What is included in the Fender All Shapes Celluloid Medley pack?

The pack contains eight medium-gauge guitar picks featuring a variety of different Fender shapes in a tortoise shell finish.

What material are these picks made from?

They are made from celluloid, a material known for its durability, lightweight feel, and ability to mimic the performance of natural tortoiseshell.

What is the primary benefit of the 'All Shapes' selection?

It allows players to experiment with multiple silhouettes and sizes to find which shape best fits their grip and playing style.

Are these picks suitable for beginners?

Yes, they are highly recommended for beginners as the variety allows them to test different styles of picks without committing to a single large pack of one shape.

What is the typical price range for this pack?

The typical price for this 8-count pack is approximately £5.00.

How does celluloid compare to the material used in Dunlop Tortex picks?

Celluloid is generally smoother and provides a warmer, more traditional tone compared to the matte finish and brighter attack of Dunlop's Delrin-based Tortex material.

Can these picks be used for both acoustic and electric guitars?

Yes, the medium gauge and celluloid material are versatile enough to excel on both acoustic and electric instruments.

Are these picks durable enough for heavy playing?

Celluloid is reasonably durable for standard use; however, players with extremely aggressive techniques may find they wear down faster than heavier materials like the 1.50mm Tortex Jazz III.

Do these picks have a textured grip?

No, these are traditional smooth-surface celluloid picks. They rely on the natural feel of the polished material for grip rather than embossed textures.

How does the sound of these picks differ from felt picks?

These celluloid picks provide a clear, defined 'click' and sharp attack, whereas felt picks are designed for a much softer, muted tone similar to fingerstyle playing.

Are the shapes in the pack different sizes?

Yes, the pack includes a range of different shapes and sizes to provide a varied playing experience.

What is the gauge of the picks in this specific pack?

All picks in this specific Medley pack are 'Medium' gauge, providing a middle-ground flexibility.

Gear article

Fender All Shapes Celluloid Medley Tortoise Shell Medium Picks

The Fender All Shapes Celluloid Medley is a curated pack of eight medium-gauge guitar plectrums featuring a traditional tortoise shell aesthetic. It is designed to provide players with a variety of classic Fender pick silhouettes, allowing for experimentation with different ergonomic profiles and tonal responses using a consistent celluloid material.

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Background and Material

Fender has used celluloid as a primary material for its plectrums for decades, often marketed as the 'essence' of the Fender brand's feel. Celluloid was one of the first plastics used to mimic the properties of natural tortoiseshell. In this medley pack, Fender provides a range of shapes that have historically defined different playing eras and styles, all finished in the iconic mottled tortoise shell pattern.

Because celluloid is lightweight and flexible yet durable, it remains a standard industry choice despite the availability of more modern polymers like Delrin or Ultex.

Design and Utility

The primary feature of this pack is its diversity of shapes. Unlike standard single-shape packs, the All Shapes Medley serves as an introductory or experimental kit. It allows guitarists to experience how different tip radiuses and surface areas affect their technique.

Key design attributes include: - Assorted Shapes: A mix of traditional 351, 346, and other historic Fender profiles. - Ergonomics: Each shape offers a different grip point, which can assist players in finding a comfortable fit for their specific hand size or playing style. - Medium Gauge: Provides a balance between the rigidity needed for lead work and the flexibility required for rhythmic strumming.

Tonal Character

Celluloid is prized for its 'musical' qualities. When striking a string, these picks typically produce a warm, round attack with a smooth release. Unlike nylon, which can be very soft, or acrylics like the Dunlop Big Stubby which can be quite 'chirpy,' Fender celluloid provides a traditional, balanced frequency response that does not overly accentuate high-end transients. This makes them versatile across acoustic and electric platforms.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other multi-packs, the Fender Medley focuses on shape variety over quantity. For example, the Gear4Music 24-pack offers a larger volume of picks but focuses on a singular gauge and shape. In contrast, technical picks like the Dunlop Tortex Jazz III XL or the Dunlop White Fang focus on specific grip textures and sharp points for high-precision playing. The Fender Medley is more traditional, suiting those who prefer a classic feel over modern high-performance grip enhancements or specialized bevels.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Fender All Shapes Celluloid Medley pack?: The pack contains eight medium-gauge guitar picks featuring a variety of different Fender shapes in a tortoise shell finish.
What material are these picks made from?: They are made from celluloid, a material known for its durability, lightweight feel, and ability to mimic the performance of natural tortoiseshell.
What is the primary benefit of the 'All Shapes' selection?: It allows players to experiment with multiple silhouettes and sizes to find which shape best fits their grip and playing style.
Are these picks suitable for beginners?: Yes, they are highly recommended for beginners as the variety allows them to test different styles of picks without committing to a single large pack of one shape.
What is the typical price range for this pack?: The typical price for this 8-count pack is approximately £5.00.
How does celluloid compare to the material used in Dunlop Tortex picks?: Celluloid is generally smoother and provides a warmer, more traditional tone compared to the matte finish and brighter attack of Dunlop's Delrin-based Tortex material.
Can these picks be used for both acoustic and electric guitars?: Yes, the medium gauge and celluloid material are versatile enough to excel on both acoustic and electric instruments.
Are these picks durable enough for heavy playing?: Celluloid is reasonably durable for standard use; however, players with extremely aggressive techniques may find they wear down faster than heavier materials like the 1.50mm Tortex Jazz III.
Do these picks have a textured grip?: No, these are traditional smooth-surface celluloid picks. They rely on the natural feel of the polished material for grip rather than embossed textures.
How does the sound of these picks differ from felt picks?: These celluloid picks provide a clear, defined 'click' and sharp attack, whereas felt picks are designed for a much softer, muted tone similar to fingerstyle playing.
Are the shapes in the pack different sizes?: Yes, the pack includes a range of different shapes and sizes to provide a varied playing experience.
What is the gauge of the picks in this specific pack?: All picks in this specific Medley pack are 'Medium' gauge, providing a middle-ground flexibility.