The CT55 is a pick custom designed by Chris Thile for his personal use. It is very similar in size and shape to our TAD line of picks. However it is only manufactured in 55/1000 of an inch(1.4mm) thickness and has a custom bevel per his specifications. This is the exact pick that Chris Thile is currently using. See his thoughts on this pick on our users page.
Quarters, Nickels and Dimes, if included in the pictures, are for size reference only. They are not etched on the picks or included with the sale. To use this reference, please place a coin on your current non-Bluechip pick and then compare to the pictures of our picks with coins on top of them. This will help you choose the pick that is closest to your current favorite size and shape.
Previous | Showing reviews 11-20 of 465 | Next
Posted by Unknown on 15th Nov 2023
The CT55 is the best mandolin pick I've ever used. Thick enough to move easily through both strings and get great tone, and precise enough (with the speed bevel) for a satisfyingly smooth tremolo. Lots of dynamic range too. Obviously I'd prefer if they were less expensive—I'd buy some backups!—but this is a great pick and a huge upgrade from my old Dunlop Primetone (1.4 mm).
I bought it to use with mandolin and guitar because I heard it was good for both. I found it clicky and dull on my guitar—lovely tone for single note runs, but it makes strumming muddy. BlueChip picks are great, but I would pick a different model for guitar. (I like the BC Jazz 40 LGs, which are like Dunlop Jazz III XLs, though I've lost mine at the moment.)
I use medium gauge strings for both guitar and mandolin.
Posted by Wacky Backy on 27th Oct 2023
She's fast and she can slam!!!
Posted by KS on 4th Oct 2023
Honestly I bought this because I was curious what could possibly be worth this amount of money. I had enjoyed the Dunlop Primetones so much I wanted to pay this $35 to prove that a $2 pick was just as good. I was so wrong! The CT55 feels like its cutting through the strings. No pick click, grips really well. It somehow simultaneously feels fat and controllable while still feeling very sharp and articulate. It is brighter than similar picks I've tried, but as I got practiced with this pick I feel like I can achieve any tone I want. I bought this for mandolin but now exclusively use it on my guitar as well.
Posted by Kevin Cunha on 18th Sep 2023
honestly the best pick i have ever used and I have tried a lot. Sticks to your fingers like a glove and sounds amazing!
Posted by Unknown on 18th Sep 2023
This is my first large mandolin pick, like my Blue-Chip guitar picks, I love it!
Posted by Unknown on 13th Sep 2023
Pick feels very good in the fingers. Just the right amount of stickiness but not to much
Posted by Dan Walker on 6th Sep 2023
It fits my hand like it was made for it. It is extremely substantial and stiff without felling thick. The speed bevel reduces the pick noise to zero. I cannot say enough good things about the CT55.
Posted by Unknown on 5th Sep 2023
The sound was warmer more full than with any other pick I have tried - I was really surprised at the difference. I ordered four more.
Posted by David on 5th Sep 2023
I know it's pricey, but it's just the best tone and comfort you can get from a pick. It's a must have for me and keeps me practicing because of the improved tone and action.
Posted by Mark P Lill on 30th Aug 2023
I have played with the guitar for many years.
I began to take lessons and my instructor mentioned the CT55.
It was a giant leap forward for me in tone and feel.
I can't use any other pick to produce my new quality of playing.
Best pick you can choose.