Face Off! Part 2 - Jim Dunlop Tortex 351 Vs. Tortex Flow (0.8mm)
Traditions in the Plectroverse are strong, and the 351 is a shape that has served generation after generation of players - now Dunlop has decided to manifest the Flow Series in Tortex, could this be the natural evolution of the shape? Watch the whole thing to find out!
This week's shout-out goes to the mighty Om, whose music is as grand as the name suggests, so do yourself a serious favour and listen to them here:
omvibratory.com
Check out the entire Dunlop series at:
jimdunlop.com
Big thanks to Mike at Odessa Guitars for my beautiful friend The Stick as ever:
odessaguitars.... (that is indeed The Stick on the front page)
I'll be back next week with more Plectrology but until then, like share and subscribe, and don't forget to Rep Hard, and Rep Heavy.
www.heavyrepping.com
Пікірлер: 75
i started using 351's and then switched to flow's and i am very happy i did, the picking experience is much better for me with the flow's. Great video man!
I Definitely think this qualifies for "pick of the future" since it's got the pointed tip people love from the Jazz 3 but in a more standard size everyone can be familiar with
@Jon.so.vile.
2 жыл бұрын
Also give you that ultex sharp bite but eith a soft attack like a stubby
@stevestevens1457
Жыл бұрын
There are TIII too
Switched to Tortex Flow 0.60 recently after having tried almost every other pick out there. The best decision in my playing experience in the last couple years. Not going back to any other now.
Thank you, I've been using the 351 for more than 15 years, And I will order the flow right away, It looks like its just what I need.
I switched over to Tortex Flow 1.5s about a year ago. I love them . I do go through a lot more picks now though, cause the sharper tip wears down quickly but I'm good w that. I'll take the speed and precision any day!
I agree. Loving the yellow flows. Way easier! The regulars feel huge and slow now. And I've been using yellows since 1999. I may be a convert but I need to test these a few weeks first.
@AlmostLakai94
2 жыл бұрын
About to order a pack of those soon. Started on the regular yellows cuz I'm a huge Dave Mustaine fan and then went to green (or Eric Johnson's specifically for some reason) jazz 3s but they're just a little uncomfortable for me so I hope these will bridge the gap lol
@generalawareness101
2 жыл бұрын
Flow vs Flex which? I seem to like the flex better than the regular Tortex one and better than the Ultex for me.
I bought some FLOWs recently because for many years, I used to file and sand the original Tortex to have the same point as the Jazz pick. Now I don't have to do that anymore. Still like to buff the edges on my jeans to make them smoother and quieter. Thanks. You should try out the GHS/Planet Waves Black Ice pick.
Love the shirt! My favourite band!
I used reg orange tortex for 25+ years I accidentally ordered flows from Amazon , they are probably the perfect pick , I never would have switched unless I made the accidental order tho
@HeavyRepping
3 жыл бұрын
That's a happy accident indeed, it's a great pick and I know Dunlop were very keen on them as a worthwhile alternative to the 351. They're brighter and snappier, and the extra speed is worth it.
Great video, John! It was surprising to me that you found the Flow to be easier to play with. Since it is much sharper I expected the opposite. I will definitely try it out in the near future.
@MikeMCT
2 жыл бұрын
I think the flow kills the normal tortex tin terms of glide through the strings.
Plectrum On brother John 🎸🎼
I love Flow picks! Now using the 1.35mm, but in future i think i will switch to 1.14mm. Thanks for vid.
I've used the same Dunlop tortex. 88 for moths and I've found that if I run it against the carpet to sharp the point after a few times it reach the shape of the ibanez tear drop shape.. Like the Paul gilbert model. Or after three single strike it can assume the shape of the TIII :) very good pick.. If you do this process with the ultex one you will break the carpet ahahha :D
Thank you for these demos
@HeavyRepping
4 жыл бұрын
You are very welcome - thank you for watching!
@NeinFeline
4 жыл бұрын
@@HeavyRepping I'm doing my own journey... Ordering flows, primetones, stubbys, the hetfiled black & white fangs, jazz iii XXLs... Looking forward to giving out a lot of plectrums after I make my decision 🤓 Also forgot the petrucci 6 pack, the Bea signature, the Andy James... Gonna hold off off on that Kirk hammit pick though... Why doesn't he just play with the Eric Johnson signature if he's using a vinyl jazz 3?
@NeinFeline
3 жыл бұрын
Damn... It's been near a year. I just put majority of my plectrums into mini boxes. That takes quite a bit of time!
I feel the whole episode was a build up to the pun at the end and I'm totally OK with that
I keep going back to the flow 1.35 tortex. It's not THE most accurate pick, but it's more accurate and precise than a 351, it doesn't have a super sharp pick attack, but it's not dull sounding. It's not big, but it's not small either. I think it makes an outstanding all round pick for a metal guitarist like myself.
@HeavyRepping
4 жыл бұрын
They really are very good, and I truly consider it the evolution and refinement of the 351 💪
@SrDeMaFp
4 жыл бұрын
Razorpony Unleashed Hey, are the edges rounded over like the Ultex Flow picks or is it more of a sharper bevel like a standard Tortex (etc.)? I emailed Dunlop twice and have heard nothing back...
@Moozart
4 жыл бұрын
@@SrDeMaFp they ate rounder, ore beveled..than a tortez
@SrDeMaFp
4 жыл бұрын
@@Moozart Thanks, dude. I appreciate it.
OM shirt 🤘🏿
i use the regular i cant use the flows there isn't enough body touching the string for me it feels too easy and not right lol........ also you dont get as full of a tone with the sharper tip
I have a pack of the flow's coming I want to try for my Bass, I'm currently using the .088 Tortex triangle picks but find them a bit large
@HeavyRepping
3 жыл бұрын
You'll dig them I reckon - how thick did you go?
@OzzieTrev
3 жыл бұрын
@@HeavyRepping the same as shown in your video .088 not triangle ones
I’ve tried so many different picks and I just keep coming back to the tortex standard, that’s just me I guess
@HeavyRepping
4 жыл бұрын
There's no wrong choices with picks - if that's what's working for you, stick with it! 🎸⛏️⛏️
The flow isn't an evolution of the 351. It's its own shape. It sits between the 351 and jazz xl and has a more pronounced bevel to the edges that allows it to 'FLOW' across the strings. This shape is more traditionally sold in ultex material (though it's not disclosed as such) and used by pettruchi, andy james, etc. What's new is that the shape is in tortex material. Personally, I think it's not different enough to the Jazz xl that it'd make me interested in switching.
@HeavyRepping
4 жыл бұрын
I'll take that assessment in hindsight - it is a fair point. If you're getting on with the XL fine then this model wouldn't offer you anything extra, though it's exciting to see the Flow in Tortex all the same.
@LunatiqueRob
3 жыл бұрын
The more curved sides of the Flow makes a noticeable difference compared to the Jazx III XL--it "flows" more smoothly when playing. Jazz III XL was my favorite, but now it's the Flow.
@rub800
3 жыл бұрын
I've recently compared the XL and the Flow, they look like the tip is the same guy they feel very different to me, the flow is easier to play. You should try at least once.
@SixString_J5
3 жыл бұрын
@@rub800 I've since tried them and played flows exclusively for a couple months and when I tried switching it up with a trusty jazz xl it was like coming home. The flow is so fluid for sweeps, but the jazz xl just has much more pronounced attack and articulation. I switched back to my trusty Ultex Jazz iii xl 1.38mm. It has raised lettering for grip and I can really relax when holding it and not worry about it slipping and the articulation, attack, and durability are unmatched.
@jiyu_the_monk.1983
Жыл бұрын
@@SixString_J5 late but thanks for at least trying it out, I'm considering either of those 2.
im using jazz III XL .88. this seems like a good middle ground between the 351 and the jazz III XL
@HeavyRepping
4 жыл бұрын
Excellent choice!
@LeeJoRo
4 жыл бұрын
@@HeavyRepping I picked up a few 351 (still .88) and I find them hard to use after using JIIIXL. It's looks like the flow shape glides/rolls off the strings nicely but has a sharp tone due to the point.
@HeavyRepping
4 жыл бұрын
@@LeeJoRo They're cheaper than the 351's if you get them in a bag, so do the thing!
@LeeJoRo
4 жыл бұрын
@@HeavyRepping 100% I will. Thanks for the recommendation
@HeavyRepping
4 жыл бұрын
@@LeeJoRo let me know how you get on boss 🎸⛏️⛏️
I generally do not like picks with a sharp tip. They do not suit my style and I need a rounder tip. So I will stay with the old ones.
@HeavyRepping
4 жыл бұрын
The Dunlop line offers *so* much in terms of tips, bevels in the case of the Jazz Polycarbonates and the Primetones, you've got choice for days. Mostly I tend to go more towards the blunt rather than pointed, but a few things have come up that have made me look at things differently. It's a wonderful world!
Flow seems pretty versaitile
@HeavyRepping
3 жыл бұрын
It is - having the matte or gloss finish makes a fair bit of difference too 🎸⛏️⛏️
3:32 What are you playing? Sounds nice
@HeavyRepping
3 жыл бұрын
It's usually improvisation, I play in DADGAD normally. Thanks!
If it isn’t broke don’t fix it. The original Tortex in any color will always be my choice. I’ll take a simple yellow though
Is there a difference between the flow and the tortex tiii?
@HeavyRepping
19 күн бұрын
The Tortex III is a normal 351 shape at the top and pointed at the bottom with less curve in the sides than the Flow, and without the pronounced shoulders. The Flow is a tiny bit shorter as well. If you like the III, try the Flow 👍
How big is the tortex flow? Same as a jazz iii?
@HeavyRepping
2 жыл бұрын
Larger than the Jazz III, it's like a tapered 351 (regular Tortex).
Once that sharp point wears out on the flow combined with that more curved edge I always start missing notes. Like a golf player who takes a practice swing 😂
@HeavyRepping
3 жыл бұрын
I would have thought the Hulk would be an Ultex guy at the very least 🎸⛏️⛏️
@AleandFire
3 жыл бұрын
@@HeavyRepping 🤣
@digable_celestial_dwarfs6778
3 жыл бұрын
Do the ol' carpet trip to get the point back!
How do the Flow picks compare to the Tortex TIII?
@blacktronone
3 жыл бұрын
The TIII is a little brighter, the tip's sharper on it. I'd say the Flow is a fuller sounding, a bit more mid-orientated than the III.
@stevef8945
3 жыл бұрын
@@blacktronone Thanks for the info
@HeavyRepping
3 жыл бұрын
Sorry, I posted this from my other account 😬 (the information is correct however)
So is the flow smaller than 351?
@HeavyRepping
3 жыл бұрын
It's more tapered and with a finer tip.
OM??? Isn’t that smeg and the heads biggest hit.
dude looks like sargon
@HeavyRepping
2 жыл бұрын
The ancient ruler of Akkadia...?