I usually wouldn’t take the time to post about something as common sense as what picks to use, as the majority of gypsy jazzers use the Wegen Gypsy Jazz Pick. However, I recently stumbled upon http://www.bluechippick.net/ and decided to give them a try. Initially I bought a trimus shape pick at a 1.5 mm thickness, and found it too thin for the likes of playing like Django and company. So I contacted Matthew Goins, the owner and proprietor of Blue Chip Picks and asked him to make me a 2.5 mm gypsy jazz pick. He enthusiastically responded and had my pick back to me in a few short days.

The Pros: Amazing texture and feel, very little pick noise, super slick surface which leads to a very rapid release from the strings, and last but not least, it is super durable. I played for 4 solid hours on it, and it did not show the slightest sign of wear.

The Cons: Due to the fact that the stock material that these picks are made out of the picks are quite expensive. However, since they wear out so slowly (much slower than the Wegen at $25), and the fact that they have a faster release with much less pick noise, they are the logical, more musical choice. For a 1.5 mm pick, it is $35. For a 2.0 mm pick it is $50, and for a 2.5 mm (like I use, and what the Wegen Gypsy Jazz pick is), is $75. Matthew puts a speed bevel on all sides as well, so depending on the shape you buy, you would actually have 3 picking edges (like having 3 picks in one).

There are many shapes to choose from. I use the “TD” series with speed bevels, as it is most like the Wegen gypsy jazz pick. It is an amazing pick, and I am glad that I acquired it. It makes playing cleaner, more articulate, faster, and much easier.

Give them a look at: www.bluechippick.net/

Tell Matthew Marcelo sent you!