What is the thickness of these picks?

These specific picks have a thickness of 1.50mm. This gauge is considered heavy and offers significant rigidity for precise playing.

How many picks come in a pack?

The product is sold as a 12-pick pack. This provides a reliable supply for rehearsals and live performances.

What is the difference between Jazz III and Jazz III XL?

The XL version features a larger body than the standard Jazz III. It provides more surface area to hold while retaining the signature sharp tip for speed.

What material are these picks made from?

They are made from Tortex, a durable material known for its matte finish and resistance to wear. It is designed to be a sturdy alternative to celluloid or natural materials.

Are these picks suitable for bass guitar?

Yes, the 1.50mm thickness and rigid nature make them suitable for bassists who prefer a crisp attack. The large XL size is often preferred by bass players over smaller pick shapes.

How does the matte surface affect the grip?

The matte surface provides a high level of friction between the fingers and the pick. This prevents the pick from rotating or slipping during aggressive playing.

Do these picks flex when striking the string?

At 1.50mm, these picks are very sturdy and have almost no flex. This ensures that all energy is transferred directly to the string for maximum articulation.

What kind of tone do these picks produce?

They produce a crisp, detailed tone with excellent note definition. The thickness helps create a strong fundamental note with clear harmonic overtones.

Who is the ideal user for the Jazz III XL 1.50mm?

It is ideal for lead guitarists, technical players, and those who play heavy musical styles. It suits anyone who finds standard picks too flexible or small picks too difficult to grip.

Can these picks be used for acoustic guitar?

While they can be used, the 1.50mm gauge may be too stiff for some acoustic strumming styles. However, they are excellent for acoustic lead work and flatpicking.

How do they compare to Dunlop Big Stubby picks?

Big Stubbies are usually made of Lexan with a contoured center, whereas these are flat Tortex picks. The Tortex XL offers a more traditional feel with a matte texture.

What is the typical price for a 12-pack?

In the UK market, these packs typically retail for approximately £6.00. This makes them a cost-effective option for professional-grade gear.

Gear article

Dunlop Tortex Jazz III XL 1.50mm

The Dunlop Tortex Jazz III XL 1.50mm is a professional-grade guitar plectrum designed for musicians seeking a balance of speed, grip, and durability. Constructed from high-strength Tortex material, these picks feature a matte surface and a larger profile than standard Jazz III designs to improve control and articulation during intense performance.

Dunlop Tortex Jazz lll XL 1.50mm 12 Pick Pack

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Overview and Design

The Dunlop Tortex Jazz III XL 1.50mm represents an evolution of the traditional plectrum design, combining the iconic sharp tip of the Jazz III with a larger body. This 'XL' format is intended to bridge the gap between small, technical picks and standard-sized plectrums, offering more surface area for the player to grip while maintaining a precise point for lead work.

The 1.50mm gauge provides a rigid structure with virtually no flex, catering to players who require immediate response from their strings. The white Tortex material is treated with a matte finish, which serves both a functional purpose as a non-slip grip and a tonal purpose by smoothing out the pick's release from the string.

Material and Grip Characteristics

Tortex is a proprietary material developed by Dunlop as a durable alternative to natural tortoiseshell. It is known for its high memory and resistance to wear, ensuring that the pick tip remains sharp even after extended use.

A key feature of this specific model is the matte surface. This texture ensures the pick stays secure in the hand, even when moisture or perspiration is present. This tactile feedback is essential for high-gain playing styles or complex rhythmic patterns where pick slippage could disrupt performance.

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Tonal Profile and Articulation

The 1.50mm thickness of these picks results in a crisp, detailed tone with a focus on mid-range clarity and high-end definition. Because the material is exceptionally sturdy, it facilitates a heavy pick attack, allowing the player to drive the strings harder for increased volume and harmonic content.

The sharp tip associated with the Jazz III shape ensures unrivalled articulation. This makes it particularly effective for technical genres such as metal, fusion, and progressive rock, where individual note separation is critical during fast passages.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Dunlop range, the Jazz III XL 1.50mm occupies a middle ground between several specialized products:

Standard Jazz III: While sharing the tip shape, the XL version provides more surface area for players who find the original Jazz III too small.
Big Stubby 1.00mm: The Big Stubby offers a contoured grip and different plastic composition, whereas the Tortex XL provides a flatter, matte-textured feel.
Pitch Black Jazz III .88mm: The .88mm version offers more flexibility and a thinner profile compared to the rigid 1.50mm variant.
White Fang Flow 1.40mm: These picks offer a different geometry (Flow shape) and thickness, though they share the high-performance focus of the Jazz III XL series.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of these picks?: These specific picks have a thickness of 1.50mm. This gauge is considered heavy and offers significant rigidity for precise playing.
How many picks come in a pack?: The product is sold as a 12-pick pack. This provides a reliable supply for rehearsals and live performances.
What is the difference between Jazz III and Jazz III XL?: The XL version features a larger body than the standard Jazz III. It provides more surface area to hold while retaining the signature sharp tip for speed.
What material are these picks made from?: They are made from Tortex, a durable material known for its matte finish and resistance to wear. It is designed to be a sturdy alternative to celluloid or natural materials.
Are these picks suitable for bass guitar?: Yes, the 1.50mm thickness and rigid nature make them suitable for bassists who prefer a crisp attack. The large XL size is often preferred by bass players over smaller pick shapes.
How does the matte surface affect the grip?: The matte surface provides a high level of friction between the fingers and the pick. This prevents the pick from rotating or slipping during aggressive playing.
Do these picks flex when striking the string?: At 1.50mm, these picks are very sturdy and have almost no flex. This ensures that all energy is transferred directly to the string for maximum articulation.
What kind of tone do these picks produce?: They produce a crisp, detailed tone with excellent note definition. The thickness helps create a strong fundamental note with clear harmonic overtones.
Who is the ideal user for the Jazz III XL 1.50mm?: It is ideal for lead guitarists, technical players, and those who play heavy musical styles. It suits anyone who finds standard picks too flexible or small picks too difficult to grip.
Can these picks be used for acoustic guitar?: While they can be used, the 1.50mm gauge may be too stiff for some acoustic strumming styles. However, they are excellent for acoustic lead work and flatpicking.
How do they compare to Dunlop Big Stubby picks?: Big Stubbies are usually made of Lexan with a contoured center, whereas these are flat Tortex picks. The Tortex XL offers a more traditional feel with a matte texture.
What is the typical price for a 12-pack?: In the UK market, these packs typically retail for approximately £6.00. This makes them a cost-effective option for professional-grade gear.