review
V-Picks Foundation Series Picks
Pick choice is one of those things players typically settle on early in their playing career and then stick with throughout. However picks can have a big affect on your tone and playing technique. There are a multitude of picks out there from mass produced to hand made. It is a good idea to try several brands and styles. You never know what you might be missing.
The Offer
Coming from the classic Fender Medium school of pick use, I was intrigued when Vinni Smith of V-Picks, a small “boutique” pick maker, asked me to try out his V-Picks. I said “Sure.” and Vinni was kind enough to send me four different V-Pick models to try. I received a Large Rounded, a Medium Rounded, a Medium Pointed, and a Small Pointed — all from the Foundation series of V-Picks. There are several other models available including the Screamer, a whole line of Premium Picks, Acoustic picks, Mandolin picks, and Bass picks. Check the V-Pick website to see everything available.
The Test
I have to admit, when I received the picks I already had three pre-conceived reasons why I probably wouldn’t like them. However, I was determined to be open-minded and fair during my review. My standard for reference was a Fender Medium pick because I have used them for over 30 years and know them so well. I tried the V-Picks on a Stratocaster and a Les Paul, and although I didn’t receive an Acoustic V-Pick, I tried the ones I had on an Alvarez/Yairi acoustic. I’ll discuss each of my objections individually to see if I was right or wrong.
The Results
The first thing I noticed was how thick these picks were. I initially thought “I’ll never be able to play with those. They are just too thick.” But surprisingly it took very little time to get used to using them. In fact I found the thickness made it easier to hold them and required a little less squeezing than my Fender Mediums. They also moved around less than my old stand-by, making them less likely to slip out of my hand. Each size obviously has a different feel, but I adapted easily to each. Eventually, I preferred the Pointed picks over the Rounded ones. My first initial resistance proved false.
I also thought “They don’t flex. I won’t be able to pick or strum with them.” You see, I have tried Hard picks before (even one made out of stone!) and didn’t like them. But the V-Picks were different. Even though they don’t flex, they seemed to glide over the strings. I could even strum with them. My second initial resistance also proved false.
Thirdly I though “If they are rigid, they have to be noisy when picking.” This one was closer to the mark. The V-Picks do have a pronounced pick attack sound or “pick noise” when used, especially when strumming. It seems to be louder when you pick a string that is already vibrating. The smaller pick seemed to have less attack sound than the larger ones. Although this could be due to how I was holding it. The more gain or overdrive you use on your amp, the less pick attack you hear. When I tried them on an acoustic, I was surprised at how much more volume I got out of my acoustic. I knew it would be louder, but it was a huge amount more than my Fender Medium. Of course, the pick attack sound was massive also. I wouldn’t recommend these models for acoustic — which they weren’t designed for anyway. The Foundation series of V-Picks seem best suited for electric guitar soloing or riffing.
Tone
The V-Picks have a “darker” or “warmer” tone than my Fender Medium picks with less high end bite, although this is somewhat offset by the “clicking” the picks make. Overall it is a different tonal character than “standard” picks produce. Like amp distortion, it is a matter of taste. If you are familiar with the pronounced pick attack of Brian May (of Queen) or Carlos Santana, the V-Picks have that same kind of “noticeable” attack.
In Use
Because the V-Picks are so rigid, I had to use a slightly softer picking technique then usual to avoid hitting the string too hard and causing buzzing. This is true of any rigid pick, not just V-Picks. I adjusted quickly enough. A lighter picking attack is usually a good thing when playing fast, although I am not convinced the V-Picks made me play any faster. It seemed like the increased thickness and weight of the V-Picks required more physical effort to move than the Fender Medium picks, so the V-Picks “seemed” slightly slower to me. Perhaps my opinion would change if I spent more time adjusting to them.
Final Thoughts
The V-Picks surprised me with their comfort and how quickly I got used to using such thick picks. Although they are rigid, they seemed to glide over the strings with ease. The tone is darker (or warmer) than a Standard Fender Medium pick and the pick attack is quite pronounced. The tone and attack sound will no doubt be the deal maker or breaker. To me, they seem better suited for playing single notes and riffs than strumming chords. If you are looking for more pick attack, want to expand your tonal palette, or just want to try something different, V-Picks may be just what you are looking for.
Reader Comments
Better Guitar encourages your input. Agree with this review? Think I’m crazy? If you have used V-Picks, email me your comments and I’ll post them below. The more opinions we have available, the better our buying decisions will be.
Pierre Diotte
I was used to playing thick picks. Dunlop 3mm Stubbies. I fell in love with the small pointed V-picks because the sound was nicer, brighter, more articulate than the Dunlops. And it didn't need much adjustment on my part. It was just a natural transition. The tone is what got me. I'm hooked. Long live V-picks and thanks Vinnie for such a great product.
stats
- • Clear Acrylic construction
- • Smooth, polished edges
- • Small Pointed, Medium Pointed and Rounded, Large Pointed and Rounded, and Freakishly Large Rounded sizes available
- • Easy to grip
- • 2.75 mm thick (Freakishly Large 3.0 mm thick)
Positives
- Easy to grip; comfortable to hold; warm tone; glides easily over strings; doesn't move around in your fingers; more affordable than most boutique picks.
Negatives
- Pronounced pick attack may not appeal to everyone. Thickness and rigidness requires technique adjustment for some players.
Rating
- Performance: 8
- Sound Quality: 8
- Construction: 10
- Value: 10
- Overall: 9
Ratings Key
- 0 = Worthless
- 10 = Excellent
Approximate Street Price
- $4.00 each direct from V-Picks.
Company
- V-Picks