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Diplectrum

 there's not really a categories for things that you use to play instruments with, but anyway...
  (+6)
(+6) 		  [vote for,
against]

a guitar pick isn't really so much what comes into contact with the strings as it is grip. anything left over is just for structural integrity.

I think that picks should come to a point on both ends, in a sort of lengthwise- cross-section-of-a-lemon-shape. that way, it saves on plastic (because two picks only need one gripping space), if it wears down, you can just turn it around, you can carry more picks in less space, and you won't wear out your favourite pick as fast. plus, it has a cool scientific sounding name.

—schematics, Jul 14 2004

plectrum http://www.newstrin...hite%20plectrum.jpg
for [po] - you pluck/strum guitar strings with it [Worldgineer, Oct 05 2004]

Pick http://www.frets.co...HandViews/badup.JPG
I hold my pick like this guy, and the extra point would just stick out the end a little [schematics, Oct 05 2004]

(??) I try to use my pick like this guy! http://www.wonkalan...20Satriani%2002.jpg
..and he should know! [gnomethang, Oct 05 2004]

The electric drillery of Pablo Gilberto http://www.xtrememu.../techniques/30.html
[angel, Oct 05 2004, last modified Oct 21 2004]

Sharkfin picks http://www.jhs.co.uk/sharkfin.html
my personal favourites [kmlabs, Jan 12 2005]

patent US 7238869 http://www.google.c...nts?id=1HWAAAAAEBAJ
Multi-function plectrum. This halfbakery post is cited in the patent [xaviergisz, May 22 2008]


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Annotation:







       picky - I don't understand.
—po, Jul 14 2004
   

       it's a pick. but with two points. on opposite ends. as opposed to the traditional singular point.
—schematics, Jul 14 2004
   

       Back in my wee years, I thought I could teach myself how to play guitar. I had a pick that was more or less triangular and so had three points. It also had a flat, circular cork grip (looked like the cork version of those stick-on hole reinforcements used on paper) glued to it. "Triangular-ish pick thingy" doesn't sound so scientific though.
—half, Jul 14 2004
   

       I had a three pointed one once too. it was really awkward. partially because the structural demands of the three points seemed to demand that it be the size of a pizza slice.
—schematics, Jul 14 2004
   

       can't see what the problem is really - must get in touch with drummer /Status Quo <name dropper> he owes me a lunch...   

       I know what a plectrum is, world! ;)   

       like a double ended tooth pick. ok! +1
—po, Jul 14 2004
   

       alright, one objection... I play with picks, or plectrums, or whatever the f*** they're called. I like the shape, there's no better shape. The finger curls around the back of the pick in just a way, that your given this force back against the pic, keeping it from sliding back towards your palm after a few strums. With the diplectrum, you'll be stripped of this tiny little facet. ultimately, the pick is not playable, at least if your playing for real. I mean, you could screw around with a diplectrum, but its not going to give the feel that true playing deserves... Its like, a good golfer uses the most comfortable club he can find. And a good guitar player is going to use the most comfortable picks he can find. this is why those damn picks that wrap around your thumb, though necessary for banjo, aren't used much for guitar. because they arent comforable when you strum... you need a plectrum, dammit. Bone.
—daseva, Jul 14 2004
   

       I made a prototype with tape and two picks once. It was comfortable enough, although I might just hold the pick different than you (link). the tape broke, incidently.
—schematics, Jul 14 2004
   

       True, I've seen some pretty strange ways to hold a pick... back to neutral...
—daseva, Jul 14 2004
   

       Wait a second. You hold your pick such that the tip does not strum the strings, only the side? Then you're in luck - it has two sides already.
—Worldgineer, Jul 14 2004
   

       I would rather not compromise a comfortable grip; picks are cheap enough. Then again, being more of the Jeff Beck tendency, I don't use them.
—angel, Jul 15 2004
   

       I thought this was going to be about a plectrum that could pick two strings at the same time.   

       Or that could pick the same string twice in the same "strum".
—philmckraken, Jul 15 2004
   

       Fingers can do both of those things.
—angel, Jul 15 2004
   

       A 12v drill with 4 pleccys can do this too, a la Paul Gilbert.
—gnomethang, Jul 15 2004
   

       what? Can you link that? that sounds either really cool or just stupid, but either way I'm curious.
—schematics, Jul 15 2004
   

       (linky)
—angel, Jul 15 2004
   

       Bless you [angel]
—gnomethang, Jul 15 2004
   

       angel? do you take this gnomethang...
—po, Jul 15 2004
   

       Sorry! - I thought that he sneezed! ;-)
—gnomethang, Jul 15 2004
   

       agree with [daseva]. the plectrum is just right, a diplectrum would be awkward to handle for anything more than simple strumming.   

       i've found that plastic milk jugs are the right thickness for cutting out my own picks, so you could make a prototype easily and let us know.
—xclamp, Jul 15 2004
   

       The problem (could just be me) is that picks get lost/borrowed/stolen long before they wear out, and having two picks combined would just mean I lost two at a go instead of one. After making them out of phone cards, plastic bottles and what-have-you, I have come to the conclusion that the solution is to buy them in bulk and leave them all over the place.
—wagster, Dec 16 2004
   

       I'm afraid it's difficult to comment on this without actually trying a diplectrum, I don't think I'd like one but you never know, if might be comfy. More of a finger man myself though.
—neilp, Dec 16 2004
   

       I'm surprised no-one's mentioned Sharkfin picks yet. They have a variety of different points, and edges, all of which can be used.   

       Not only that, they're comfortable to hold - I try not to use anything else! (Although I find them best with the printed side facing the floor).   

       I'll try and find a link...
—kmlabs, Jan 12 2005
   

       I used a quarter a couple of times when I wanted to use a pick (I usually don't) and couldn't find one. It makes an interesting sound, but probably decreases the string life substantially.
—Zimmy, Aug 26 2005
   

       Similarly, Brian May uses an old sixpenny piece; if you expect to change strings every gig (which I always did when I was gigging), string life is hardly an issue.
—angel, Aug 26 2005
   


 

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