What material is used for these Taylor picks?

These picks are made from celluloid, a material chosen to recreate the warm sound and smooth feel of vintage-style plectrums.

What is the thickness of this specific model?

The picks have a gauge of 0.46mm, which classifies them as a light or thin plectrum.

What shape are these picks?

They are designed in the 351 shape, which is a classic teardrop-style profile that fits naturally between the fingers.

How many picks are included in a pack?

Each pack contains 12 individual picks, ensuring the player has consistent replacements available.

Where are these picks manufactured?

The Taylor Celluloid 351 picks are manufactured in the USA to ensure consistent quality and performance.

What is the primary visual finish of these picks?

These picks feature an eye-catching abalone pattern, providing a decorative and premium aesthetic compared to plain picks.

Are these picks better for acoustic or electric guitars?

They are versatile enough for both; however, the 0.46mm gauge is especially popular with acoustic players for strumming and electric players seeking a softer touch.

How does celluloid compare to other materials like Tortex?

Celluloid typically offers a warmer, more traditional tone and a smoother surface, whereas materials like Tortex are often more matte and provide a different grip and faster attack.

Is a 0.46mm pick good for lead guitar playing?

It is suitable for players who prefer a flexible feel for dynamic expression, though those seeking high-speed precision might prefer a heavier gauge like a Jazz III.

What is the typical price for these picks?

A pack of 12 typically retails for approximately GBP 4, making them an affordable accessory for most guitarists.

Do these picks have a textured grip?

No, they have a smooth surface characteristic of celluloid, designed for a comfortable response and traditional feel.

How does the flexibility of these picks affect the sound?

The high flexibility of the 0.46mm gauge results in a softer attack and allows for more dynamic control during rhythmic strumming.

Gear article

Taylor Celluloid 351 Picks Abalone 0.46mm

The Taylor Celluloid 351 Picks Abalone 0.46mm are light-gauge plectrums designed for both acoustic and electric guitarists seeking a flexible, vintage-style feel. Manufactured in the USA, these picks utilise traditional celluloid to deliver a warm tonal response and are finished in a distinctive decorative abalone pattern.

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Background and Design

Taylor Guitars, primarily known for their high-quality acoustic instruments, produces these picks to complement their range of guitars. These plectrums are crafted in the classic 351 shape, which is widely considered the industry standard for its ergonomics and versatility. By using celluloid, Taylor recreates the tactile and sonic characteristics of early 20th-century picks, providing a smooth surface that glides across strings.

Gauge and Playability

With a thickness of 0.46mm, these picks fall into the light or 'thin' category. This specific gauge is highly flexible, allowing for significant 'give' during play. This flexibility makes them particularly suited for rhythmic strumming, as the pick yields to the resistance of the strings, resulting in a more fluid and less percussive attack compared to heavy plectrums.

Tonal Character

The use of celluloid is intended to provide a warm, vintage-inspired tone. Unlike modern technical plastics which can sometimes sound bright or harsh, these picks offer a rounder, more organic sound. The 0.46mm thickness further influences the audio profile by enhancing dynamic expression and providing a softer touch, which is often preferred for delicate acoustic passages.

Suitability

These picks are ideal for:

Acoustic Strummers: Players who want a light touch that allows for bright, shimmering chord work.
Electric Guitarists: Those who prefer a flexible pick for nuanced lead lines or funk-style rhythm playing.
Beginners: The light gauge can be easier to manage when learning proper strumming technique.
Aesthetic Preference: The abalone finish offers a premium look that distinguishes them from standard solid-colour plectrums.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to the Fender All Shapes Celluloid Medley, which offers a variety of shapes and a medium gauge, the Taylor 351 focuses specifically on the light 0.46mm gauge in the traditional pear shape. For players requiring more rigidity, alternatives like the Dunlop Big Stubby 1.00mm or the Tortex Jazz III .88mm offer significantly less flex and a more focused attack. Those seeking extreme durability or specific textures might look toward the Dunlop White Fang Flow or the Tortex series, whereas the Taylor Celluloid picks prioritise a traditional feel and classic aesthetics.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is used for these Taylor picks?: These picks are made from celluloid, a material chosen to recreate the warm sound and smooth feel of vintage-style plectrums.
What is the thickness of this specific model?: The picks have a gauge of 0.46mm, which classifies them as a light or thin plectrum.
What shape are these picks?: They are designed in the 351 shape, which is a classic teardrop-style profile that fits naturally between the fingers.
How many picks are included in a pack?: Each pack contains 12 individual picks, ensuring the player has consistent replacements available.
Where are these picks manufactured?: The Taylor Celluloid 351 picks are manufactured in the USA to ensure consistent quality and performance.
What is the primary visual finish of these picks?: These picks feature an eye-catching abalone pattern, providing a decorative and premium aesthetic compared to plain picks.
Are these picks better for acoustic or electric guitars?: They are versatile enough for both; however, the 0.46mm gauge is especially popular with acoustic players for strumming and electric players seeking a softer touch.
How does celluloid compare to other materials like Tortex?: Celluloid typically offers a warmer, more traditional tone and a smoother surface, whereas materials like Tortex are often more matte and provide a different grip and faster attack.
Is a 0.46mm pick good for lead guitar playing?: It is suitable for players who prefer a flexible feel for dynamic expression, though those seeking high-speed precision might prefer a heavier gauge like a Jazz III.
What is the typical price for these picks?: A pack of 12 typically retails for approximately GBP 4, making them an affordable accessory for most guitarists.
Do these picks have a textured grip?: No, they have a smooth surface characteristic of celluloid, designed for a comfortable response and traditional feel.
How does the flexibility of these picks affect the sound?: The high flexibility of the 0.46mm gauge results in a softer attack and allows for more dynamic control during rhythmic strumming.