Guitar Gear

V-Picks "The Snake" Pick

V-Picks “The Snake” Pick Summary: Thick at 4.1 mm, this is the beefiest pick I’ve ever played. But it’s uncanny just how fast and accurate you can be with this pick! Comes in both Rounded and Pointed corners, and Vinni also makes a hybrid that has both types of corners. Pros: The bevel on this pick is perfect, and totally different than the other V-Picks I’ve played. Whether you go with the rounded or the pointed version, you’re gonna love playing this pick. Cons: None. Price: $10.00 ea Specs: 4.1 millimeters thick Hand-ground Flame buffed Sharp, almost triangular bevel Tone Bone Rating: 5.0 – I REALLY love these picks for playing electric guitar!

In my previous review of the V-Picks Medium Rounded and Pointed, I shared how the tone that they produce just make my heart sing! But with “The Snake” Vinni just blew those out of the water! Within minutes of playing both the Rounded and Pointed versions, I knew I’d never go back to the medium rounded and pointed again. Damn, Vinni! You just keep on inventing great picks!

The big difference between “The Snake” and the standard picks other than the beefy 4.1 mm thickness is the bevel. It’s sharper than the standard picks, with a noticeable burm-like edge. When I initially took a close look at the edges of these picks, I have to admit that I was a little dubious. After all, Vinni had just told me the other day that The Snake was his “most outrageous pick ever.” That coming from a man who makes picks that are half and inch thick, for cryin’ out loud!

But as they say, the proof is in the pudding, and I picked up a Saint Guitars Goldtop Benchmark, took the rounded Snake in hand, and started playing a riff. My expectation was that this pick would produce a sound similar to my beloved Medium Rounded. To say that I was completely taken by surprise by the tone that ensued from my amp would be an understatement. I stopped, picked up my Medium Rounded, and played the same riff. But it didn’t have quite the punchiness and roundness that the Snake Rounded produced. I just shook my head, and literally said, “That f#$kin’ awesome!”

Then I picked up the Snake Pointed, and started playing the same riff. Again, my preconception was that the pointed would play similarly to the medium pointed: A sharp, crisp attack that was great for playing leads, but not very enjoyable for strumming. From the first strum, my jaw just dropped. Unlike the medium pointed, this pick just glided over the strings! There was a little more resistance  than the rounded Snake, and I expected that, but I didn’t expect how well the pointed Snake would move over the strings. It’s truly uncanny! And unlike the sharp attack of the regular medium pointed, what this pick produces is an absolutely gorgeous ring. I could use this pick for both rhythm and leads – and that’s what I’m intending to do at my gig this weekend!

I believe the bevel on these picks make all the difference in the world, and what sets them apart from Vinni’s other picks! This bevel is special, and really the secret sauce behind the tone these picks produce. The thickness of these picks just add to the awesome vibe they evoke. I didn’t think a 4.1 mm pick would be very comfortable, but I love it even more than the regular mediums! By the way, these picks are about the same size as the regular mediums, so it was a good comparison. The funny thing is that I hold these thicker picks even lighter than the regular mediums. The Snake seems to grip you, as opposed the converse. I guess that’s why Vinni named the pick “The Snake.” It really feels like it’s holding me while I’m playing.

Okay Vinni, I have to agree. These really are your most outrageous picks! For more information, go to http://www.v-picks.com