Blue Chip Picks
Blue Chip Picks are made from a material called Vespel. Although it doesn't look much different than plastic, it's in a world of its own. It's dense, resistant to heat abrasion, and (importantly for guitar picks) has incredibly low friction. This allows the pick to release the string effortlessly. This is not hype; Vespel picks are superior in this regard and skilled players recognize this.
The low-friction surface allows the pick to glide through strings with minimal resistance, which improves speed and reduces fatigue during long passages. The tone is excellent, the picks are wear-resistant, and the material is manufactured to incredibly precise specifications.
Out of all synthetic picks tested, Blue Chip produced the best results in tone, feel, and control. They worked equally well for strumming chords and playing lead lines.
At $35-50 per pick, Blue Chips are a serious investment. For most players, they're not necessary. But for professionals and serious enthusiasts who want the absolute best, they're worth trying. If you are prone to lose picks, though, maybe don't take it with you when you leave the house.
- ✓Smoothest picking action of any pick tested
- ✓Excellent tone across all applications
- ✓Very wear-resistant
- ✓Low-friction material
- ✓Many size and shape options
- ✗Very expensive ($35-50 per pick)
- ✗Marginal improvement may not justify cost for everyone
Material: Vespel (Man-made)
Vespel is a *stupidly* overkill material to make guitar picks out of. It checks all of the boxes of a great guitar pick: smooth and slippery, stiff, durable, and produces a great tone.
📋 Disclosure
No commercial relationship; we bought and reviewed our own.
