This review delves into the D'Addario Acrylux guitar picks, exploring their unique tonal characteristics and playing feel. Often overlooked as a simple tool, the guitar pick significantly impacts the final sound, influencing brightness, warmth, and attack. D'Addario offers two Acrylux variations: the Rezo (red) and Nitra (gray pearloid), each boasting a different acrylic formulation, promising distinct sonic profiles. This review aims to determine if these advertised differences hold true in practice, considering factors such as material composition, thickness, and overall playing experience.We will examine the performance of both the Rezo and Nitra picks, paying close attention to their tonal output, flexibility, and how these qualities contribute to the overall playing experience. The review will focus on whether the advertised tonal differences between the brighter Rezo and warmer Nitra are discernible, and whether these picks provide a worthwhile addition to a guitarist’s collection considering their price point and unique sonic profile. Ultimately, we will assess whether the Acrylux picks deliver on their promise of distinctive and enjoyable tonal options.
Pros And Cons
- Made from 100% pure acrylic
- Provides better grip
- Produces a bright tone (subtly brighter than Nitra)
- Offers more clarity and articulation than Nitra
- 1.5 mm thickness may not suit all players
- Flexibility contributes to a darker tone than expected based on advertising
- Acrylic nitrate blend
- Produces a warmer tone
- 1.5 mm thickness may not suit all players
- Tone is described as darker
Read more: 5 Best Celluloid Guitar Picks You Need to Try
What is a Guitar Pick?
A guitar pick, a seemingly simple tool, is crucial for any guitarist. It's the intermediary between your hand and the instrument, translating your touch into music. The material, shape, and size dramatically influence the resulting sound.
While often overlooked, the pick's characteristics play a significant role in tone. A pick's material, whether plastic, celluloid, or in this case, acrylic, shapes the sound's brightness, warmth, and attack.
Introducing D'Addario Acrylux Picks
D'Addario's Acrylux picks offer two distinct formulations: the Rezo (red) and Nitra (gray pearloid). The Rezo is made from 100% pure acrylic, while the Nitra incorporates an acrylic nitrate blend.
These picks are designed to provide different tonal characteristics. The manufacturer claims a brighter tone from the Rezo and a warmer tone from the Nitra, a claim I will examine in this review.
Tone and Feel: A Subjective Experience
My experience with the Acrylux picks revealed a consistently 'darker' tone, characterized by warmth and a woody quality. While D'Addario advertises a brighter tone for the Rezo pick, this difference was subtle.
Both picks exhibited a notable flexibility despite their 1.5mm thickness. This likely contributed to their darker tonal characteristics, offering a unique playing feel.
Final Verdict: Are D'Addario Acrylux Picks Worth It?
Overall, the D'Addario Acrylux picks provide a unique tonal experience, leaning towards a warm and woody sound. The subtle difference between the Rezo and Nitra is apparent, but both remain in the darker tonal range.
The 1.5mm thickness and flexibility make them an interesting option for those seeking such a profile. They are relatively affordable, making them a worthwhile experiment for guitarists looking to explore different tonal options.