I’ll start by saying that I’m new to the Bluegrass world. One thing I have learned quickly is that in order to flatpick, I need to move on from my beloved orange Tortex .60m triangle to something thicker. Thinking “Blue Chip on a budget” I bought a 3 pack each of 1.3 and 1.4 Dunlop Primetones. With these being the most expensive picks I’ve ever purchased (between $4-5 per), I must admit they sound incredible when strumming out open chords. Such a glassy and wonderful shimmer to the tone. BUT, the problem: when playing single note runs the tone is as if I’m playing a guitar with strings 30 years overdue for a string change. While I believe some may refer to the tone as warm, to my ears the notes really sound muted and dead. Despite the fact that I’m a hobbyist with a sofa for his stage, I have always been rather picky (see what I did there?) so, what now? Pondering Tortex 1.0 or Ultex 1.0 for several reasons. Perhaps I went too far with 1.3m? Being Primetone is made from Ultex try them? Or will tried and true Tortex 1.0 be it? I know, try both. But right on the heels of having sunk $26 into these Primetones, I feel like I’m throwing money away not trying to make them work. Thoughts? PS new to Ben’s world and the forum. Looking forward to learning much here.
Picky About Flat Picks
I have not watched this lesson (I focus on banjo, so flat picks and their tone are a bit of a mystery to me) but here, Jake walks you through all of the details of thickness, material, attack angles, and all of the nuances of getting good tone.
https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/plectrology-the-study-of-flatpicks-guitar-beginner
Thanks, Mark. It was actually these videos that helped me choose the Primetone picks to test out. I’ve watched through the videos again and did some more picking this morning. Might keep working with these a bit more before deciding if I move on from them.
Yeah, I think the 1.3mm may be a little thick for you, but like you hint, this is a subjective pursuit. Buy some cheaper picks in various thicknesses and see which feels/sounds the best.
Currently sold out of some, but recommend the following:
https://store.banjobenclark.com/collections/picks/products/dunlop-ultex-gold-triangular-flat-pick
https://store.banjobenclark.com/collections/picks/products/dunlop-ultex-flat-pick
https://store.banjobenclark.com/collections/picks/products/golden-gate-triangle-tortoise-flat-pick
Thank you for taking the time to read and reply, Ben! I’m loving my new adventure learning through your guitar course! I spent some time yesterday playing along with the Guitar Rhythm Camp video and had a blast! I appreciate the advice as well 
So, I’ve given the 1.0 Ultex picks a try…a try that I think will remain permanent for quite a while 
these are awesome! Thanks again for the tip, Ben!