The Medusa Fora

Hi, Mr Chevron, could you please point me towards what type of string you'd use, and what sort of thickness plectrum you'd usually use?
Also, Shane's guitar playing during the Red Roses for Me album has a very distinctive sound (I can't describe it other than "Steely"-think Leaving of Liverpool, and Wild Rover), and could you also direct me on that ground?

Thanks infinitely.

I use quite light strings - gauges 10 to 11 (E), 12/14 (B), 17/21 (C), 22/26 (D), 30/32 (A), 40/44 (E) on the electrics. I use a covered 3rd (G) on the acoustics (about 22/24) and a slightly heavier 4th D as well.

I have always used Dunlop 60 picks.

Some, though not all, of the guitar on the early records is played by James Fearnley. "Wild Rover" and "Leaving of Liverpool", which were recorded after "Red Roses For Me", may have Shane, James or even Elvis C on guitar. If memory serves, there is also mandolin on these tracks, which may account for the metallic sound.

---------------------------------------------------
I've been away in New York, so forgive me if there are any messages or questions I have not responded to - I'm sure I'll get to them eventually.

philipchevron wrote:
I have always used Dunlop 60 picks.

How standard I use them as well and I believe Eamonn Campbell uses the same as well

Thanks a lot!

dunlops are cool 'cause they have that nifty dinosaur.

I thought it was a turtle! I usually play with my hand instead of a pick, unless it's notes, and then I usually use whichever pick I happen to grab

Finally got the strings you reccomended (being broke ain't fun ) and it's sounding great!
Thanks Mr C!

I thought it was a turtle!

it could be. it always gets smeared by my finger oil before i can look closely.

I think they have some other alternate logo too, can't remember what though.

The tortex Dunlop picks never last long. I find they wear down quicker than the plain nylon Dunlops (the ones without the logo.)

Well, most of my first picks for mandolin were the ones with a turtle, the nylon ones are just too thin to pick that great with, but I soon found these weird little picks from Dava that were much more comfortable for picking the mandolin. Even though I've moved more into guitars lately, I still like the Dava picks for picking and just use my hand for strumming.

Here's a link to the Dava picks in case anyone wanted to see what they look like

TheIrishRover wrote:Well, most of my first picks for mandolin were the ones with a turtle, the nylon ones are just too thin to pick that great with, but I soon found these weird little picks from Dava that were much more comfortable for picking the mandolin. Even though I've moved more into guitars lately, I still like the Dava picks for picking and just use my hand for strumming.

Here's a link to the Dava picks in case anyone wanted to see what they look like

All picks kinds of picks have a variety of sizes. You can get some real thick nylon pick as well. I usually use .73mm nylon picks, medium guage. Unlike the tortex line, they aren't hard to hold on to. And they last longer, I find.

Nevermind. Just looked at the Dava. That is one fat pick.

lately my pick's been slipping a lot so i'll have to try das nylon picks.