Who is the Matt Heafy signature pick designed for?

It is designed for Matthew Heafy, the frontman of the metal band Trivium, and guitarists who require precision and grip for aggressive playing styles.

What is the primary material used in these picks?

These picks are manufactured using a custom nylon formula designed by Dunlop for enhanced durability and specific tonal characteristics.

What is the shape of the Matt Heafy signature pick?

It uses the Jazz III shape, which is smaller and more pointed than a standard teardrop pick to facilitate faster string-to-string movement.

What does the Max-Grip feature provide?

The Max-Grip design provides a heavily textured surface that anchors the pick to the fingers, preventing it from slipping even with sweaty hands.

How many picks are included in this specific pack?

This specific Dunlop product comes in a pack containing 6 individual plectrums.

Is this pick suitable for acoustic guitar strumming?

While it can be used, its small size and stiff nature are better suited for precise electric guitar riffing rather than broad acoustic strumming.

How does this compare to the Dunlop Tortex Pitch Black Jazz III?

The Matt Heafy model uses a nylon formula and features a raised Max-Grip texture, whereas the Tortex version has a smoother feel and a different material response.

What is the typical price for a 6-pack of these picks?

The typical price range for this pack is approximately GBP 12 in the UK market.

Does the pick wear down quickly during metal playing?

No, the custom nylon formula is specifically chosen for its exceptional durability to withstand aggressive, high-speed riffing.

How does the size compare to a Dunlop Big Stubby?

The Jazz III shape is smaller than the Big Stubby, offering a more compact profile for players who prefer less material between their fingers and the strings.

Can these picks help with technical lead playing?

Yes, the sharp tip and small Jazz III profile are designed to allow the player to fly between strings and frets with high accuracy.

Are these considered professional-grade equipment?

Yes, Dunlop describes these as professional-standard picks befitting of a high-level touring musician like the frontman of Trivium.

Gear article

Dunlop Matt Heafy Max Grip Jazz III Picks

The Dunlop Matt Heafy Max Grip Jazz III is a signature plectrum designed for Matthew Heafy of the metal band Trivium. It features a custom nylon formula and a high-traction surface texture designed for technical, high-speed guitar playing.

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Overview

The Dunlop Matt Heafy Max Grip Jazz III is a professional-standard plectrum engineered to meet the demands of aggressive heavy metal performance. Developed in collaboration with the Trivium frontman, the pick utilizes the classic, smaller Jazz III profile to facilitate speed and accuracy. It is constructed from a bespoke nylon formula intended to offer increased durability compared to standard celluloid or nylon alternatives.

Design and Functionality

The primary functional feature of this pick is the Max-Grip design. This consists of a heavily textured surface area that provides significant friction between the player's fingers and the plectrum. This physical anchoring is designed to prevent the pick from slipping or rotating during intense performances, specifically addressing the issue of perspiration affecting grip. The Jazz III shape contributes to the design's focus on precision, featuring a sharp tip that allows for minimal string contact and faster release.

Tonal Character

Due to the custom nylon formula, these picks produce a specific sonic response. Nylon typically offers a warmer attack than materials like Ultex or Tortex, yet the density of this signature formula ensures that the pick remains stiff enough for aggressive riffing. The result is a sound that balances high-end clarity with the structural integrity required for down-picked rhythms and complex lead work.

Target Audience

These picks are specifically suited for guitarists operating in genres that require technical proficiency, such as thrash metal, metalcore, and progressive rock. Because of the compact Jazz III size, they are ideal for players who use small, precise hand movements rather than large strumming motions. The Max-Grip texture makes them a preferred choice for live performers who struggle with pick stability due to stage heat and movement.

Comparative Analysis

Within the Dunlop range, the Matt Heafy signature occupies a space between the standard Jazz III and more specialised models like the James Hetfield White Fang or the Tortex Pitch Black Jazz III.

Versus Standard Jazz III: The Heafy model adds the Max-Grip texture and a specific nylon blend for better longevity.
Versus Big Stubby: While the Big Stubby offers a contoured grip and thicker profile, the Heafy model provides a more tactile, sandpaper-like friction.
Versus Celluloid: Compared to picks like the Fender Celluloid Medley, the Heafy Jazz III is significantly stiffer and smaller, prioritising lead accuracy over rhythmic strumming flexibility.

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Frequently asked questions

Who is the Matt Heafy signature pick designed for?: It is designed for Matthew Heafy, the frontman of the metal band Trivium, and guitarists who require precision and grip for aggressive playing styles.
What is the primary material used in these picks?: These picks are manufactured using a custom nylon formula designed by Dunlop for enhanced durability and specific tonal characteristics.
What is the shape of the Matt Heafy signature pick?: It uses the Jazz III shape, which is smaller and more pointed than a standard teardrop pick to facilitate faster string-to-string movement.
What does the Max-Grip feature provide?: The Max-Grip design provides a heavily textured surface that anchors the pick to the fingers, preventing it from slipping even with sweaty hands.
How many picks are included in this specific pack?: This specific Dunlop product comes in a pack containing 6 individual plectrums.
Is this pick suitable for acoustic guitar strumming?: While it can be used, its small size and stiff nature are better suited for precise electric guitar riffing rather than broad acoustic strumming.
How does this compare to the Dunlop Tortex Pitch Black Jazz III?: The Matt Heafy model uses a nylon formula and features a raised Max-Grip texture, whereas the Tortex version has a smoother feel and a different material response.
What is the typical price for a 6-pack of these picks?: The typical price range for this pack is approximately GBP 12 in the UK market.
Does the pick wear down quickly during metal playing?: No, the custom nylon formula is specifically chosen for its exceptional durability to withstand aggressive, high-speed riffing.
How does the size compare to a Dunlop Big Stubby?: The Jazz III shape is smaller than the Big Stubby, offering a more compact profile for players who prefer less material between their fingers and the strings.
Can these picks help with technical lead playing?: Yes, the sharp tip and small Jazz III profile are designed to allow the player to fly between strings and frets with high accuracy.
Are these considered professional-grade equipment?: Yes, Dunlop describes these as professional-standard picks befitting of a high-level touring musician like the frontman of Trivium.