We’re deep diving into picks at GK, and in this article we’re reviewing Dunlop guitar picks, specifically picks made of a material called Tortex. We’ll cover three types of Dunlop Tortex picks, including the newer Tortex Flex pick.
What I wanted to find out above all was how the newer Tortex Flex pick stacks up against my well worn Standard Tortex, and Gator Grip picks. We’ll discuss three flavors of Tortex pick: Standard, Gator Grip, and Tortex Flex. We review picks based on Feel, Tone, and who we think it is Best For (see our article on how we review picks for more). And, we’ll also compare the sound of Tortex picks to perhaps the most widely used guitar pick out there, the Fender Classic Celluloid pick.
Introduction to Tortex
Tortex guitar picks first hit the scene in 1981, and were revolutionary at the time. Developed by Jim Dunlop, Tortex was the result of Dunlop’s approach to developing a pick that emulated real tortoiseshell picks, which had recently become illegal (this was bad for guitar players, but good for turtles). Tortex picks are made from Delrin, a type of plastic, that is then treated by Dunlop to create a matte surface. Tortex picks are color coded, based on the thickness. And, Dunlop picks made of Tortex naturally sport an image of a happy turtle.
Today, Dunlop’s Tortex picks come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and gauges. We’ll be talking about three in particular:
- Tortex Standard
- Tortex Gator Grip
- Tortex Flex
The Turtle Speaks: The Sound of Tortex Picks
For this review, I used my usual test guitars: A Telecaster, a Hamer Hollowbody with a Spruce top, and a Taylor Sapele-bodied acoustic. Our control for this test is the famed Fender Celluloid pick, in the classic 351 shape. When comparing the sometimes subtle differences in the tone of guitar picks, it’s helpful to baseline with a pick that everyone is familiar with, and the Fender Celluloid is certainly that.
1. Dunlop Tortex Standard Pick
The Standard Tortex picks are the original Tortex pick design. For this review, I used a green Tortex, which is .88 mm thick. This is thinner than many of my other picks, but it’s what I had in the box. I’ve used Tortex Greens extensively in the past, so I’m familiar with them.
Feel
Standard Tortex picks have a smooth surface that isn’t slippery, but isn’t particularly grippy either. They provide more grip than Nylon picks, however. The surface is smooth, and lacks raised texture or lettering.
Tone
The Tortex Standard tone is smooth but slightly muted, with moderate “clickiness” on the front edge of the note.
Best For
The Tortex Standard is a good all around, inexpensive pick, but not remarkable in any particular way. Some people really love them, so they’re definitely worth trying.
2. Dunlop Gator Grip Tortex Pick
Dunlop’s Gator Grip picks are basically Tortex, but a rougher-textured surface for enhanced grip.
Gator Grip picks have a chalky texture when new, but it eventually wears off. At that point they might still be a little bit more grippy than a Standard Tortex, but not by much. For this test I used the Gator Grip Blue, which has a thickness of 1.14 mm.
Feel
Gator Grips feel like Tortex, but with a rougher, slightly scratchy surface.
Tone
Although the Gator Grips are acknowledged to be made of Tortex, I have to wonder if there is a slight difference in the formulation. The Gators have less pick noise, and have less friction on the string. This was especially noticeable on an acoustic guitar. It’s either that, or it’s the bevel, but either way, I could hear it. The tone, however, was the same, sounding like the Standard Tortex pick.
Best For
Most people buy Gator Grips for the chalky surface and its increased grip. As for tone, it’s the same as the Standard Tortex, i.e., they are widely used and liked by many players.
3. Dunlop Tortex Flex Pick
This is where things get interesting. The Tortex Flex, though made of Tortex, has its own thing going. I used a 1.5mm gauge for this review.
Feel
The Tortex Flex pick surface is smooth, and the grip is equal to the Standard Tortex.
Tone
Let’s start with what Dunlop says about the Tortex Flex’s tone:
“Tortex Flex Picks combine the memory and durability of Tortex with the flexibility and warmth of nylon.”
—JimDunlop.com
If this is what Dunlop was going for, I’d say they succeeded. I’m not sure how they did this, but my guess is that it’s a different formulation of Tortex. What I do know is that the Tortex Flex sounds very similar Dunlop’s nylon picks, such as the original Jazz III.
Compared to the Tortex Standard and Gator Grip, everything about the Tortex Flex is softer: The string attack is muted, string noise is lower, and the treble is smooth and slightly recessed. At first, I wasn’t sure I liked the Tortex Flex, but they grew on me. They weren’t quite as good for acoustic, but I like the nylon warmth that they impart on electric, especially on the B and High E strings.
Best For
If you’re looking for the warm sound of Nylon with increased durability, the Tortex Flex may be your answer.
Comparison with Fender Classic Celluloid
When talking about the precise differences between the tone that various picks produce, it’s often helpful to provide a baseline. Fender’s Classic Celluloid fits this description, because it’s a well known and widely used pick.
First, let me describe how I hear the Fender Celluloid sound: The Fender Celluloid sound is bright and present. Celluloid picks are clear, but can sometimes sound slightly thin compared to some other materials, especially those used in high-end picks. Nevertheless, it’s a usable tone.
Compared to Fender Classic Celluloid, Tortex picks sound similar. However, to my ears, I feel that Tortex picks have a little bit more body to their sound than Celluloid. I find that the attack is also softer on Tortex picks, and this was consistent across all three Tortex picks.
Tortex Picks Conclusion
Tortex picks are one of the most popular options out there, and for good reason: They sound good, and are available in many shapes, sizes, and gauges. Determining the best Tortex pick for you will depend on your priorities:
…If you like classic Tortex tone, go with the Tortex Standard.
…If you enjoy the Standard Tortex sound but could do with increased grip, grab the Gator Grip.
…If you like Tortex but are looking for even more smoothness and a warmer treble, give the Tortex Flex a spin.
A final word about the Tortex Flex: The Tortex Flex is the outlier in the Tortex family, because it’s got its own thing going with the Nylon influence. In fact, I got to like the Flex the more I played it. Also, I have to be honest in saying that I’ve never loved the feel of Dunlop Nylon picks, so it’s good to know that the Flex is a way to get very close to that sound, but in a pick with a completely different texture and feel.