What is the thickness of these picks?

These specific picks have a gauge of 0.88mm, which is traditionally the 'green' Tortex thickness. It offers a balance between flexibility for strumming and rigidity for lead playing.

What material are these picks made from?

They are made from Tortex, a proprietary material developed by Dunlop. It was designed to mimic the properties of tortoiseshell while offering superior durability and memory.

Do these picks have a grip-enhancing surface?

Yes, they feature a matte, grip-enhancing finish. This surface helps the pick stay in place between the fingers during intense playing sessions.

How many picks are included in this pack?

This particular product is a 12-pack of picks. This allows musicians to have multiple spares for rehearsals and live performances.

What is the difference between Pitch Black and standard Tortex picks?

The Pitch Black version offers the same material and performance as standard Tortex picks but in an all-black aesthetic. This is purely a visual choice for players who prefer a sleek look over the standard colour-coded system.

Are these picks suitable for acoustic guitar?

Yes, they are highly versatile and work well for strumming acoustics. The Tortex material provides a bright attack that enhances the natural clarity of acoustic instruments.

Can these picks be used for electric guitar lead playing?

Absolutely. The 0.88mm thickness provides the necessary precision and fluidity for searing melodies and articulate lead work.

What does 'superb memory' mean in the context of these picks?

Memory refers to the pick's ability to return to its original flat shape after being flexed during play. This ensures the feel of the pick remains consistent over time.

How do these compare to the Dunlop Jazz III picks?

The Standard shape has a larger surface area and a more rounded tip compared to the Jazz III. The Standard is generally better for strumming, while the Jazz III is favoured for technical speed.

What kind of tone do Tortex picks produce?

Tortex picks are known for a bright attack and high clarity. They produce a crisp sound that helps notes stand out, regardless of whether you are playing clean or with distortion.

Are these picks durable?

Yes, Tortex is celebrated for its legendary durability. The material resists wearing down at the edges, even under heavy use, maintaining its shape and performance longer than celluloid.

What is the price range for a 12-pack?

The typical price range for this 12-pack of Dunlop Tortex Pitch Black picks is approximately EUR 7. This makes them an affordable choice for high-quality professional plectrums.

Gear article

Dunlop Tortex Pitch Black Standard 0.88mm Picks

The Dunlop Tortex Pitch Black Standard 0.88mm is a professional-grade plectrum designed for high durability and a bright, articulated tone. Built from Dunlop’s proprietary Tortex material, these picks feature a matte finish for enhanced grip and are suitable for both acoustic and electric guitar performances.

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Overview

The Dunlop Tortex Pitch Black Standard 0.88mm picks represent a modern aesthetic variation of the industry-standard Tortex line. Known for their legendary quality, these picks are utilised by musicians globally to achieve a balance between flexibility and rigidity. The 0.88mm gauge is often considered a 'medium-heavy' thickness, providing enough resistance for lead lines while remaining flexible enough for rhythmic strumming. The 'Pitch Black' edition offers the same technical specifications as the traditional green Tortex picks but with a sleek, monochromatic finish.

Design and Material Properties

The breakthrough Tortex material was originally developed to provide a reliable alternative to natural tortoiseshell. Its primary characteristics include:

Memory: The material returns to its original shape quickly after being flexed, ensuring consistent performance.
Durability: Tortex is highly resistant to wear, meaning the edges stay smooth and do not develop 'burrs' as quickly as celluloid.
Grip: The picks feature a grip-enhancing matte finish that prevents slipping, even during aggressive playing or when moisture is present on the fingers.

Tone and Playability

The Tortex Pitch Black Standard 0.88mm is engineered for fluidity and articulation. It delivers a bright attack with superb clarity, making it an excellent choice for players who want their notes to 'pop' in a mix. The 0.88mm gauge provides a tactile snap that works equally well for searing electric melodies and bright acoustic strumming. The standard shape offers a familiar feel for most guitarists, allowing for high precision across different playing styles.

Target Audience

These picks are versatile enough to suit a wide range of musicians. They are particularly ideal for:

Electric Guitarists: Who require a stiff enough pick for alternate picking and lead work.
Acoustic Players: Who want a bright, crisp tone that doesn't feel too flimsy.
Touring Professionals: Who rely on the 'superb memory' and durability of Tortex to withstand long performances.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other plectrums, the Tortex 0.88mm occupies a middle ground. It is more durable and offers more grip than traditional Fender Celluloid Medley picks. For players seeking a smaller, more pointed tool for technical speed, the Dunlop Tortex Jazz III or Jazz III XL variants may be preferable. Those looking for a thicker, more rounded attack might consider the Dunlop Big Stubby or White Fang Flow picks. However, the Standard shape remains the go-to for general-purpose playing due to its balanced surface area.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of these picks?: These specific picks have a gauge of 0.88mm, which is traditionally the 'green' Tortex thickness. It offers a balance between flexibility for strumming and rigidity for lead playing.
What material are these picks made from?: They are made from Tortex, a proprietary material developed by Dunlop. It was designed to mimic the properties of tortoiseshell while offering superior durability and memory.
Do these picks have a grip-enhancing surface?: Yes, they feature a matte, grip-enhancing finish. This surface helps the pick stay in place between the fingers during intense playing sessions.
How many picks are included in this pack?: This particular product is a 12-pack of picks. This allows musicians to have multiple spares for rehearsals and live performances.
What is the difference between Pitch Black and standard Tortex picks?: The Pitch Black version offers the same material and performance as standard Tortex picks but in an all-black aesthetic. This is purely a visual choice for players who prefer a sleek look over the standard colour-coded system.
Are these picks suitable for acoustic guitar?: Yes, they are highly versatile and work well for strumming acoustics. The Tortex material provides a bright attack that enhances the natural clarity of acoustic instruments.
Can these picks be used for electric guitar lead playing?: Absolutely. The 0.88mm thickness provides the necessary precision and fluidity for searing melodies and articulate lead work.
What does 'superb memory' mean in the context of these picks?: Memory refers to the pick's ability to return to its original flat shape after being flexed during play. This ensures the feel of the pick remains consistent over time.
How do these compare to the Dunlop Jazz III picks?: The Standard shape has a larger surface area and a more rounded tip compared to the Jazz III. The Standard is generally better for strumming, while the Jazz III is favoured for technical speed.
What kind of tone do Tortex picks produce?: Tortex picks are known for a bright attack and high clarity. They produce a crisp sound that helps notes stand out, regardless of whether you are playing clean or with distortion.
Are these picks durable?: Yes, Tortex is celebrated for its legendary durability. The material resists wearing down at the edges, even under heavy use, maintaining its shape and performance longer than celluloid.
What is the price range for a 12-pack?: The typical price range for this 12-pack of Dunlop Tortex Pitch Black picks is approximately EUR 7. This makes them an affordable choice for high-quality professional plectrums.