Graphtech Tusq picks

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

I paid a visit to Graphtech today to get some or the new Tusq picks. I have given one of them an abusive workout and I can't kill this thing!!! They come in a few different thicknesses. I got the 1.00mm since they had a nice solid feel. They come in .68, .88 and 1.00 at the moment and you can get them in white, vintage creme or black. They have raised writing on both sides and are super easy to hold on to. They are not rough and are not slick. The thinner picks are a bit brittle and can be broken if you try to bend them in half (but that's not something you would normally do), under normal playing though they won't break. They don't make a "clinking" or "ping" or "thud" when they hit strings like many other picks do. They have a really nice "thhhuurrrp" to them if you hold them at an angle to stroke the string. Harmonics seem to jump off the strings a little easier if you want them to and overtones are nice. They really have a thicker sound to them. I am definitely switching gears and going to be using these as my main pick now. If you have a local dealer go check them out for sure. I'm going to get a big 72 count bag of 1.00mm next week so I may be able to send a few out but when I say "A few" I mean it so don't PM me just yet... lol Laughing

Here is a photo I took of a 1.00 that I have been trying to kill. Laughing

http://instagram.com/p/R1BTZVEIUW/

There is also this new thing they make called "Pre Play" which is a conditioner to put on your fingers before you play which neutralizes your PH so you don't rust your strings or get that black soot that some guys are getting from playing and it also protects your hardware from rust and pre-mature wear from your hands...

Joined: 23 Nov 2005 Posts: 8255 Location: Ontario, Canada

That pick looks unplayed. I'll have to get some on my next trip to L&M. Who am I kidding, it'll be months or more before they get them. Might have to check eBay.

Brandon needs that pre-play hand goop really bad.

Joined: 05 Dec 2008 Posts: 909

Going to look on my own in a minute....but do they have "Jazz" sized picks like that?

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

'87 sherwood wrote:

That pick looks unplayed. I'll have to get some on my next trip to L&M. Who am I kidding, it'll be months or more before they get them. Might have to check eBay.

Brandon needs that pre-play hand goop really bad.

I called L&M and they are in the system as of 2 days ago. If you can't find them there let me know. They gave me some Pre Play to sample too. I have neutral PH so I may not notice anything though. We'll see....

mahly wrote:

Going to look on my own in a minute....but do they have "Jazz" sized picks like that?

Not yet but they told me they were working on some ideas so maybe they will be coming.

They also told me they are unveiling something that is the biggest announcement in the history of the company this year at NAMM. I couldn't pry for any info though so keep your eyes out for something cool. Laughing

Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2012 1:56 am

Biggest announcement?
Tusq guitar cases Question

Joined: 23 Nov 2005 Posts: 8255 Location: Ontario, Canada

Thanks Lanning. I'm going on a roadtrip next week so I'll see if I find them.

Thats a great picture of you and Zakk. When I met him in 2007 he wasen't doing pictures. That was at L&M in Edmonton.

Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2012 3:23 am

How do these compare to Tortex in your opinion, Lanning?

Joined: 05 Mar 2008 Posts: 3463 Location: North Carolina

A guy here at school had one that I tried, it was really nice... but it was sooooo freaking big. I need a jazz sized pick. If it's bigger than a jazz size it feels too awkward in my hand. But if they start making a jazz size, I will definitely be getting quite a few.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

'87 sherwood wrote:

Thats a great picture of you and Zakk. When I met him in 2007 he wasen't doing pictures. That was at L&M in Edmonton.

Thanks man, yeah it was an honor to hang with him. It's a night I'll never forget. I've been wearing the vest every day since. Laughing

DrShredder97 wrote:

How do these compare to Tortex in your opinion, Lanning?

No comparison bro. I just got home from DD rehearsals and it's changed my playing for the better. I felt I had more right hand control and it just felt easier to play with than other picks I have used. It barely looks used at all too. I would go through a few picks in a night usually but I think I can just use one for a long while. It's like these are the ultimate pick (unless of course you need a different shape or size, like a Jazz).

Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2012 5:47 am

Im gonna have to give the .88s a try! They seem badass!

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

DrShredder97 wrote:

Im gonna have to give the .88s a try! They seem badass!

Just understand that they are not plastic like Tortex. If you try and bend them they will snap. The are flexible but only to a certain point. It's glass-like material so it has a breaking point. I haven't snapped the 1.00 I'm using but I was able to break the thinner ones by trying to bend them like a Tortex. Just play them you would any pick but don't bend them.

This is what the 1.00mm looked like after a full jam session at home and then a 3 hour Dodging Daylight rehearsal. I'd say it's got plenty of life left in her. Other picks I have used would have been worn to shreds by now.

Here is a quick clip I shot at rehearsal tonight. I don't think a demo video really helps as much as being there in person but be that as it may, here you go.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvK9RwoltpQ

Joined: 09 Nov 2005 Posts: 818 Location: Canada

No Jazz sizes?? BOO!! Razz

Will have to make due with my tortex for now

Joined: 28 Sep 2012 Posts: 379 Location: Kent, UK

I'll stick with my Cactus Picks Wink

Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2012 2:22 pm

Lanning is Killdozer wrote:

DrShredder97 wrote:

Im gonna have to give the .88s a try! They seem badass!

Just understand that they are not plastic like Tortex. If you try and bend them they will snap. The are flexible but only to a certain point. It's glass-like material so it has a breaking point. I haven't snapped the 1.00 I'm using but I was able to break the thinner ones by trying to bend them like a Tortex. Just play them you would any pick but don't bend them.

This is what the 1.00mm looked like after a full jam session at home and then a 3 hour Dodging Daylight rehearsal. I'd say it's got plenty of life left in her. Other picks I have used would have been worn to shreds by now.

Here is a quick clip I shot at rehearsal tonight. I don't think a demo video really helps as much as being there in person but be that as it may, here you go.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvK9RwoltpQ

Thanks a lot dude. They seem reallly solid. And about bending em, I never bend picks anyway. Nice video too! I will give them a shot.

Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2012 2:32 pm

$7.00 for a pack of six? I hope its worth it.
And also, Graphtech makes bridges made out of Tusq right?

Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2012 5:27 pm

DrShredder97 wrote:

$7.00 for a pack of six? I hope its worth it.
And also, Graphtech makes bridges made out of Tusq right?

ROLF.., I pay nearly $5 per pick with shipping.
I'm a V pick man Wink

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

longhurstgb wrote:

I'll stick with my Cactus Picks Wink

ummmmmmmm.... OK. Confused

Thanks for posting, we're all happy to know you're sticking with your Cactus picks.

bassmantim71 wrote:

DrShredder97 wrote:

$7.00 for a pack of six? I hope its worth it.
And also, Graphtech makes bridges made out of Tusq right?

ROLF.., I pay nearly $5 per pick with shipping.
I'm a V pick man Wink

I like V picks. I have a Snake, but they are too noisy. There is always a "ping" noise when they hit the strings, which is the only thing I don't like about them.

Joined: 28 Sep 2012 Posts: 379 Location: Kent, UK

Lanning is Killdozer wrote:

ummmmmmmm.... OK. Confused

Thanks for posting, we're all happy to know you're sticking with your Cactus picks.

Lighten up Lan.
They do look nice. I may have to get a few to add to the pick bowl. Thanks for the suggestion, never heard of them before.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

Thanks for telling me to lighten up for no reason after you posted something not pertaining to the thread.

longhurstgb wrote:

I'll stick with my Cactus Picks Wink

This is nothing more than saying "Hey guys I'm a cool dude with Cactus picks and although this thread has nothing to do with it I'm going to interject that I'm going to play the free picks I get!"

Now this is, hey, a cool product I may want to check out...

longhurstgb wrote:

They do look nice. I may have to get a few to add to the pick bowl. Thanks for the suggestion, never heard of them before.

You could have even stated this with the ending "I'm not sure I'll like it more than my Cactus picks but you never know" and that would have been just fine.

Now you have actually posted something progressive and with the thread. We'll forget your first post. Welcome to the thread Laughing

If you try them let us know what you think.

Joined: 13 Feb 2004 Posts: 5603 Location: phoenix az.

i use clayton bass size picks do they come big like that?

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

RobBouchardDeanml wrote:

i use clayton bass size picks do they come big like that?

Check on the Graphtech site broski. I don't know.

Joined: 28 Sep 2012 Posts: 379 Location: Kent, UK

They're doing free samples if you email sales@graphtech.com

Very Happy

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

longhurstgb wrote:

They're doing free samples if you email sales@graphtech.com

Very Happy

Yeah you can get a free sample pack. It comes with one of each size. I think they put in samples of Pre Play too. Everyone should jump on that.

I've been going 2 days strong on this pick and I just can't kill it. It's got some bevelling on it but not much.

Joined: 28 Sep 2012 Posts: 379 Location: Kent, UK

Getting some sent to me + some preplay. Lets see what the fuss is about Wink

Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2012 1:41 am

I am as well. Very interested in checking them out. Quick replies to email as well with actual answers. Thank you for the heads up.

Joined: 08 Aug 2006 Posts: 797 Location: D.C. Metro

Mine are on the way as well. Can't wait to try them.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

I've gone 5 days strong on the same pic. That's 5 days of many hours per day worth of playing. I had a gruelling DD rehearsal tonight and I think the pick is finally ready for replacement. I would have gone through a handfull of Tortex by now. For me this is a win anyway you look at it. They don't cost much more than regular picks and last 5X as long. I think I can still get a day or two more out of this one but it's starting to get pointy now and a little too beveled at this point.

Joined: 28 Sep 2012 Posts: 379 Location: Kent, UK

thats with metal playing too. My picks last a while coz of the style I play. we'll see.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

It's a mix really. When I'm not working on band material I primarily play blues oriented music. So it's not all chugging but I know what you mean.

Joined: 28 Sep 2012 Posts: 379 Location: Kent, UK

Well, they're on their way. Just got confirmation of it along with some of that preplay too. Thats customer service!

Joined: 28 Jul 2004 Posts: 956 Location: D.O.A. 04-00341

One of these may last me a year... I dont break picks hardly ever. I couldn't imagine going through a hand full of picks a week.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

Rlee wrote:

One of these may last me a year... I dont break picks hardly ever. I couldn't imagine going through a hand full of picks a week.

I used to never think I would either. Once I started using thicker strings for down tuning and the more agressive my right hand got I started to find myself burning through them. During a 45 minute live set I can go through 2 of them if I'm being conservative but as soon as I started to even feel a slick spot and the pick started to get slippery I would just chuck it and grab another. So I would go through 3-4 on an average night. That's why I started to get band graphics on them because I figured if someone picked them up it was free advertising. I still use those just to give to people so they don't forget the name of the band lol

There is NO WAY I'm throwing these away until they are good and dead. That and the raised surface on both sides really helps grip without being too agressive.

Joined: 23 Nov 2005 Posts: 8255 Location: Ontario, Canada

I got my free set coming. Looking forward to trying them out.

Joined: 06 Jun 2007 Posts: 12285 Location: Twin Cities

longhurstgb wrote:

They're doing free samples if you email sales@graphtech.com

Very Happy

awesome thanks - email sent!

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

rridner wrote:

longhurstgb wrote:

They're doing free samples if you email sales@graphtech.com

Very Happy

awesome thanks - email sent!

I thought you quit playing? Laughing

j/k

Joined: 28 Sep 2012 Posts: 379 Location: Kent, UK

I got mine today. Just the one pick and a sample of preplay. I'm gonna save the preplay for a gig.

But the pick itself if alright. Sounds very brittle when placed on wood. Feels like a regular pick, sounds like a regular pick. Its a pick Laughing

Comparison to a cactus pick, just for size measurements.

Joined: 08 Aug 2006 Posts: 797 Location: D.C. Metro

Got mine yesterday as well, and used it for a two hour guitar lesson. I typically use a green Tortex .88 and depending on what I'm playing one pick is good for anywhere from 2-4 hours before I start noticing a difference in attack and replace it. After 2 hours yesterday the TUSQ pick looks exactly like it did when I took it out of the package. Pretty remarkable if you ask me. I haven't used the pre play yet, but I don't have ph issues with my sweat so I doubt I'd notice any difference.

As for playing impressions, it feels like a pick. The A3 is the same thickness as the .88 Tortex's that I'm used to, but seems quite a bit stiffer. It took me about 10 minutes to adjust, but after that I didn't have any issues. Like Lanning mentioned, harmonics really seem to pop off the fretboard with these for some reason (I assume the stiffness).

Joined: 13 Feb 2004 Posts: 5603 Location: phoenix az.

i just ordered a sample they are kinda small my hands are hudge but ill give them a whirl Very Happy

Joined: 17 Oct 2012 Posts: 21 Location: Scotland, UK

Awesome, got a sample on its way to me!

Hopefully they will come before my new Dean arrives.

Let's see what happens when a beginner gets at them!

Had a quick look, are these US specific?, could not see any 'easy' way to pick these up in the UK, over the internet....

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

Glad you guys are getting them and putting them to use. Yes they will feel a bit stiffer. It's like playing with a piece of glass. That's what Joe who works at Graphtech Marketing explained. That's also why the attack sounds and feels different. I played my first show with one last night. It lasted the whole set and has a ton of life left in it. Keep your usage stories coming!

Joined: 08 Aug 2006 Posts: 797 Location: D.C. Metro

2 more hours last night and it's just barely starting to show some wear. Crazy.

Joined: 28 Sep 2012 Posts: 379 Location: Kent, UK

I used it on my acoustic... Doesn't sound different to a normal pick. Thinner than a tortoise shell pick though.

Feels really brittle but hard wearing I do agree.

Joined: 06 Jun 2007 Posts: 12285 Location: Twin Cities

Steinmetzify wrote:

Found pretty much the same as you guys; I dig the harmonics and I tried to beat on it for a few hours and didn't even scratch it and I have a pretty heavy right hand for rhythms.

It's got a much brighter attack than I'm used to though; not sure if I like it. Won't be a go to but I'll keep it and see if I can break it.

do they make 77mm ones? Laughing

Lanning is Killdozer wrote:

rridner wrote:

awesome thanks - email sent!

I thought you quit playing? Laughing

j/k

I might get inspired Wink

Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2012 4:42 pm

Wow they just emailed me a tracking number..., I can't wait to try these outs!!!

Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2012 5:27 pm

I emailed them, i'll give them a whirl....if they suck...sweet target attempt from 30 yards! Laughing

Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2012 6:11 pm

wow that was quick....talk about on it. Shocked

Joined: 28 Sep 2012 Posts: 379 Location: Kent, UK

Mine is dying after some heavy Brad Paisley kinda playing. Digging the hell out of it.

Joined: 03 May 2008 Posts: 6629 Location: Minnesota

I call BS.

There is no way yours is wore down that fast. Others have been playing them longer than you, with not so much as a lick of difference in shape or stability.

I bet you sanded it, like you sanded your strat.

Joined: 22 Aug 2008 Posts: 2370 Location: Montana

Graunke wrote:

I call BS.

There is no way yours is wore down that fast. Others have been playing them longer than you, with not so much as a lick of difference in shape or stability.

I bet you sanded it, like you sanded your strat.

It takes me a week to do that to a .88 tortex.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

raifo wrote:

Graunke wrote:

I call BS.

There is no way yours is wore down that fast. Others have been playing them longer than you, with not so much as a lick of difference in shape or stability.

I bet you sanded it, like you sanded your strat.

It takes me a week to do that to a .88 tortex.

I played the first one for hours a day for almost a week and although it was worn it was NOTHING like that. I guess I have some practicing to do Very Happy

Joined: 13 Feb 2004 Posts: 5603 Location: phoenix az.

[quote="DrShredder97"]$7.00 for a pack of six? I hope its worth it.
And also, Graphtech makes bridges made out of Tusq right?[/quote

i have one haven't broken a string yet Very Happy

Joined: 15 Dec 2008 Posts: 4251 Location: Derry, N Ireland

Got a couple of samples on the way, the guy even PM'd me a tracking number!!

Can't wait to try these badboys out!! I don't think they will sway me from my beloved Dava Control Nylon's though Laughing

Joined: 28 Sep 2012 Posts: 379 Location: Kent, UK

Graunke wrote:

I call BS.

There is no way yours is wore down that fast. Others have been playing them longer than you, with not so much as a lick of difference in shape or stability.

I bet you sanded it, like you sanded your strat.

Right...

My strat hasn't got a lacquer finish on it. So its just like a thin skin strat really. I wanted it to be like that so the wear marks show how I play in a unique way. Don't tell me what I've apparently done coz you'll make yourself look silly Matt.

The pick has worn in the same place as Lanning's really. So I haven't sanded it. All I've done since I've got it is play. Like 10 hours yesterday, about 10 hours before that. Electric and Acoustic. I thought I'd give it a real workout and see what happens to it. I played really heavy with a heavy hand for like 20 hours.

Don't accuse me of falsely sanding down a pick so I can't use it anymore. I test picks out and design picks based on multiple picks so why would I mess up a TUSQ pick for a picture when I could've taken the best parts of it and applied them to a brand new pick. Bit silly if you think about it.

Don't throw around accusations until you know what actually happened.

Joined: 03 May 2008 Posts: 6629 Location: Minnesota

Keep telling yourself whatever you have to son. I've been around enough refinishes, lacquer, poly, and vintage guitars to know a sandpaper job when I see one.

Joined: 28 Sep 2012 Posts: 379 Location: Kent, UK

Graunke wrote:

Keep telling yourself whatever you have to son. I've been around enough refinishes, lacquer, poly, and vintage guitars to know a sandpaper job when I see one.

Matt, its my frippin guitar, I know whats happened to it. I've been playing everyday since January 1st. I chose not to have the paint lacquered, and the pain is very thin.

But whatever, its my guitar... I have it in my lap right now.

My Last.FM · Joined: 03 Feb 2009 Posts: 2813 Location: Cumbria,UK

Where do I sign up for one of these bad boys? Wouldn't mind giving them a try.

Joined: 14 Aug 2012 Posts: 95

email sent and sample on the way! will give em a go, sounds like has interesting feel and tone so worth a try

Joined: 05 Dec 2008 Posts: 909

LeemoGB wrote:

Where do I sign up for one of these bad boys? Wouldn't mind giving them a try.

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