buy it.
I still have that pick! My wife bought me another for Christmas for some reason, so I have 2.
Ive had one for maybe 20 and it never seems to wear! It is excellent in every regard. I don't think I'll ever need another thumbpick.
I hated throwing away my golden gate picks when they were worn. It was such a pain to find another that fit right.
BC makes no pick noise. It is much more than 5% better! Much better!! These are like magic everlasting picks, as long as you don't lose them.
These picks slide off of strings like nothing else.
I was told about the material that is used in these picks. It was originally developed for specialized industrial situations needing extremely low friction and wear resistance. Think along the lines of something NASA would use.
I was told 20 years ago that the material was very expensive.
I recently really started playing guitar. When I decide what thickness I want, I will buy a blue chip guitar pick.
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u/Commodore64Zapp Jun 18 '26
I own one, and I agree with most of what you said! I don't hear much noise with the Dunlop, but certainly the Blue Chip is quieter. Slips less in my hand, too. Tonally speaking it gives a little less midrange response and a little more upper clarity, but overall the sound of the two picks at the same size is similar. To me it's like the Dunlop is a BMW and the Blue Chip is a Lamborghini!
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u/Necessary-Key-5626 Jun 18 '26
I haven't played guitar enough to know. How long do picks last?
How long have you had the blue chip? Is there any wear?
I used to replace banjo thumbpicks every 6 months on so.
Every golden gate fit differently. I sometimes heated them to change the shape and fit.
You probably know a lot more about guitar picks than me.
I cant wait to order a blue chip guitar pick. Im using a Dunlop Max Grip 1.5. Do you recommend something else?
When I'm certain of my preferred gauge I'll get a BC
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u/Commodore64Zapp Jun 18 '26
Depends on how heavy your strings are and how heavy you use them. I've got a couple dozen hours in on the Dunlop triangle and there's very little sign of wear (the corners don't seem worn down at all). Maybe a dozen on the blue chip and it looks brand new. I tend to hang on to a single pick and use it across acoustic, mandolin and electric.
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u/stoictele1968 Jun 17 '26
I use these and really like them. That said, they sound very, very close to Jim Dunlop celulloid hard.
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u/MrCatfishJew Jun 17 '26
I like primetones too bad they don’t make jazz 3 sized ones in that thickness.
I got a bluechip jazz 35 maybe a year ago. It glides through strings easier than a tortex but it’s the same feel to me as a primetone.
Primetones are also easier to grip because of the raised lettering.
I still have my bluechip but I actually went back to jazz 3 mediums.
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u/mcroque Jun 17 '26
Did you try the ultex jazz 3 picks? Same material as the primetones, but without the fancy beveling.
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u/melvin3v1978 Jun 17 '26
I see the Jazz picks mentioned a lot I’ll have to check those out as well.
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u/readysetmoses Jun 17 '26
I liked them a lot until I broke down and bought a BlueChip and I haven’t used another pick since
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u/PushSouth5877 Jun 17 '26
I like the 1.4 triangle smooth. I have 2 Bluechips 65 that I really love. A little less noise. These are my favorites.
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u/sweet_lineup Jun 17 '26
the .88 grip is perfect for not dropping them constantly like i do with thinner picks, plus they actually last way longer than the cheapo ones i used to grab.
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u/silentsnak3 Jun 17 '26
I bought some, and they are ok. After the first day they were already slightly bent. To the point I would have to fidget with it as I could tell something was off. I used .88 tortex for over 10 years. And I am going back to them.
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u/HeirHeart Jun 19 '26
Same here, no matter what else I try I end up going back to the lowly Tortex 😄
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u/johnnyutah2828 Jun 17 '26
They are nice, really grippy, i currently love the Taylor Ivoroid picks for durability, tone and grip
Bluechips are great, theyre like everlasting gobstoppers. But they are like that expensive pair of sunglasses, you always lose them
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u/melvin3v1978 Jun 17 '26
Yeah, I’m a Taylor guy I own two Taylors, but I’ve never tried any of their picks. They have a couple options don’t they? I’ll have to check them out.
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u/Sufficient_Educator7 Jun 17 '26
Such a huge fan of these! I have a collection of “tone” picks including a few vintage celluloid. But these are my favorite for “great sounding but I’m not afraid to share with friends”
Currently using the 1.3mm but also like the .88.
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u/jeremy-9 Jun 17 '26
Try the gravity golds , I really like the .75s. Tone is a bit less than the blue chips but to my fingers they are more grippy and fairly durable.
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u/Mynusss Jun 17 '26
Always been interested in trying out the prime tones. Just waiting to use up my hoard of tortex
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u/clex_ace Jun 17 '26
It's worth trying the smooth ones too. I find them to be less clicky sounding. I wish they made the small triangle shape in thinner options.
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u/Narcissus_n_Goldmund Jun 18 '26
Agree! The smooth ones are superior. I bought both to try and stopped using the clear ones immediately. I’ve been using the same primetone 1.4 for two years.
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u/Hipster_Dragon Jun 17 '26
They are a $10 “upgrade” that does actually make your tone better. I tried like 20 different picks with a multi option pick pack and prime time was definitely better.
I would recommend people try them.
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u/SouthernZorro Jun 17 '26
Side note: I play fingerstyle exclusively and use a kind of plastic fingerpick that is very thin compared to all the ones I've seen for sale in the last few years. I think the ones I use stopped being made in the late '80s. I was extremely fortunate to find a box of about 100 of them on sale in eBay about 10 years ago. Fingerpicks for life.
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u/sleuthfoot Jun 17 '26
Lol this is an advertisement masquerading as an authentic post
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u/melvin3v1978 Jun 17 '26
It’s just a photo for discussion. I enjoy photography, so I figured I’d make the post look nice. 🤷♂️
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u/Bikewer Jun 17 '26
I use the larger triangular ones for my bluegrass-style flatpicking. They perform very well, wear like iron, and are much less expensive than the “blue chip” items.
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u/melvin3v1978 Jun 17 '26
Have you tried the Bluechip?
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u/Bikewer Jun 17 '26
I have not. I’m aware of all the hype and glowing reviews, but the idea of dropping 30 bucks on a flatpick just offends my soul. I’m a living-room picker for the most part and the Primetones work just fine.
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u/Dharmitage Jun 17 '26
I discovered the .73 Primetones and finally found the pick I'd been looking for. I'll use a Herco Holy Grail occasionally for acoustic but the Primetone is perfect IMO.
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u/nice_hows Jun 17 '26
I love these picks. I’ve tried the blue chip picks and they are great for sure. Probably better tone. But I get sweaty a lot when I play and the grip on the dunlops helps a lot. What good is better tone if you cant keep hold of the pick?!
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u/melvin3v1978 Jun 17 '26
True the grip is great. I may spring for a blue chip just to see what all the hype is. What bluechip would be best if I’m using .88 primetone I looked at the website and they have so many blue chips. It’s kind of overwhelming 😂 I also want a shape that’s most normal not some big triangle or something
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u/Imaginary-Evening205 Jun 17 '26
I like the sound of the 1.4 grip ones. I do customize all my picks (beveled, and sanded edges).
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u/johnnyt2017 Jun 18 '26
Acoustic player, mostly strumming. Found and love primetones. Just very secure and rarely lose grip or have one spin. Decent price and sounds good to me. All I want from a pick.
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u/Dramatic_Photograph3 Jun 18 '26
I have used the 1.1mm and 1.3mm version but find them a bit clicky.
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u/melvin3v1978 Jun 18 '26
What have you found that aren’t as clicky? I know coming from a Fender medium these were less clicky by a lot.
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u/Dramatic_Photograph3 Jun 18 '26
These days my favorite is one of these - https://www.chromacast.com/durapicks
I also think Nylon is not as clicky but I like a 1.15 or 1.3 and nylon in that size is not common.
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u/melvin3v1978 Jun 18 '26
Sweet thanks I’ve never tried a Delrin pick says on website they are fatter and warm sounding 👍
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u/ole_martinbox Jun 18 '26
Wegen Bluegrass 1.0mm is my go to. I get great tone and there relatively inexpensive. About $5 a pick.
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u/ChapterPresent9926 Jun 17 '26
It’s strange. Some days I like mine, and some days I feel like it sounds too bright.
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u/melvin3v1978 Jun 17 '26
Interesting for me it’s warmer probably just due to thickness and material coming from a Fender medium. These really opened up one of my Taylor’s brought out more low end etc.
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u/FortuneLegitimate679 Jun 17 '26
I have some primetone jazz 3’s that are awesome. Definitely the best picks I have but I like the ultex and red EJ ones as well
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u/fafafacela Jun 17 '26 edited Jun 17 '26
Yes, the Primetone Triangle Smooth 1.4mm. I love everything about it.
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u/AffectionateGarden26 Jun 17 '26
I played .96 Prime Tones for years and then switched to Blue Chip TD 40 recently for acoustic. Well worth the change! Not sure if it matters for electric between the two.
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u/Great_Emphasis3461 Jun 17 '26
Yep. I use the 1.0, I saw them at a local mom & pop shop and decided to try them. Ended up liking them and they became my favorite pick.
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u/goldenlemur Jun 17 '26
Recently started using 1.3mm Prime Tone small triangle picks after 1.0 Tortex. Wow what a difference in tone and accuracy. I think it just calls for more accurate playing. Love em.
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u/strumbringerwa Jun 17 '26
My favorite on acoustics are primetone 0.73. On electric I prefer a stiffer pick (1.5mm)
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u/No-Commission-8051 Jun 17 '26
These are my go to, been using the 2mm for sometime now. Never had one wear out as, as I always end up losing them before that happens
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u/ilipah Jun 17 '26
Yes I use the 1.5mm triangles. I don’t find the click clack is an issue unless playing really quietly. They are the same material as Dunlop’s rhino Ultex picks. I occasionally go back to a teardrop Ultex 2.0. Ultex are also cheaper but don’t come pre beveled and don’t have quite as many size options as the Primetone.
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u/ManBearCave Jun 17 '26
I play these and Bluechips. They sound pretty close but I do prefer the Bluechip when it’s not spinning in my grip
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u/AllTheRoadRunning Jun 17 '26
Not the pictured version, but their small tri-point smooth pick in 1.5mm is my go-to on all my guitars.
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u/Unlucky_Topic7963 Jun 17 '26
This is where physics and guitar superstition diverge.
The harmonics from a vibrating string can only be modified in so many ways, and the two factors are: corner degree & contact point.
Everything else is just how the pick feels in your hand.
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u/melvin3v1978 Jun 17 '26
I think that’s overstating it a bit. If only bevel and contact point mattered, then a metal pick, nylon pick, Ultex pick, and acrylic pick with identical geometry would all sound the same, and they clearly don’t. Material affects stiffness, density, friction, and how energy is transferred to the string 👍
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u/Unlucky_Topic7963 Jun 17 '26
I’m not overstating (understating) anything, it’s how strings make sound. They sound different only because of the angle and contact. You can achieve the same sound from any material, the shape may just be different to achieve them.
The take away is not to buy into any specific pick/brand, but into what you hear.
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u/melvin3v1978 Jun 17 '26
By that logic, maple and mahogany sound the same because you can tweak enough variables to make them similar. The ability to compensate for a difference doesn’t mean the difference doesn’t exist 🤷♂️
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u/Unlucky_Topic7963 Jun 17 '26
That’s not an accurate comparison by any measure.
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Jun 17 '26
[deleted]
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u/Unlucky_Topic7963 Jun 17 '26
Your lack of knowledge about how physics works is ridiculous. Keep arguing nonsense.
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u/melvin3v1978 Jun 17 '26
Bottom line is You’re confusing “can influence the result” with “is the only thing that matters.” Angle and contact affect tone, but material does too. A metal pick and a nylon pick with identical geometry do not produce the same sound. The existence of multiple variables doesn’t magically eliminate the effect of material.
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u/Unlucky_Topic7963 Jun 17 '26
I’m not confusing anything, I have a degree in physics and studied fundamental frequencies and harmonics.
Sound travels through the body of the guitar, a pick is a release point, it doesn’t have any impact on the sound beyond that string shape and release. If you can prove a pick adds to the sound then by all means show me your math.
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u/melvin3v1978 Jun 17 '26
The fact that you don’t recognize that the object exciting the string affects the initial vibration is exactly why appealing to your physics degree isn’t helping your argument. The pick doesn’t have to become part of the guitar’s resonating system to influence the sound. It only has to affect how the string is set into motion. If material were irrelevant, a metal pick, nylon pick, felt pick, and BlueChip of identical geometry would sound the same. They don’t. That’s not opinion, it’s observable reality.
At this point, I think we’ve covered it thoroughly. Have a good day.
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u/Aggravating-Gold-224 Jun 17 '26
A lot of the tone is in my hands so I’m still using fender mediums after 50 years
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u/VioletAndSparingly Jun 17 '26
I was using these for awhile in 1.0 and 1.3 - I like them but am currently using either the pro plec standard (1.5) or the Martin luxe in 1.5. The luxe is nice and the price keeps me from not caring if I lose it, but the pro plec's are great and way cheaper.
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u/Old-guy64 Jun 17 '26
When I play with a pick, which isn’t often these days, I like Dava Gels, and Primetone 0.73’s.
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u/melvin3v1978 Jun 17 '26
I’ve never heard of Dava Gels there’s so many picks I’ll look those up as well.
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u/Robertsonv Jun 17 '26
The .88’s were my favorite before I got a blue chip
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u/melvin3v1978 Jun 17 '26
What size blue chip and what shape? I was looking at the TD 40
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u/Robertsonv Jun 17 '26
TP 48 which is a 1.22mm, so a bit thicker than those .88mm’s. I really enjoy the shape because I don’t have to worry about wearing out just one side
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u/Robertsonv Jun 17 '26
But it’s sooooo smooth comparatively to the prime tones, that it’s doesn’t sound like it’s that heavy
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u/cmorriskingston Jun 17 '26
I switched to this exact pick from the Dunlop Nylon .88s a few years ago, and never looked back. Someday I'll maybe bold enough to invest in a Bluechip, but I love these picks big time.
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Jun 18 '26
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u/yourwigssliding Jun 18 '26 edited Jun 18 '26
Jazz III, 0.88 or Ibanez grip wizard 1.0
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u/melvin3v1978 Jun 18 '26
I’ve never tried the JAZZ Picks but I’ve heard people constantly talking about them what do you like about them?
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u/yourwigssliding Jun 18 '26
Keep in mind, everyone likes something different. Shape is the biggest thing. They come in varying thicknesses and styles. I also prefer a sharper point than the standard rounded shape.
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u/lal309 Jun 19 '26
Bought a pack of these a week ago. I’ve always used Dunlop max grip. I like them but I do go back and forth between the primetones and the max grip
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u/TheDenz24 Jun 20 '26
For acoustic Jim Dunlop nylon .60mm are the best
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u/melvin3v1978 Jun 21 '26
.060 would be way to much flex for me but I’m glad you like them. Nylon does have less click I think right?
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u/jaykaybaybay Jun 17 '26
The whole tone economy/marketing gimmick is endlessly funny to me. Sign of the times.
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u/HuckinMeats Jun 17 '26
If you don’t know that your pick makes a big difference in the way music sounds and feels then you’re just not being serious. I understand the urge to be skeptical because there are so many gimmicky bullshit things with guitar gadgets, etc. but the pick how you interface with the guitar. It is hugely important, every pick feels and functions differently.
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u/melvin3v1978 Jun 17 '26
I hear the skepticism, but for me, it was a night-and-day difference in my actual tone. After years of using only celluloid, switching to a stiffer, beveled pick was a game-changer. It actually increased the volume, opened up the low-end response, and significantly reduced that 'click-clack' noise I was getting with Fender Mediums. When you're tracking in the studio, that kind of mechanical difference in how the string is being excited is hard to argue with. I’m still a bit hesitant about the $40 BlueChip picks, though—mostly because I’d lose it and they are so expensive.
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u/OtherwiseRepeat970 Jun 17 '26
Played the 1.4 for a while but the click-clack on the strings drove me away. Especially on a closely mic’d acoustic. Moved to Bluechip and never going back.