What material are Dunlop Tortex picks made from?

Dunlop Tortex picks are crafted from robust Delrin, a high-performance acetal plastic. This material is specially treated to provide a matte surface and a specific tonal response similar to natural tortoiseshell.

What does the yellow colour signify in the Tortex range?

In the Dunlop Tortex colour-coding system, yellow signifies a thickness of 0.73mm. This helps players quickly identify their preferred gauge without needing to read the printed text.

How many picks are included in the Players Pack?

The specific Players Pack mentioned contains 12 individual 0.73mm plectrums. This quantity is designed to provide a reliable supply for rehearsals and live performances.

Is the surface of the pick smooth or textured?

The pick features a matte surface finish. This design choice is intended to provide a secure grip and optimum control, preventing the pick from slipping during play.

What kind of sound does the 0.73mm Tortex pick produce?

These picks are known for producing a bright and snappy attack. This makes them suitable for chords, riffs, and searing solos where high-end clarity is desired.

Are these picks prone to breaking?

No, the Delrin material is highly flexible and durable. They are designed to withstand the rigours of intense playing without breaking mid-performance.

For which styles of music is the 0.73mm thickness suitable?

The 0.73mm gauge is considered highly versatile and suitable for almost all styles. It is thin enough for fluid strumming in pop and folk, yet stiff enough for rock and blues leads.

How does the 0.73mm Tortex compare to the Jazz III model?

The 0.73mm Standard is larger and thinner than most Jazz III models, such as the 1.50mm XL or .88mm Pitch Black versions. The Standard shape offers more surface area to hold, while the Jazz III is built for precision speed.

What is the typical price for a 12-pack of these picks?

A pack of 12 Dunlop 0.73mm Tortex Standard picks typically retails for approximately EUR 7. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.

Can these picks be used for bass guitar?

While primarily used by guitarists, many bassists use Tortex picks. However, those seeking a heavier low-end response might prefer thicker options like the 1.00mm or 1.14mm gauges.

What is the shape of the Dunlop Tortex Standard pick?

It features the 'Standard' plectrum shape, which is a classic teardrop design. This shape is widely regarded as the industry standard for general-purpose guitar playing.

Why is the Tortex series considered a best-seller?

The series has been a best-seller for decades due to its combination of durability, grip, and precision. It offers a consistent feel that professional musicians rely on for their signature sound.

Gear article

Dunlop 0.73mm Tortex Standard Pick

The Dunlop 0.73mm Tortex Standard Pick is a widely used guitar plectrum constructed from Delrin, known for its bright attack and durability. Identified by its signature yellow colour and matte finish, it is designed to provide players with a balance of flexibility and grip during performance.

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Overview and History

The Jim Dunlop Tortex series has remained a best-selling choice for musicians for several decades. Originally developed as a durable alternative to natural tortoiseshell, which became unavailable due to conservation regulations, the Tortex line uses treated Delrin to mimic the organic feel and snap of the original material. The 0.73mm gauge, distinctively colour-coded in yellow, represents the medium-light tier of the standard range.

These picks are engineered for professional use, catering to the needs of touring musicians who require consistency across countless performances. The 'Standard' shape refers to the traditional teardrop silhouette that has become a universal benchmark for plectrum design.

Material and Construction

The primary material used in the construction of these picks is Delrin, a high-grade acetal homopolymer. Dunlop subjects the material to a proprietary treatment process to create the 'Tortex' texture. This results in a matte surface that enhances grip even when the player's hands become moist during a performance.

Key physical properties include: * Flexibility: The 0.73mm thickness allows for enough give to facilitate smooth strumming while remaining rigid enough for lead lines. * Durability: The robust nature of Delrin ensures the pick resists cracking or snapping under intense playing conditions. * Memory: The material is designed to return to its original shape quickly, preventing permanent warping over time.

Tone and Playability

The Dunlop 0.73mm Tortex pick is characterised by a 'bright and snappy' attack. This tonal profile is particularly effective for bringing out the high-end frequencies in acoustic guitars and providing clarity for electric guitar riffs and solos.

The matte finish provides a secure grip, which aids in precision and reduces the likelihood of the pick slipping or rotating during complex passages. Its thickness makes it a versatile tool, capable of handling rhythmic chord work without the percussive 'slap' of thinner picks, yet providing enough resistance for articulated melody playing.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Dunlop ecosystem, the 0.73mm Standard pick sits between the lighter gauges and heavier options like the Dunlop Tortex Jazz III XL 1.50mm or the Pitch Black Jazz III .88mm, which offer smaller profiles and sharper tips for technical speed. Compared to the Dunlop Big Stubby 1.00mm, which is made of Lexan and features a contoured grip, the Tortex Standard provides a more traditional feel and a flatter profile.

When compared to other brands, such as the Fender Celluloid Medley picks, the Tortex offers a more textured, matte feel compared to the smooth, glassy surface of celluloid. For players seeking budget-conscious bulk options, the Gear4music 0.81mm pack provides a similar medium gauge but lacks the specific Delrin treatment found in the Dunlop Tortex line.

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Frequently asked questions

What material are Dunlop Tortex picks made from?: Dunlop Tortex picks are crafted from robust Delrin, a high-performance acetal plastic. This material is specially treated to provide a matte surface and a specific tonal response similar to natural tortoiseshell.
What does the yellow colour signify in the Tortex range?: In the Dunlop Tortex colour-coding system, yellow signifies a thickness of 0.73mm. This helps players quickly identify their preferred gauge without needing to read the printed text.
How many picks are included in the Players Pack?: The specific Players Pack mentioned contains 12 individual 0.73mm plectrums. This quantity is designed to provide a reliable supply for rehearsals and live performances.
Is the surface of the pick smooth or textured?: The pick features a matte surface finish. This design choice is intended to provide a secure grip and optimum control, preventing the pick from slipping during play.
What kind of sound does the 0.73mm Tortex pick produce?: These picks are known for producing a bright and snappy attack. This makes them suitable for chords, riffs, and searing solos where high-end clarity is desired.
Are these picks prone to breaking?: No, the Delrin material is highly flexible and durable. They are designed to withstand the rigours of intense playing without breaking mid-performance.
For which styles of music is the 0.73mm thickness suitable?: The 0.73mm gauge is considered highly versatile and suitable for almost all styles. It is thin enough for fluid strumming in pop and folk, yet stiff enough for rock and blues leads.
How does the 0.73mm Tortex compare to the Jazz III model?: The 0.73mm Standard is larger and thinner than most Jazz III models, such as the 1.50mm XL or .88mm Pitch Black versions. The Standard shape offers more surface area to hold, while the Jazz III is built for precision speed.
What is the typical price for a 12-pack of these picks?: A pack of 12 Dunlop 0.73mm Tortex Standard picks typically retails for approximately EUR 7. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
Can these picks be used for bass guitar?: While primarily used by guitarists, many bassists use Tortex picks. However, those seeking a heavier low-end response might prefer thicker options like the 1.00mm or 1.14mm gauges.
What is the shape of the Dunlop Tortex Standard pick?: It features the 'Standard' plectrum shape, which is a classic teardrop design. This shape is widely regarded as the industry standard for general-purpose guitar playing.
Why is the Tortex series considered a best-seller?: The series has been a best-seller for decades due to its combination of durability, grip, and precision. It offers a consistent feel that professional musicians rely on for their signature sound.