What is the thickness of these picks?

These picks have a thickness of 0.88mm. This provides a medium-heavy feel that balances rigidity with a small amount of flex.

What material are the Pitch Black Jazz III picks made from?

They are made from Dunlop's proprietary Tortex material. This material is known for being super sturdy and highly durable.

How many picks come in a single pack?

This specific product is sold as a 12-pick pack. It is an ideal quantity for maintaining a consistent supply for practice and performances.

What are the benefits of the Jazz III shape?

The Jazz III shape is smaller than standard picks, which enhances speed and control. It allows for a more intimate feel and a faster pick attack.

Do these picks have a grip surface?

Yes, they feature a matte surface. This texture is designed to be extremely grippy, ensuring the pick stays in your hand regardless of playing intensity.

What kind of tone do these picks produce?

These picks produce a crisp, detailed tone. They are designed to offer unrivalled articulation for clear note definition.

Is the 'Pitch Black' series different in feel from standard Tortex?

The Pitch Black series uses the same core Tortex material but features a black matte finish. The feel and durability remain consistent with the high standards of the Tortex line.

Who is this pick best suited for?

It is best suited for guitarists who value speed, precision, and a smaller form factor. It is particularly popular among lead guitarists and technical players.

How does this compare to the Tortex Jazz III XL?

The XL version is larger in physical size and, in the 1.50mm variant, much thicker. The 0.88mm Jazz III is smaller and offers more flexibility than the 1.50mm XL.

Can these picks be used for acoustic guitar?

Yes, they can be used for acoustic guitar, providing a very bright and articulate sound. However, their small size is typically favoured for electric lead playing.

Are these picks suitable for heavy strumming?

Yes, they are made from super sturdy material that is built to 'go the distance.' The matte grip helps keep the pick secure during aggressive strumming.

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

The typical price range for a 12-pack of these picks is approximately £7.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Gear article

Dunlop Tortex Pitch Black Jazz III .88mm

The Dunlop Tortex Pitch Black Jazz III .88mm is a precision-oriented plectrum designed for high-performance guitar playing. It combines the proprietary Tortex material's durability with the compact Jazz III shape to offer enhanced control, speed, and articulation.

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Overview

The Dunlop Tortex Pitch Black Jazz III .88mm is a specialised plectrum designed for guitarists who require a balance between flexibility and rigid control. Part of the broader Tortex line, this specific model is distinguished by its 'Pitch Black' aesthetic and the iconic Jazz III profile. It is sold primarily in packs of 12, providing a reliable supply for professional or enthusiast use.

Design and Material

The pick is constructed from Tortex, a material engineered by Dunlop to serve as a durable alternative to tortoiseshell. The surface features a matte finish, which is intended to increase friction and ensure the pick remains secure in the player's fingers during intense sessions. At 0.88mm, this gauge sits in the medium-heavy category, offering enough resistance for lead lines while maintaining some compliance for rhythmic striking.

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Performance and Handling

The Jazz III shape is significantly smaller than standard plectrums, which reduces the distance between the player's fingers and the strings. This geometry is specifically designed to enhance pick attack control and speed. Key features include:

Articulation: The pointed tip provides a precise release from the string, resulting in a detailed tone.
Grip: The matte texture prevents slipping even when hands become moist.
Durability: The sturdy Tortex material is resistant to premature wear and 'chirping' during heavy play.

Sonic Character

Tonally, the Tortex Pitch Black Jazz III is noted for producing a crisp and detailed sound. Unlike softer celluloid picks, the Tortex material emphasizes the upper-mid frequencies and provides a clear, defined attack. This makes it particularly effective for technical genres where note separation is paramount.

Market Comparison

Within the Dunlop ecosystem, this pick offers a different feel compared to the Dunlop Big Stubby 1.00mm or the thicker Tortex Jazz III XL 1.50mm, which provides a larger surface area. For players who prefer traditional materials, the Fender All Shapes Celluloid Medley offers a warmer, classic response. Alternatively, for those seeking extreme precision, the Dunlop White Fang Flow or the Dunlop Standard Felt picks serve highly specialised niche applications.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of these picks?: These picks have a thickness of 0.88mm. This provides a medium-heavy feel that balances rigidity with a small amount of flex.
What material are the Pitch Black Jazz III picks made from?: They are made from Dunlop's proprietary Tortex material. This material is known for being super sturdy and highly durable.
How many picks come in a single pack?: This specific product is sold as a 12-pick pack. It is an ideal quantity for maintaining a consistent supply for practice and performances.
What are the benefits of the Jazz III shape?: The Jazz III shape is smaller than standard picks, which enhances speed and control. It allows for a more intimate feel and a faster pick attack.
Do these picks have a grip surface?: Yes, they feature a matte surface. This texture is designed to be extremely grippy, ensuring the pick stays in your hand regardless of playing intensity.
What kind of tone do these picks produce?: These picks produce a crisp, detailed tone. They are designed to offer unrivalled articulation for clear note definition.
Is the 'Pitch Black' series different in feel from standard Tortex?: The Pitch Black series uses the same core Tortex material but features a black matte finish. The feel and durability remain consistent with the high standards of the Tortex line.
Who is this pick best suited for?: It is best suited for guitarists who value speed, precision, and a smaller form factor. It is particularly popular among lead guitarists and technical players.
How does this compare to the Tortex Jazz III XL?: The XL version is larger in physical size and, in the 1.50mm variant, much thicker. The 0.88mm Jazz III is smaller and offers more flexibility than the 1.50mm XL.
Can these picks be used for acoustic guitar?: Yes, they can be used for acoustic guitar, providing a very bright and articulate sound. However, their small size is typically favoured for electric lead playing.
Are these picks suitable for heavy strumming?: Yes, they are made from super sturdy material that is built to 'go the distance.' The matte grip helps keep the pick secure during aggressive strumming.
What is the typical price for a pack of these picks?: The typical price range for a 12-pack of these picks is approximately £7.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.