TAD50-3R

Thought I was a shell user for life. I still enjoy using tortoise, but, the bluechip has the same snap and a smother feel for me. I really like the bluechip.

I've tried several Blue Chip picks for bluegrass, including the TPR and TD. Both are fine picks, but I've found that the TAD-3R 50 gives me good leverage, volume, and speed for bass runs, and great control over strums. To be honest, I was surprised that I liked a larger pick, but it has great speed and full tone.

It took me some time to get over the cost of Blue-chips, but considering the value of my instruments and the money I spend on strings - why not get the best picks ? I use Tad 40 & Tad 50 for flat-picking, but found that the 3R versions were great for mandolin too, giving power and accuracy. This last one was a gift for my mando player who finally succumbed to the advantages of the material, the bevel and the greater mass and comfort of a triangular pick.

Worn down by emails from the Goinses, I relented and ordered a TAD50 & 60 3r (this review is about the 50). I use TAD 50s (speed bevel) for bluegrass rhythm but wondered whether the "R" would give me a slicker sound/feel when soloing. The answer is ...slightly, but another thing I discovered was a radically more mellow rhythm and bass line sound on my Collings. So the "3R" pick will stay in my pick box for two or three more mellow numbers. Unexpectedly the Saturday after my pick arrived I was asked to dep for a pal who does a restaurant gig and the TAD50-3R proved very suitable for mellow picking and crooning in an intimate environment. The speed bevel was ordered but is somewhat less apparent on the radiused option.

I am still trying various models but I can say that I noticed the bounce when when the pick falls from the hand to a table and I notice a mello tone somewhere in between the natural thumb and playing with a plastic pick which is great for Jazz. I do not have big hands so I am still trying the models for comfort, grip and speed before making a final determination but, without a doubt, they all are superior to anything I've ever used before.

I am impressed with the way the pick seems to glide across the strings when strumming with out digging in too much. I was VERY hesitant to spend $35 on a single pick but am glad I did. It's a round of golf; go for it.

I play electric and acoustic guitar. The rounded edges of this pick seem to give me a quicker or smoother release off the strings of the acoustic especially during fast licks. Like all the Blue Chip picks it has a good feel and is easy to hold on to.

The BlueChip has a unique feel in my hand with grip that gets better as the pick warms up. The speed off the strings and tone quality are the best I've have used, including tortoise. I have a TD50, a TAD50-3R and a TAD60-3R on the way. Great for mandolin and guitar!