Exceed Expectations: A Blue Chip Story
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- Опубліковано 3 жов 2024
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On a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being "poor" and 5 being "exceeds expectations", where do most of your experiences fall? This is the simple story of one of those rare times when I was given a 5.
*After seeing dozens of comments either applauding or criticizing my stating my preference for the Blue Chip picks I feel I should add, this is not a video about a pick. It is a video about a life experience of mine, both with my family and with the Blue Chip company that exceeded my expectations.
It was not in any way my intention to say, "Go try this pick. It really worked for me." That would not be in keeping with what we try to do at five watt world and it is not what I'm doing here either. Even when I do a specific review, I try to keep it in the context of the history of that piece of gear and its impact on music and the history of guitar gear development (see the Nobels video for an example of that.)
So do I really love my BC pick? I do. Am I telling you what you need to spend on picks to find that level of satisfaction, absolutely not. Thanks for understanding the difference.
I should say that I am not sponsored by Blue Chip nor was I given any products by them for review purposes.
Thanks for watching.
Keith
So the Owner of Blue chip is my great uncle, I work for him part time and used to work full time for him, i wasnt there when this order came through, but I can assure you he and his son sent you the second free pick with a smile on their faces, they're always happy to treat customers and anyone else with kindness and respect, and my great uncle matt makes sure of this, always.
They also gave me a second pick for free. Not sure why they did that but very grateful
Okay so I started dropping hints to my wife about getting this pick.She said “Are you crazy?”I said”Yes”.She said “Will this pick turn you into a better guitar player?”I said “Yes”.She said “Well I’ll ask Santa and see what he says.”
I said “Sweet”.
Never grow up.Santa is real.
great one Jason
Man, you know ALL the right answers. Respect!
😂😂😂😂
This story deserves a “5” despite my inability to imagine that I would ever be worthy of a $40 pick. Great kid by the way! 🤩
You're worthy. Get one . . . you won't regret it.
So instead of doing something productive this morning, I dumped out my assortment of picks. I sorted them out by size and shape and discovered that the really worn ones were almost all two very similar shapes of virtually identical size. Fender Classic Celluloid Jazz 551 heavy. There are a few smaller Fender Jazz picks, a few mediums and 2 thins. Funny thing is I didn’t realize that I had zeroed in on that pick.
I don't think worthiness comes into it it's more like stupidity from the guy who's teaching you not to spend exorbitant amounts of money on gear.
@@mike1967sam On gear you don't need. There's a difference.
This is the only guitar oriented Channel with a guy just talking and talking (almost all the time)... And I love It!!!. Great text, empaty, essencial minimalism and knowledge coming from pure experienece. Well done, Mr Williams!
Same, Kieth has a very relaxing nature to him, I find his videos calming and very informative, great channel
Rick Beato "sent me here". I am very glad he did. FIVE watt world; exceeds expectations.
Thanks Ray. Welcome to five watt world.
A company that takes immense pride in their craft, business, and relationships is rare these days. It's so great to hear that it still exists. Thank you for your videos. And thank you for this story. Rock on sir.
I fell the pick is the most neglecting tone element of stringed instrument. I was sitting next to a guy at a jam and he said why does my guitar not sound like yours. I said it’s mostly your pick. He tried mine and said wow. Blue chip may not be for everybody but it is for me. Another great presentation. Thanks
Absolutely. Just within the world of cheap nylon picks there is a massive range of tone. Pointed vs rounded, overall length and diameter, and of course the material. I can barely tell the difference between 80/20's and PB strings on my D35, but change between a .73mm smooth nylon and a 1.14mm tortex its almost like a different instrument. Even knowing this I've still never purchased a premium pick as I know I'd lose it within a day or 2. Had some nice rosewood picks that were wonderful paired with a flatwound-strung archtop, but I lost all 3 within a few weeks, lol. Need to get organized...
Over the past year, I have migrated from electric guitar to electric and acoustic mandolin. I just picked up a CT 55 blue chip. Worth every penny. Insane tone improvement and speeeedy trem picking so I can get my Garcia on!
LOL! I thought I was one of the few pick snobs that was crazy enough to spend a fortune for a pick. My peers gave me a hard time for years for spending what they called a rediculous price for a pick and when they asked me to try it, my reply was, "buy your own as they are special for your playing style". I was not about to share with a doubting Thomas as they wouldn't understand. Not only did I buy one but, I went a little over board and have 4 different styles that fit the feel of what I want to play. Each, unique and each is a FIVE, like your videos... Cheers!
What a terrific story. Bravo. I am editing this post, because I bought a pair of these picks; two finger picks, and a thumb pick. They are, hands down, the finest picks I have ever used. Beautiful tone, so comfortable to wear. They have quality control second to none, the stainless steel finger picks are beautifully polished to a mirror finish, and the thumb pick is equally extraordinary in construction and material. Thanks, Keith, and five watt world, for turning me on to these!!!!!!!!!!
Really pretty progression on the headless.
Thanks Carmen. That's me playing some chords from a Metheny tune from memory. It's funny I've been playing it so long its become a different thing altogether. Sort of like my version of Frisell's version of Shenendoah. :)
@@fivewattworld Arrrh, I was just saying to myself this is so Metheny like when I heard your progression... ;-)
@@MartinMichiels Well you've got a good ears if you can still find Metheny in my decades old mis-learned rendering. It's the chord forms that haunt me from his playing, his use of open strings. I'm still messing about with it but lately I've been trying to better understand what the chords actually are. I was rambling to my friend Rick Beato about it and he made a video on the subject, though he was kind of enough to not "out" me in the intro (not that I'd have cared, admitting what we don't know is the first step to knowing right?)
Thanks for watching.
On Limitations and picks:
I had a similar pick that I believed to be made of ebony. It cost $25 dollars about 10 years ago. I also had a back up, and also couldn’t find another to match it’s tone. I lost one of them at a jam session about 5 years ago. I lost the second one at another jam session, just recently and one week before I finished building my dream guitar. I was crest fallen, until I decided to turn that limitation into a creation.
I had used “Purple Gidgee” in my guitar build; an Australian timber that is as hard as Ebony. I decided to fashion two picks out of that timber. Not only is the tone delightful, but it also matches the guitar which I designed and built myself. So loosing the puck I had coveted for 10 years became a blessing in disguise. Happy Days!
Great story Peter and great example.
One door closes only for another to open.
@@skinnykarlos710 Ah how true grasshopper!
five watt world is the only channel where I click "like" before I watch the video.
Thanks Toofer
Sounds like a 5 to me and I agree. And, I'm not a musician, unless you count "air" (insert instrument.)
Probably because Keith and Five Watt invariably “exceeds expectations.”
Keith, you speak the truth. I bought one for my mandolin, and one for guitar. My new dog ate the one for my guitar. So, I bought two new ones for guitar. Once I tried Blue Chip, I will never go back. I’ve been playing guitar since around 1978 when I was 11 years old. Needless to say, I’ve tried a few different picks. Great video!
What's insane is the guy who owns the company lives right down the road from me in Knoxville. His wife used to babysit my brother and I. He's genuinely a nice guy and it's a really small operation. You'd never know he made some of the best picks around.
Yea he and I share the aame first name! 👍👍
Yep I met his son Allen about a year after I moved to Sweetwater Tennessee in 2014 Great people for sure.
I could tell you a story about these picks as well, I started using them 6 years ago and hate to pick any other picks up. and I've had nothing but good response with the company. funny I used to say I'd never pay that much for a guitar pick, right now I think I own like 10! lol
Same here... love them!
I’m amazed how you haven’t lost it over the years. Until recently, I would lose my favorite picks. Now I use V Picks, expensive to me at $5. I haven’t lost one yet.
That's exactly why you probably would never lose a blue chip.
I have 2 for 2 years now. one for my jazz guitar and for my electric.
I keep them in a key chair holder Santa Cruz guitar co gave me with a guitar I had made by them.
Great story Hypes! I want to try one of those picks. I might just order one.
Thanks Hypes. And you know everyone in the vid!
I'm telling you, Rick. This is real, not hype! LOL
@@MirageLovesGuitar Material is Vespel (by DuPont). Can be bought in rods and sheets.
You, Rick Beato?!? Shouldn't you be producing a soon-to-be-blocked-by-Keith-Williams-video "What makes this video by Keith Williams on what makes this Blue Chip pick great?" Just to show how serious I am with this crackpot comment, I would watch and like that video (I'm already subscribed to both these channels).
Thank you both for the genuinely great work you both do on your respective channels.
@@martinskanal Dang, just looked it up and Vespel is expensive.
All your videos earn a 5 as far as I’m concerned. That Strindberg is beautiful and sounds splendid, even for jazz. Thanks for a great story. Of course a $40 pick is worth it.
Thanks. That T style is stock but I also bought the deluxe semi T style and had Lindy Fralin make me a set of mini humbuckers for it. I said, "They always say the best '59 Les Pauls sound like Teles on steroids. Let's start with a tele and go toward the LP." Lindy loved the idea. It sounds great. I'll be doing a history video on Strandberg in the near future. It's what i'm playing now (not endorsed by them...or anyone for that matter.)
I've been meaning to bite the bullet on one of these for a long time, ever since I heard Chris Thile uses them. After this, I might finally do it! Thanks for the video, as always!
Have you tried wegen?
It always make me love a product more when the people behind the product are great people. Makes me happy to support them
Five watt world is rated a five and exceeds expectations !!! Looks like it’s time for me to peak around the blue chip site !
I love your style Keith, great story... I saw you in a video with Rick Beato too, he's a fellow Western NYer... I don't miss the weather, but I do miss home; I grew up in a Buffalo suburb and spent 2-years in Rochester back in the early 90's. I am not sure I will be in for a $40 pick BUT I will check out their website. Take care.
Actually the picks are different prices depending on size. I guess it's the material that is SO expensive.
My favorite guitar channel ever!!!!🙂
Thanks Cedric!
Same here! More 5WW videos!
Sounds like a good company. I like supporting companies that care about the customer so I will give a blue chip a try.
Sounds like your boy is a real good kid. I remember when I was young, it was so hard to figure out the right gifts for my mom so it makes me smile to hear you say that your son got you the perfect gift and that you use it every day. My mom is more of a cooking person than a musician so her "blue chip pick" was a nice German kitchen knife that she still raves about years later, and I know she uses it often because I'm the one who comes over and sharpens it occasionally. Be good to your parents, folks. Give them thoughtful gifts that show you're listening and interested in their hobbies. It'll remind them of what a good job they did raising you every time they use it.
I hear you. I was in a good friend's wedding and a 10" chef's knife and a 4" paring knife were our gift for being in the wedding. I use them everyday and think of those good friends when I do.
i agree completely with acknowledging a good company that stands behind it's product and customer service!.
i carry small 2-2 1/2 inch pocket knives with me wherever i go and i use to lose them regularly until i started using the small watch pocket in the right front pocket area, maybe that might work for you as well.
though i would never spend that much on a pick, i am not a player like you and probably most of your viewers, i do appreciate the content and good will! thanks....
I tried the “watch pocket” in my jeans years ago. I’d forget the picks and find them in the wash (if I was lucky). But it should work. Makes total sense.
Keith
Such a great video. I have been exclusively playing the same Blue Chip pick for over 5 years now. I carry it everywhere I go. I also didn’t want it to be true, but my acoustic guitars specifically sounds far superior when using it. I’ll never go back to another pick!
You are so right, we live in a time of so few 5's when they occur we must acknowledge them.
Love the Blue Chip sound! Got one as a gift too and fell in love. Especially good for taking the "cut" out of a particularly brash instrument or set of strings. Almost like a high pass filter but also has a mid bump to it too. The way the material slides over the strings is like nothing else. I've probably tried over 100 different types of pick ( I was in a tone hunting phase, went nuts on strings too.) Nothing else has the same feel or sound.
All the other pick brands you showed are exactly the picks I use lol. I just ordered a TP50, can't wait to try it out.
I'm 52 and have played semi-pro since my early 20's. 5's are quite rare in my book. My 20 year old Taylor 310-CE and my PRS Custom22 which is almost as old. Neither has ever let me down and I rub 'em clean with a rag and maybe some polish once or twice a year as a thank you.
first time watching you...wonderful stuff...I got my first blue chip the TD 50...about a year ago..Changed everything acoustic electric hybrid picking shredding strumming a TOTAL GAME CHANGER and worth every penny
Of course, the problem arises when people start to expect service that exceeds their expectations. That way leads to perpetual dissatisfaction.
I had a grounding issue with a pickup on an Eastman Pagelli I bought used. No-one could figure it out, so I called Eastman. They said it sounded like the pickup had gone bad and offered to send me an entire pickup/pick guard assembly for no charge, even though I am not even an Eastman customer. But now, one day I will be.
The Strandberg sounds great. Be nice to see a video on it - not you everyday Tele.
I'll be doing a Strandberg video. I have the trilogy, T, S, and a T with buckers to fill the Gibson slot. Love them all, so comfortable.
Thanks for watching "Duf".
Keith
Never heard of blue chip at all, but I suppose to start the thread about favorite picks, I basically used mainly Jazz III sized picks, but my new favorites are the Dunlop FLEX 1.14s in that size. Perfect for both rhythm and lead work. Ultex is my usual though for its durability and suitability for the heavy music I like to make.
Blue chip makes jazz size picks too! Same size you use. It's so worth it (for me anyway).
Cheers!
They are popular with bluegrass players.
These videos are always 5 stars! I always learn so much about the subject. You have to appreciate a company that goes out of its way to do right by its customers. Granted, Blue Chip are probably a small company, but that what makes it even more important for them. Word of mouth(or video) goes a looooong way to increasing exposure and sales. Larger corporations don't have to care about small customer inconveniences, but the ones that do are always noted in my book! I don't play well enough to warrant a $40 pick, but if I ever felt I needed it, I know where to go.
The Pick of Destiny!!
Ps ... you’ve got an awesome kid .. and wife.
I was at a Gibson tent at Sweetwater’s Gear Fest and the Medium Black Gibson pick I got from the vendor was a highlight-not really an impressive product but my favorite pick right now, other than my fingers.
What shape is it? The last pick in the video was one of the teardrop Gibson heavies I gigged for four years. Also black...and they stopped making them, sending me on the quest that ended with the Blue Chips.
It is the standard style medium. Works perfect-the heavy is also good. I found how much I enjoy this pick ridiculous because there can’t be anything exceptional about it; and I hate the idea of being the guy who plays a Gibson with a Gibson pick... like the BMW owner that wears their over-priced BMW hat and polo.
Ah, Keith - great story. I have to admit that I might have gotten just a touch misty around the Christmas gift remembrance. I also have a son who is cut from the same cloth. I think the premise here fits well into your value ethos - after all, if you never have to replace them, the picks are inevitably going to be a good value. Just a matter of time 👌🙂👍. See you around (hopefully) TDPRI -
Isn't it something. Great things come in small packages and you get what you pay for. Awesome show as always.
Keith, another great video. Thumbs up to you and Blue Chip. I met the owner of Blue Chip several years ago( sorry, I'm getting older and can't remember his name) at Woodcraft in Knoxville, where I work. We talked guitars, music and picks. A few days later I got 1 in the mail. I love it. Great pick, great people.
The thing about good media, good journalism or good music for that matter is that it gives hope to the listener. Quality, humility, caring and desire to be good equate with love. There are a lot of assumptions about the world now and unfounded claims that things have never been worse, and I don’t think that is true at all. I think that people trying to communicate ideas and concepts with quality has never been better. Thank you so much for what you do, and I’m going to spring for the 40 bucks to get one of those picks to help you pay it forward, because whether or not it makes a difference in my playing, it should make a difference that your video did not go unnoticed. Thanks again Keith.
Very thoughtful Jonathan. Like you I don't tend to believe in "the good old days". Just like each instrument, some parts are easy and some parts are hard.
Thanks For the info. I'm a big fan of Chris Thile, and the photos that you used suggest that your are as well. Seen him live twice. Once doing the last officially named " Prairie home companion." show. Where I got lucky and ran into him on the street and was able express my appreciation of his talent. A nice human . Then again not long afterward playing a two plus hour solo show. Blown away the whole time. One of the best musicians of any style out there now. If you haven't had the chance to see him live, it's well worth the effort. Keep doing what you are doing. Thanks again.
Absolutely agree with everything you said about Blue Chips. I also ran into them during my mandolin pick search (one of the most maddening things about playing mando. The equivalent of guitarist's search for "the amp"). Was actually gifted one by a friend, and immediately was a believer. I also know the incredible, heart-wrenching pain of losing it! Haven't been able to bring myself to invest $35 in another yet, but I'm getting there. Closest commercially sold I've found is the Dunlop Primrtone, but not the same!Keep up your good work. Your videos always educate and entertain in the best possible way
Im the same way with picks,I never loose picks and I use specific picks that aren’t the standard credit card type.I love your channel man and appreciate hearing your stories and information,and your production quality is amazing.I give your channel a 5.
The first thing I thought about when you had talked about the 1-5 scale was Fodera Guitars and specifically Victor Wooten relationship/loyalty with them
5 exceeds expectations, 5 watt world. Fitting title. Glad to hear that the move is finalized. Hope the new homes is welcoming. Headless guitar was a surprise to see. Keep the great content flowing Keith. Much support from your P.A. friend.
Thanks Keith. I will need to convince myself while I am fly fishing in Oregon whether I can afford to or afford not to purchase one. You make a very convincing argument. Thanks for the channel!! Always appreciated.
Where are you fishing Peter? We're staring right into fall here and a spring time activity is pretty appealing on this rainy cold day.
Keith
As a fly fisher/guitarist also i would say there are many equivalent to the $40 pick in both worlds! Must be something that attracts a certain type of person! (BTW I have a blue chip and love it. But I'm afraid to use it for fear of losing it, even if just in my house.)
Keith, I love your channel and this video really hit home for me. Your emphasis on respecting and honoring service that exceeds expectations is spot on and makes me respect you even more. And the fact you were praising Blue Chip picks also made me very happy. I played jazz trumpet long ago in college, but took up the mandolin a few years and have been seriously working at it the past couple of years. I was never a bluegrass guy growing up, but began to love David Grisman, Mike Marshall, Chris Thile, John Reischman and many progressive indie-bluegrass bands. And I discovered Blue Chip picks about the the time I started to get serious and I completely agree - they are absolutely worth every penny; they produce a rich, full tone on an instrument that too easily can sound thin, even tinny on the upper string pairs. I'll never go back. Thanks for plugging a great, five-person company that still ships their picks with Alan Goins' business card.
All of this is way more info than you need or care to hear, but I have to add that I've been taking lessons from a mandolin player who loves jazz and plays it well and my love for jazz is being rekindled.
I love your channel, your personality, and your calm, very thoughtful approach. Thanks.
Thanks Lee. Welcome to five watt world!
Sorry for the double comment, but I felt like you did about the pick, about my PRS. It was my first high end guitar (my only one still) and I was so worried that it either wouldn't live up to my expectations, or I'd become unable to enjoy any "sub par" guitar. Neither happened. It is 100 percent perfect for me, and I still love my other guitars, but it DID cure a ton of my GAS. I just can't make myself really consider buying another guitar, because it doesn't measure up to my McCarty.
I just learned about these picks after watching John Mayer show the BlueChip TD35 he uses. Since I love his clean tones, I just ordered one with my name on it. Super excited to play with it!
I lost it already.
That was a nice video. A company that builds a quality product and stands behind it deserves a shout out. Plus it is always great to hear of such a company.
A friend of mine recently gifted me a tpr50, he won a couple in a competition a couple of years ago but as he's mainly a fingerstyle player he figured id get more use out of one than he would. Its a wonderful wee thing and the tone quality is undeniable, im just thankful to have such a generous friend :)
I bought a bag full of Modulus Graphite picks from the store south of Market Street in SF probably 1990. I used to sand the tip to a profile like your custom pick. That shape does generate a warm sound... I'm sure that's why Pat Metheny uses the side of his pick. These days I'm hybrid picking and working on making string skipping easy, so I've transitioned to pointier med-heavy picks and currently really digging the Dunlop John Petrucci pick. Bigger than a red Jazz3 but just slightly.
Yeah, 'exceeds expectations' is pretty rare these days, but that makes it so cool when you find an example.
Ivor Thomas I love that pick but it has a lot of string chirp
@@jakemf1 referring to the JP pick?
great story. I had the same experience with Vinni, the owner of V-Picks. I wore out 7 of his awesome dimension Jr's (they're not made of mystery polymer like the BC's and the points wear off--at least mine did) and, being 10$ a piece, it occurred to me to reach out to V-Picks and see if they could re-bevel the points back. Turns out the could and they did at no charge.
I saw this video when it first came out and have always remembered Keith's impression. It is so rare (it seems) to find companies with such dedication to quality and depth of character. Taking a cue from the video, when my family asked for stocking stuffer ideas for me, I thought: "How many more packs of strings do I actually need?" It has been a great year for practicing music indoors, so...a Blue Chip is on the way now.
Nice Michael!
Great story and well said. I think it's great that you're profiling 5-star service providers - without endorsement. I have had a similar experience to yours about these picks. I never lost one, but I can say without hesitation that they are the best picks I've ever used.
I know what you mean. I was recommended 1.5mm dunlop primetone sculpted picks by a friend. Much thicker than my usual 0.7 and at £5 each, quite pricey too. As you would say, “I haven’t looked back since”! A decent pick is worth every penny.
"Self lubricating"? Sounds more like something from the adult book store . . . I do agree with you that the pick can make a huge difference in sound. Exhibit A would be Brian May and his use of a sixpence, or Billy Gibbons using a peso. I've been using those yellow Dunlop 60mm things for a while now, maybe it is time to change it up . I had a pick from Johnny Ramone a long time ago I got right out of his hand at a show and it was a 3 sided heavy thing with his name on it, but it didn't make me sound like him. :). Thanks for another video.
I'm sure your allusion to the adult book store world is purely professional, ;).
Just received my first ever bluechip … TPR 40 , I instantly bonded . I never will think about my pick again , just play . Love it
This video is a 5 - I was moved by the end of it. We should all pursue and offer such standards in the many aspects of our lives, including relationships, art, work, and everything else; and we should admit where we're wasting time and effort. I've never considered myself a minimalist because I greatly appreciate specialized tools for each task... but if this is what essentialism is, then I think I can get on board.
My problem with minimalism as a term is that it seems to get applied in some sort of a competitive way, that less is just better because its less. I don't believe that. I believe that having isn't the problem/distraction, its the wanting that's the distraction from doing. So "essentialism" or as grammatically clumsy as it may be "enoughism" is problem best.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Keith
I've thought your videos were mostly 4s, maybe 4.5s, I love your style of description, and though (possibly) scripted, still well researched, the context is always crystal clear, and you do have a "DJ" voice... I always know that you know what your talking about... before you open your mouth. This video is 5+, you lived the research, and you did justice to your subject. I have a pick/plectrum that was thrown off the stage at a Jethro Tull concert in about 1971... It's a very faded tortoise with no markings, about what I call a medium. Some players/musicians that have used that pick say it sounds "old" and has the right "fleck". Sounds "blue chip" (not your company) to me. I trust your opinion so will research BLUE CHIP, and if it's not to complicated, I might just get me one.Thanks for your work and musicianship, you are blessed.
Love the Tull story Randall and for the honest assessment of the vids. I'm learning and I love the challenge of trying to tell a story in words and images. This is only my 40th video (I think) and like writing songs, making videos is the way to learn to make videos.
Thanks for watching and thanks for sharing.
Keith
Thanks for your great story. Stumbled over your video channel and I fully agree Keith. A friend of mine - when I picked up a new PRS - just handed me his pick for my test play ... and frankly with normally using the Jazz III I was immediately blown away by the tone. It was a Bluechip and it was immediately outstanding. And .... almost not interested in the guitar anymore (still took it), it was the tone the pick creates which caught my immediate attention - even if his pick was not my choice of shape and form. That alone tells you something ... you pick up an expensive PRS and you stare at the pick which created that tone. Ordered a TAD 50 and a IBJ55 over here in Germany with wonderful - 'I stay where I am holes'. Being an original classical guitar player (with all the fuzz on perfect nails / tones) I can tell you what a great tone is. And these pick are different. You have been lucky to find your right away ... I have order 2 more to find mine in terms of shape and thickness, but the ones I have are already so much better of what I had before. So, great video and you message is genuine and true. And I am furthest away from being endorsed.
I’ve been a metal guitar player till one day I plugged a tele into a fender deluxe cranked. I thought it would be funny but quickly discovered a whole new side to myself. I love your channel! I’m a Mesa Mark IV an KSR guy but am saving up for a deluxe amp and a tele for my bday and Christmas as well as a few of blue chip and red bear picks. I discovered a more refined side to myself. There will always be that part of me that loves gain and aggressive music but there is also this side of me that just makes the instrument bleed when I play it now. I’m not sure how to describe it but that’s how I’d describe it. I love your channel sir! Sorry for the long message.
Thanks for watching Garett. Welcome to five watt world.
five watt world given your definition of 5 star rating I would describe your channel as 5 stars! I am curious about the Mesa/Boogie California Tweed and if it gets the kind of tones they claim? All the beautiful Fender Deluxe sounds? All the Neil Young kind of lead sounds, beautiful Fender cleans, and Fender reverb?
Love this story, Keith. I've been using a TPR40 for some time now. This week, I ordered an SR40 and SR50, based on watching and listening to Bob Minner play his beautiful flat-picking arrangements. Keep the great videos coming. I have much catching up to do. Cheers and happy holidays to you and yours.
Happy Hollidays Glen!
Have 3 Blue Chips...well I know where two of them are at the moment.
For the mandolin, there has been no better equipment purchase.
Not really wanting to like them, then picking your jaw up off the floor after a few chords is a relatable experience 😅
Keith, like the old saying that a good wine needs no advertisement. Its seems that quality service also speak for itself. I have never heard of that pic until today. But because of your experience it make me feel that's the kind of quality that I want to associate with. Thank you for another great video. Would love to here your perspective on how to keep the playing fresh. Specially when we keep finding ourselves playing the same thing over and over.
Hi Jon, I struggle with that (though I love playing the same tunes that have always resonated). My current strategy is learning new tunes to stay fresh. For me, trying to play over changes that are new is always a challenge.
Keith
Lol I’ve been playing guitar for over 25 years and I just started getting into bluegrass flatpicking, got a bluechip pick.. changed my world 😂
I have a similar experience with Devilpicks, Ilaria is an Italian luthier that makes handmade picks. For five picks I pay 40€ (roughly 40$) and I love the fact that you can have alluminum, wood, bone, vinil and other materials made picks for the same price. I bought recently (3 years ago) a batch of 3 plexiglass picks an amaranth wood one and a bone one, I have a really heavy right hand and normal picks last me nearly six months, I used to go through lots of picks, but now it has been 3 years of the same pick (a 3mm green plexiglass big triangular shaped one like yours) and has the exact same sound of a new one. Since then I saved up 25-30€ per year, is not much but I feel better because I can spend the money I wasted for cheap picks on stuff that I need. Thank you for the awesome content, I love your short history segment
I've made picks from everything imaginable. Counter top laminate is good, got the ivory from and old piano and made some good picks, but they have a little too much bite. Any material could be made into a plectrum, knowing how to use it properly is the trick.
Thanks again for this helpful information. Remain in the sell mode and with some success.
I am a gospel writer and and sing a bite, but also enjoy single string stuff, proficient enough to have fun at it. The right pick is essential.
This is my favorite Five Watt video thus far. Keep em coming, you do great work.
Yes indeed. I use them, and it's true that they're worth it. There's no going back; I even tried, back when my dog chewed the only one I had at the time. And my next-resort picks are also pricey. And, within five minutes I was ordering more Blue Chips. And it's true that you can't distinguish one from the next, assuming they're the same spec with the same bevel. Five stars indeed.
There's another thing I really like about them, in addition to the qualities Keith points out: the secret material somehow manages to glide over the strings ultra-frictionlessly, while being clingy in my fingertips at the same time. I play jazz and use small, thick picks, and these stay put better than any others in my grip.
I discovered Blue Chip picks while tumbling down the tone rabbit hole, and couldn’t agree with your assertions more. I didn’t want a $35 pick to be everything I could want in a pick, but alas, it was. Mine also gets parked in my front pocket when I’m not playing, with a backup safely stored away in case disaster strikes. I loved hearing your tale.
Keith, I loved this video because I too, play blue chip picks. As an avid pick collector for years, this one has become home for me.
I play a 35 Jazz pick. I use it for everything from my Taylor Koa K24CE to all my electrics. For mandolin I have a Blue Chip 60 with speed bevel.
Like you, I was so concerned about losing my original that I bought a second, with my name on it. Plays EXACTLY like the first. Oh, and I’ve never misplaced the original. My friends who have tried it love it.
When asked about the cost, I explain that a violin player pays BIG money for their bow, because that creates their sound. I’m spending $35 for a pick to play on my high quality instruments. I know to some it sounds like I’m justifying the expense, but for me it’s worth it.
And like you, I’m not sponsored by Blue Chip. Just my 2 cents worth.
Thanks for all your videos.
One words... Vpicks, they are absolutely the best pics I’ve ever played in my life, in fact the pic that I practice with 90% of th3 Time I’ve had for four years and there’s no wear on it. Silly as it may seem, I have about 50 of these pics in storage at $6 dollars to $10 a pop depending on which model you get just in case something happens with this company and I can get these anymore
I started playing bluegrass guitar at the request of a professor who I had a good relationship with, and was making his ensemble into a credit hour class. Since I don't own an upright acoustic bass, I was flatpicking on my father's Lotus from 1982 (which he played at the same university thirty years ago, but I digress). After biting the bullet and finally getting a Breedlove acoustic that was absolutely beautiful and much easier to play (carpal tunnel), I realized that a bigger pick would help me with the fast-paced style of bluegrass' tendency to destroy your right hand. Turned out that this wasn't just a class; we went to IBMA in Raleigh last year and performed several times. The whole trip I was hearing about these "blue chips" and how they either could cure cancer, raise the dead, always end up in the Salvation Army's donation buckets, etc. etc. Well, on the convention floor with about $90 left to my name I stumbled across none other than the mythical Blue Chip guys selling their magical picks. I explained to one of the guys that I was recovering from carpal tunnel surgery, had nerve damage, was used to playing Dunlop Jazz III picks, and didn't know where to start. He recommended the TAD-IR 50 for me. I tried it out and was sold. Three different edges, not too thick, not flimsy at all; made me very aware of how I was holding my pick and gives me options for tone. It even came with a leather holster (I sh*t you not) that I have stuck onto my strap near the headstock. Now I can't lose my pick, and thank goodness; those Jazz IIIs were wearing out too quickly. This still feels new half a year later.
Nice to see this video Keith. It’s too easy these days to have an online rant about what’s not good, but it’s so much better to give credit where it’s due. Kudos, my friend.
Thanks Dave. Yeah they are great folks at Blue Chip,
I have been using Blue Chip picks since they first put their picks on the market, which I believe was 2008. One of my mandolin students came to a festival I playing, handed me a TPR 40 and said, “try this”. I played the next set with that pick and immediately fell in love with it.
Nice story Keith. Who would think that one could find wisdom in a $40 pick. Keep 'em coming.
Have one for acoustic and one for electric.
"5" all the way.
And thanks for turning me on to Blue Chip Picks😎👍
😎👍❤🖖
Love brother
i have been grinding grateful dead for the past year. sooooo much alternate picking and country. I LOVE IT. I LOVE my knock off blue chip pick, I am going to get a blue chip next, seems worth it.
Wow! Nice story
I have to comment on the Strandberg, I didn't expect see that. But wait, you're the guy that used to play jazz with a Parker Fly. I shouldn't be surprised.
I swapped out my PRS's for the Strandbergs. I'll be doing some videos on them in the future. They are SO comfortable to play that they got me. And great memory that I played that Fly. I struggled to get the tone I wanted but honestly I could play things on that guitar that I couldn't play on any other.
This reminds me of my experience with Zenfire picks. Every order I've ever made has included a hand-written letter thanking me for my purchase and a free second pick of a completely different material and style, just so I can check out what else they offer. Needless to say, I only play Zenfire picks now and I have several. If anyone ever asks me who makes the best picks, I kindly point them towards Zenfire.
Jeez-O-Pete! Thank you for FINALLY resolving that progression. P.S. Been using Moshay picks since I was 16. 42 years later... yeah, I'm an addict.
dunlop primetone is my choice of pick. i like the bevel. i also like 'grip' which causes the pick the 'stick', it is laser etching? that really grips skin. after a year i compared it to a brand new primetone and could actually begin to see some 'wear'. the tone is 'prime' from this material.
I had a similar experience with StoneWorks picks. I was really knocked out by the improvement in my guitar tone. I've not tried Blue Chip but I'll be sure to check them out.
You have found your calling in making these videos. I truly enjoyed the story of the thoughtful gift.
I use Blue Chips exclusively! The way they wear is unbelieveable! They ARE worth it!
I haven't tried Blue Chip pics but I did just buy the variety pack of Ice Pix with their little holes cut into them to provide more grip. I'm digging those. A 5 star experience that stands out is with DW. I needed some maintenance done on my DW 9000 pedals and found out there was a 5 year warranty. The pedals came back like new and were improved. I was so blown away by the experience. DW way exceeded my expectations. I bought them at a GC but I couldn't get three different GC stores to help me with the manufacturer's warranty. I had a local music store help me. The expectation thing goes the other way too. I've never bought anything at a GC since then.
I love Jazz III XL picks that are ~6 months old. The problem is that I don't like fresh ones at all, so it's a real pain in the ass to get one into shape. Guess I'll just have to never lose another pick from now on. Easy.
2und2sind4 that edge from production drives me crazy
Great story and video!. You’ve got a rare talent for distilling non-obvious nuances out of those places where music delightfully intersects with the human story.
Thanks Joe
Great video Keith. Last summer one of my mandolin students gave me a BC pick and I have much the same reaction as you in that it's the best pick for mandolin I've ever found. The price is steep and not wanting to lose it so I don't use it on gigs but that will probably change when we get back to the world where we can actually play gigs ! Stay well .
I love my blue chip! Thank you for taking the time to make this video and spreading the word. It's a wonderfully made video.
I received a pair of silver cuff links with fender picks inlaid in them as a gift, from a long lost friend. I'll never get rid of them.
Good video. Food for thought. Customer service definitely sets one company above others, when so many of the products aren't that different.
I really dig your mindset brother. Just cuz it’s good! Thank you sir. Semper Fi
I find your videos supremely enjoyable, no matter what the content. Thank you!
I started using Blue Chip after reading an article in Vintage Guitar written by Steve Stone. I still have my original pick and a couple of back ups. As for the price, if you don't lose it, it may be the last pick you ever have to buy which makes it cheap in the long run. As for the sound, you hear the difference immediately and because I like the sound so much better, I feel that I play better. I hadn't thought in terms of your "Exceeds Expectations" before, but you're right, they do. I'm new to your 'channel,' but I'm enjoying it a lot. Thanks for your efforts.
Welcome to five watt world Doug!
Keith
These have become very common in the bluegrass world, for mando, guitar, banjo and dobro (thumbpicks). That's where I first heard the name. I use them for dobro and flatpicking. As some told me years ago, they are only expensive if you lose them!
Yep. Definitely a 5 pick and a 5 company. I've been using them since I called Mike Marshall about his endorsement years ago. I've tried others since, but none measured up to the BC.