Impressions after 6 months of picking with Gravity’s Big Mini.
In our article on Blue Chip vs. Gravity picks, we compared premium guitar picks from Blue Chip and Gravity Picks. Recently, I penned a follow-up review on the Blue Chip Jazz60 LG. In that review, I explain why the Blue Chip pick has become my “go-to” guitar pick. But what about the Gravity Big Mini? In this article, I’ll provide a 6-Month update on my impressions of playing my Gravity Picks Gold Series Big Mini pick over the past 6 months.
Why Gravity Picks?
Before we dive into my long term impressions, let’s review why I bought a Gravity pick in the first place. Primarily, my goal was to determine if expensive picks, such as Gravity Gold Series, are worth the money. Here at GK, we love guitar picks, And, there are many picks that offer refined sound at a discount. By investing in some high-end picks, I wanted to see if I could figure out what separates premium picks from plectrums costing far less.
Features
Gravity Guitar Picks is a fairly new company, and manufactures picks from thermoplastic and acrylic. I chose the Gold Series Big Mini 003 pick, which mimics the size and shape of a Dunlop Jazz III XL. This pick comes in thicknesses of 1.0mm, 1.5mm, 2.5mm, and 5mm (that’s thick!). I chose the 1.5mm, which is the same gauge as the Blue Chip Jazz60 LG that I compared it to in our original review.
The Gold Series is the premium line offered by Gravity Picks. On their website, Gravity points to the following as important features of their Gold Series picks:
- Material: Gravity picks are made of high grade thermoplastic
- Volume: Gravity picks possess superior volume characteristics compared to regular picks
- Durability: Gravity picks are “amazingly wear-resistant”
Gravity Guitar Pick Tones
In my original review, I said that the Gravity Big Mini impressed me with its “natural, balanced tone.” In addition, I noted that “the treble was ever so slightly brighter on the Gravity.” In the past 6 months of playing the Big Mini, those impressions have held true. I’ve also noticed an articulate, “stringy” quality, especially on my acoustic guitars.
Gravity Pick Strengths
Gravity claims that their pick offers a “sizable difference in volume when compared with a normal pick.” To this, I’ll both agree and disagree. There is a volume difference, though I wouldn’t call it sizable. And to be honest, you most likely wouldn’t want an overly loud pick.
The biggest strength of the Gravity is its articulate, but not overly bright quality. I use the word “stringy” to describe it, and allow me to elaborate on what that term means to me. What I mean by this is that the pick allows me to hear the quality of the note picked in a detailed way. This detail is separate from the apparent brightness, because the Big Mini is not an overly bright pick. Also, pick noise is minimal, as it should be with any premium pick.
Comparison To Petrucci Picks
When deciding which other pick to compare the Gravity to—aside from the Blue Chip, of course—one of guitarist John Petrucci’s Signature Picks came to mind. In particular, the JP Flow Pick. All of John Petrucci’s signature picks are made from Ultex, a material that is stronger and more durable than traditional picks. Ultex picks are known for their balanced response: They are typically neither too bright nor too muted, and offer consistent volume response across the frequency range. In addition, Ultex is one of the more durable pick materials, offering durability and long life.
In a comparison, I found that the Gravity Big Mini 003 and JP flow sound very close. One difference that emerged was on one of my acoustic guitars, which is strung with Phosphor Bronze strings. I heard the Gravity as ever so slightly louder, and with more treble energy in the form of articulation. Granted, the Petrucci pick sounds like a good Ultex pick should, which is to say balanced and clear. The Big Mini took that and added a smidge of detail in the midrange, particularly on the top 3 strings.
Durability
So far, I haven’t seen any signs of wear on the pick’s 80-degree bevel.
Gravity Pick Feel
The Gravity material has proven to be a winner in both cold and dry climates, as well as hot and humid. The Big Mini’s laser-engraved logos on both sides add a small amount of texture, but my sense is that it could easily be smooth and still provide adequate grip. It’s slightly less grippy than the Blue Chip, but grippier than a smooth pick made of Ultex.
The Verdict
No surprises here—I liked the Gravity Big Mini 003 when I first reviewed it, and I still like it. I had been skeptical of how much a high end, expensive guitar pick matters, but after buying and playing a few of them for an extended time, I’ve come to appreciate the virtues of well designed, high-quality picks. In addition to the tone, you get the low pick noise and superior durability of a high-end material.
And, compared to a lot of gear, the cost of the Gravity Big Mini 003 isn’t steep for what you get: A great sounding and versatile, and durable pick that works well for various styles of music.
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