Taylor Darktone Series picks

[Chris_T]

I visited my local Guitar Center today and was surprised to meet Don Rodrigues, the Taylor District Sales Manager.

I had a great time conversing with him across a wide-range of Taylor topics.

He introduced me to a new line of Taylor picks called the Darktone Series. They come in a Taylor branded tin that includes eight picks: 2 ivoroid, 3 thermex ultra, 2 taylex, and 1 thermex pro.

All are designed to darken the Taylor tone by manipulating the eq levels in different ways.

To me, dark is an understatement. They really remove most of the crisp highs that my Taylor’s provide so well.

[AVTaylor83]

I've tried several and they most definitely darken the tone too much for my taste.

However, I've found the 'blue swirl' Thermex really compliments the crisp highs on my Taylor. It adds some depth/warmth by maintains the crisp highs. It's now my official pick of choice.

[Ohio Tom]

I went thru my pick collection and graded each one based on how it makes my Taylor sound.

I 100% prefer harder picks that bring out the highs. Picks that darken the crisp highs and overtones have been thrown away.

Why would I want a pick that makes my Taylor sound like a cheap $150 Laminated guitar?
No thanks..

My hearing is bad enough, don't need anything taking away highs.

I love the sound of fresh strings too... Just my preference.


It's like when guys buy really expensive wheels for their ride,.... then paint them flat black.

[Chris_T]

They are definitely not for me. My ears don’t like them even a little bit.

Nice tin though. My Dunlop’s will travel in style. 😉

[Edward]

Choosing the pick that is right for you is as personal as the string brand, composition, and gauge. All these variables, individually, make a difference; in sum, the tonal variances are dramatic.  Yup, ya gotta experiment with everything, and picks are a biggie. 

Edward 

[beninma]

I have several of these anyway.  They all serve a purpose... do you want your playing to always sound bright and clean and fresh?

The darker picks can be the right thing if you're playing a jazz melody or a blues line.

I don't use many of them that often though.  I use the Thermex Ultra the most.   

Also.. sometimes these picks are useful for other guitars besides Taylors.   I will occasionally use the Thermex Pro that is ultra ultra dark on my jazzmaster style guitar.  That guitar will literally slice your head off with it's treble response at high volumes, so a little darkness can be just what you need.

I really think they are all good picks.  For the most part everything Taylor chose is also easily gripped in my fingers.. not all picks are.

[Strumming Fool]

I PM'd one of the posters here with a question, but there was no response. So I'll pose it to the group: as I currently play using a .60 Dunlop nylon pick for its flexibility, I'm a bit reticent to try any of Taylor's new picks for fear that they'd be too stiff. Does anyone know whether the Blue Swirl Thermex pick (1.0) has any flexibility?

[DennisG]

I PM'd one of the posters here with a question, but there was no response. So I'll pose it to the group: as I currently play using a .60 Dunlop nylon pick for its flexibility, I'm a bit reticent to try any of Taylor's new picks for fear that they'd be too stiff. Does anyone know whether the Blue Swirl Thermex pick (1.0) has any flexibility?

I would call it medium-stiff.  There’s a little flex, but I wouldn’t call it a medium pick.

[Strumming Fool]

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question, Dennis.  Your answer described the characteristics  of the Thermex pick perfectly.  I may try a Dunlop .73 instead and see how it goes....

[donlyn]

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question, Dennis.  Your answer described the characteristics  of the Thermex pick perfectly.  I may try a Dunlop .73 instead and see how it goes....

SF,

For what it's worth, a Dunlop .73 was the last pick I chose to use. But that was years ago. Don't even know if there are any kicking around here anymore. Or should I say picking around here anymore.

Sorry, stumbled into this thread by accident.

Be well,
Don

[Strumming Fool]

Yeah I just checked - they're still available  at least through Sweetwater..... Thanks!

[pickingthru]

And, of course, you can get them on Amazon.  Just ordered some blue swirl picks for my son.  His wife bought my Taylor for a $1 to give him for Father's Day.  She wouldn't just let me give it to her to re-gift.  So I settled for a $1 and not checks.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07S2Y65DK/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1