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.
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Posted by Tony on 2nd May 2019
Playing the mandolin I'm not the best but I'm working on it, I will tell you I never thought a pick would help or make a difference, this one just makes life a little easier.
Posted by Nick Koutsoukis on 28th Mar 2019
I currently have a TP50-1R, TP60-1R, and a CT55. I give all 3 types of picks I have now 5 stars (see those reviews if you're interested) but the CT55 wins for steel string acoustic guitar hands down. I've got a D-28 and I would have thought that the CT55 would sit in the middle, for both tone and feel, between the TP50-1R and the TP60-1R since that is where it is in terms of thickness. But surprisingly, the CT55 is the brightest sounding of the three, possibly because of the custom bevel and/or its slightly larger size. It is just BEAUTIFUL sounding and usually that kind of sound comes at the expense of a feeling of picking accuracy but the CT55 is a mysterious wonder in that regard (I know, I'm gushing). I've used the Wegen Big City 1.8 picks in the past and they feel really accurate but have a harsh sound. The CT55 feels extremely accurate and yet has the clear, ringing, beautiful sound of a pick you would think was thinner. This is bluegrass guitarist heaven if you ask me!
Posted by Andy B on 11th Mar 2019
I play two different style of music. Bluegrass flatpicking (fiddle tunes and that kind of thing) and also singer/songwriter and old time acoustic country stuff. The TAD3R60 is my go to for the vocal accompaniment. If I’m singing and playing chords with some light flatpicking, the rounder, fuller, more robust tone I get with it is perfect. For bluegrass jams though where I need to cut through with a sharp attack and be heard, this CT55 can’t be beat. It’s a lead player’s perfect partner. Notes ring out crystal clear and slice through with surgical precision (wish I could say the same for my guitar playing, haha.)
Either of these picks would be just fine as an all around all purpose daily driver, but having them both for these two distinctly different purposes is really the cat’s meow.
Thanks for making such great stuff!
Posted by Richard Sparks on 27th Feb 2019
I picked up my first Blue Chip TAD 50 at IBMA in 2018. I recently ordered a CT 55 because I like using them so much. The tone is the best and I've yet to have one slip out of my hand while playing.
The TAD 50 shows no signs of wear and I use it for 6-10 hours per week. The self lubricating aspect was unknown to me when I bought my first one. It has made me a better picker for sure.
Posted by Jonathan Leonard on 21st Feb 2019
I've been flat picking on the guitar and mandolin for about a dozen years and I have tried all sorts of picks including making them myself out of different plastics, wood, bone, and horn. The CT55 is definitely my favorite - feels good, sticks to my fingers, has good pick to string sound, and excellent durability. Highly recommended - Best Pick I've Found.
Posted by tborders23@yahoo.com on 13th Feb 2019
This is my second blue chip pick that I have purchased. I have two children who play mandolin and their teacher recommended a blue chip pick. I will be honest at first I was a little skeptical. However my daughter, age 13, played two different picks without me knowing which one was the blue chip pick. I could immediately tell the difference! My 10 year old son got one for his birthday and it was his favorite gift! That is saying a lot for a 10 year old boy! I highly recommend these picks!
Posted by Matthew Rogers on 12th Feb 2019
I will never use another pick as long as I play mandolin. It is arguably the smoothest, ringiest sound you could ever want in a pick, which is perfect for bluegrass playing. For my preference, the thickness is right in the sweet spot of sturdy and pliable. Chops don’t feel sticky, because the pick rolls off the strings with ease. I can play breaks comfortably. It’s really a perfect pick.
Posted by Ryan on 5th Feb 2019
At first, I balked at the price. But then my $20 Hense Cream Speedy pick wore down and was rendered basically useless. I took the plunge and bought the pick.
This is the best pick I’ve ever played. And what’s more, I haven’t noticed any wearing. From what I can tell, this pick will last for a long time.
Posted by Robyn Stutzman on 9th Jan 2019
Just like my TD40 flat picks, JD thumb picks, JD-Dr thumb picks, and some in multiples, they're the best . Expect the best, pay for the best, and play the best. Worth every penny.
Faster play, cleaner notes, better note separation, more volume, and longer lasting.
Posted by trey on 8th Jan 2019
Great pick but I did not do enough research. I thought this was the same size as the TP 65 but just not as thick. Totally my fault. Pick is great but I like the slightly smaller size TP. I am so impressed with the company. They are polite, fast and have great products. I have about five of their products so far.