Jim Dunlop Flow 1.00 Ultex Guitar Pick Review: Grip, Sound, and Playability

This review dives into the Jim Dunlop Flow 1.00 Ultex guitar pick, exploring its unique features and performance across acoustic and electric guitars. We'll examine its distinctive design, focusing on the grip, sound quality, and overall playability compared to standard Ultex and celluloid picks. The 1mm thickness and Ultex material are key aspects we'll analyze, alongside the pick's slightly more pointed tip. Our testing involved a direct comparison, assessing tonal differences through chord progressions and scales played on both acoustic and electric instruments, with careful attention paid to the pick's performance during fast playing and complex passages.This detailed assessment will reveal whether the Flow pick's claimed superior grip and enhanced tone translate into a tangible improvement for guitarists. We'll discuss the advantages and any potential drawbacks, offering an unbiased perspective on whether this pick is a worthy addition to any guitarist's arsenal. Ultimately, we aim to determine if the Flow pick's combination of grip, sound, and comfort justifies its place among other high-performance guitar picks on the market.

Pros And Cons

Read more: 5 Best Celluloid Guitar Picks You Need to Try

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

The Jim Dunlop Flow 1.00 Ultex guitar pick arrived in a variety pack, a nice touch for trying out different thicknesses. The Flow pick boasts a unique design, with a noticeable flex and a grippy feel similar to the popular Prime grip. The 1mm thickness feels substantial yet comfortable in the hand.

The pick itself is made of Ultex material, known for its durability and bright tone. The slightly more pointed edge compared to the standard Ultex pick provides an interesting contrast.

Sound Comparison: Acoustic Guitar

For the acoustic guitar test, the Flow pick was compared against both a standard Ultex pick and a Fender Heavy Gauge Celluloid pick. A series of chords and scales were played to evaluate the tonal differences.

Across the tests, there was a subtle difference, more noticeable on the acoustic than electric guitar. The Flow picks demonstrated a slightly brighter and more present tone, contributing to a richer sound and improved articulation.

Sound Comparison: Electric Guitar

The same comparison was repeated with an electric guitar, played through a clean amp with no effects. The subtle difference in tone observed with the acoustic guitar was less pronounced with the electric guitar.

While not as striking as on acoustic, there's still a hint of greater presence and slightly improved attack that's easily noticeable during fast playing.

Grip and Overall Feel

One of the Flow pick's key strengths is its exceptional grip. The textured surface offers superior control compared to the standard Ultex and Celluloid picks. This improved grip translates to enhanced comfort and precision, particularly during fast playing or complex passages.

The extra grip, however, doesn't compromise on playability; it feels natural and comfortable in the hand. This is a significant advantage for players who value both control and comfort in their guitar picks.

Conclusion and Recommendation

The Jim Dunlop Flow 1.00 Ultex guitar pick offers a compelling combination of tone, grip, and playability. The slightly enhanced presence and attack, particularly noticeable on acoustic, are a definite plus, though the difference is less dramatic on electric guitar. The improved grip is a substantial improvement over traditional picks.

While it might not be revolutionary, the Flow pick excels in its overall performance and comfortable feel. It’s a solid choice for players seeking a versatile pick suitable for various playing styles—from strumming to fast soloing. If you value grip and a slightly brighter tone, the Dunlop Flow is worth checking out.