In the context of the electric guitar experiments, the influence of different thicknesses of picks was also compared. Picks are typically used to enable a louder and more defined attack on the string with the same amount of force. The thickness of the pick also affects the sound. Additionally, the material used significantly impacts the tone.
Experimental Setup
Amplifier settings as used in experiment To illustrate these differences, a specific selection of picks with thicknesses of 0.88 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.38 mm, and 2 mm was chosen. These were compared using a Fender Stratocaster (Mexico - 3x Single Coil pickups). The guitar was played through a Marshall JVM 410H amplifier, connected to an MR1960B 4x12 cabinet with custom speaker configuration. The sound samples were recorded using a Shure SM57 microphone.
Pick Thicknesses
Picks used for experiment (from left to right: 0,88mm 1mm 1,5mm 1,38mm 2mm) For the experiment, the pick thicknesses were compared by playing each one directly above Neck, Middle, and Bridge pickups. Only the Neck pickup was active. The following audio examples were created and labeled by the thickness of the pick used:
