Planet WavesD'Addario Accessories Chris Thile Signature Casein 1.4mm Mandolin Pick 2CA7-01CT

I bought this pick in February 2023 and I'm writing this in December 2023. I played my mandolin with it through about August. At that point, I switched to a Toneslabs FS Darth Tone 1.2mm and I'd been using that pretty much exclusively until about a week ago.Before I go further I'll just acknowledge that pick choice is super personal and everyone's mileage may vary here.A lot of reviewers talk about the fragility of this D'Addario pick. Sure, perhaps it's more malleable when exposed to warmth. I regard this as a feature, and I like the way this pick conforms slightly to my thumb. Maybe this pick is more brittle than a BlueChip. I don't know. I store mine with my instrument, and I don't keep it in my pocket. I've dropped it a few times but it hasn't broken. If you have a habit of carrying your picks in your pocket, and aren't willing to chance that habit, then this may not be the pick for you.As far as tone, compared to a BlueChip, I have only ever tried out a CT55. I noticed a slight difference in tone but didn't really have enough time with the BlueChip to really decide which I liked better. Compared to the FS Darth Tone, I have to say the Darth Tone wins on that front, with caveats. The Darth Tone creates a darker, sweeter tone. However, this D'Addario gives my mandolin an edge which cuts through the din of a jam session very nicely. I think the Darth Tone is probably better in situations where you are amplified or mic'd up, but this one is better for jams.This pick needs a little maintenance. It wears down slowly. I use one of those 4-sided nail file/buffer thingies, based on a recommendation by mandolinist Nate Lee in one of his videos (he was using the Darth Tone, but same principle applies here).I really, really love the feel of this pick in my hand. There's just something about it, but I just love it. I love the way it is curved, I love the bevel, I love the feel of it across the strings. I like it so much that I've decided to put the Darth Tone down for a while and move forward with this one for the time being. I recently tried it on guitar (steel string), and now this is my favorite guitar pick, too! I may buy another just so I can store one pick with my guitar and one with my mandolin.

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Well-balanced, good grip, great tone. Highly recommended.

Well designed and well made. very pleased.

First of all, it's speed beveled right handed. If your lefty and play with your pick pointed towards the headstock , you're ok. Otherwise...not for lefties. Ok..anyone complaining about the pick warping, disregard. This pick is made of casien. It's made from milk curd, I think, and they mix formaldehyde in there, I believe....but the point is, this is not thermoplastic. If you hold it the same way every time, it will warp, but it's the same pick if you just flip it over. It has 3 identical corners. Your thumb pressure will straiten it out again. I use this pick for guitar. It's articulate and gives a nice tone, not fat , or what some people might call warm. A warm pick to me, is dull sounding and you can't hear what you're playing. This pick gives a nice articulate tone and at the same time the speed bevel is just right..not too pointy. I don't get stuck on the strings. Another thing about casien. Don't get it wet and don't stick it in your pants with your keys. You'll get a broken pick. If you didn't know, this pick is stiff, at 1.4mm. I like stiff picks, and this pick seems just right. It's the size of a Blue Chip TAD. One last thing. I read some comments that is not as bright as a Blue Chip. I don't know which size and shape Blue Chip they are talking about. I have Blue Chip TAD picks in a several thicknesses. My experience with Blue Chips is that they have that "warm" dull sound that I don't like. I gave 4 stars on durability only because it is casein. I've had it two months and it still is like new. It wears very slowly , if at all. But not being some indestructible thermoplastic, I figure that eventually something will happen.