We would never sell short our own signature JazzMando Proplec pick, but we must confess the discovery of a formidable foe, the V-pick. Made of an acrylic, the pick is significantly more expensive, but hand-shaped to a very comfortable feel and response. The bevel gets a nice slide, pulling string fundamental as well as the JazzMando. Considerably thicker (2.75mm vs. the 1.5mm of the JM), it takes a little getting use to, but the Gypsy Jazz guitarist can go 3 to 4 mm.

These are also 1/4 the cost of the popular Wegens. We asked about the possibility of one with holes; their response was the material grips well enough that holes are unnecessary. (Chris Thile jests the holes make the pick more aerodynamic...)

There's a trade-off. We've found an "apples vs. oranges" sonic pick click in each, with the V-pick slightly higher, and the jury will be in the player's hands which is more pleasing to the ear. They are simply different. Both feel good in the hands, the gold stamping on both sides of the JazzMando give grip security, the acrylic material of the V-pick seems to stick to the fingers after 30 seconds of playing. At 2.75 mm, the V-pick is heftier than the 1.5 mm JM pick.

After a couple days passing these around the JazzMando campus, we can't deny their destiny in the market. They are capable of pulling huge tone out of the mandolin. We've ordered bulk quantities and will start selling them with our own signature model in the next couple weeks.

Stay tuned.



Website information: V-pick

Posted by Ted at January 25, 2008 6:05 AM