Black Mountain VS Bumblebee Thumb Picks: 1st Impression, Test & Thoughts

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I take my first look at both the Black Mountain Heavy thumb pick and the Fred Kelly Bumblebee thumb pick. I compare, contrast and offer my thoughts on the comfort and usefulness of each.
0:00 - Intro
1:26 - Unbox & 1st impression of Black Mountain heavy gauge thumb pick
3:14 - Unbox & 1st impression of Fred Kelly Bumblebee Jazz heavy large thumb pick
5:56 - 1st play test of the Black Mountain pick
10:15 - Bumblebee vs Black Mountain: Fit
11:02 - 1st play test of the Bumblebee pick
13:20 - back and forth between the two picks
14:30 - Conclusion after first play test
16:58 - Final thoughts (after another day of play time)
This is not a sponsored video, but through my amazon affiliate links below, I will earn a small commission if you use them to make an amazon purchase. The cost will be the same to you either way, so thanks for using my link.
Black Mountain Thumb Pick heavy gauge (3 pack)
Amazon CAN: amzn.to/2WhiQ9h
Amazon USA: amzn.to/38esjnI
Fred Kelly D5J-H-3 Delrin Bumblebee Jazz Heavy Guitar Pick (3 pack)
Amazon CAN: amzn.to/2JZ9GvT
Amazon USA: amzn.to/3nrURQI
Amazon UK: amzn.to/2KrA7dx (medium gauge)
Fred Kelly D5TB-H-3 Delrin Bumblebee Teardrop Large Heavy Pick (3 pack)
Amazon CAN: amzn.to/3ahhjIS
Amazon USA: amzn.to/3afE7Zt
Amazon UK: amzn.to/3gPsZDP
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Original Video Description:
My Black Friday guitar gadgets are starting to show up! The Black Mountain heavy gauge thumb pick (more at www.blackmountainpicks.com) and the Fred Kelly Bumblebee Jazz Heavy gauge thumb pick (more at www.fredkellypicks.com) were the first to arrive.
I hadn’t intended for these thumb picks to be featured in the same video, but when they arrived on the same day I couldn’t resist unboxing and giving my first impressions on both of them in one glorious video...
Everything seemed to be going fine, but as I discovered later I had actually received the wrong model of Fred Kelly Bumblebee pick from Amazon. (Although the label indicated that I had received the D5TB-H-3 as ordered, it was in fact the smaller ‘Jazz style’ D5JB-H-3 that was in the package). This somewhat compromised some of my statements about the Fred Kelly Bumblebee because I did not realize the order error had occurred until after shooting the first impressions footage. Obviously, there are no do-overs with unboxing and first impression videos so I did my best to edit any inaccurate statements about the size options of the Fred Kelly Bumblebee pick and included a conclusion section to the video after I had the opportunity to use both picks for another day and figure out the mixup with my amazon order.
Ultimately, I think that either the Black Mountain thumb pick or the Fred Kelly Bumblebee pick could be your thumb picking solution! They are both vastly superior to your grandpa’s steel thumb pick (ouch!) or the ill fitting thumb picks at your local shop. It all depends on your needs, thumb size and experience as to which pick I would recommend for your personal situation.
The simplified advice I have is this: Beginners are best to purchase the Black Mountain thumb pick as it is a one size fits all solution (because of the spring) and is A+ for comfort. Experienced or professional players should also consider it, but they may prefer the wider selection of pick sizes, pick gauges and the pick angle adjustments that only the Fred Kelly Bumblebee provides. However the large pick size of the Bumblebee (currently the biggest size offered) does fit my average sized thumb rather snug and could be potentially uncomfortable for larger handed players.

Опубликовано:

16 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 51

@TheJamSpace 3 года назад

Updates: 1) I made some errors regarding the Fred Kelly Bumblebee pick in this video! Watch my updated demo and long term review all about the Bumble Bee thumb pick here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-mWHdRtEGhHg.html 2) I also took the time to compare the Black Mountain Heavy pick with their newly released medium thumb pick. You can see that one here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-TrDzD_ArRRI.html - Richard

@jeffrey.a.hanson 19 дней назад

The Black Mountain has enabled me to start playing a bit again after wrist surgery. That’s a testament to its natural feel and predictability.

@tempgar 27 дней назад

I have both. I prefer the Black Mountain picks for one major reason. The pick part itself extends higher up between the thumb and forefinger. Therefore, when I want to flat pick it gives me more control over the pick. The top of the Bumblebee pick sits right about the BOTTOM of where my thumb and forefingers come together with pressure, and tends to thus wobble more. The Black Mountain extends above this point and so the top is totally within this pressure point. Black Mountain now has: Heavy, Medium, Light, and "Jazz" size/weight picks, as well as 2 degrees of spring tension.

@jeffrey.a.hanson 19 дней назад

The Bumblebee definitely wobbles and couldn’t figure out why. I configured the Black Mountain’s attack angle using hot water, sanded down the pick a bit and love it. Surprised how smooth it plays as a regular pick. May try the Jazz version for faster finger style picking when I recover from wrist surgery.

@slayinbass2396 2 года назад

I have been using bumblebee thumb picks for a few years and love them, i just tried the black mountain pick today and i like it. I think i prefer the bumblebee though. Maybe because i'm used to it, but i like being able to adjust the pick position and on my acoustic guitar the sound is much better than the black mountain.

@TheJamSpace 2 года назад

After resizing my bumblebees they are also my preference. I like being able to set the angle, the pick portion being smaller has a smaller point of contact that I prefer with regular hand held picks and also I think the delrin sounds better than whatever material is used for the pick of the black mountain pick. - Richard

@anthonykelly4526 3 года назад

Hi Richard! My covid guitar project has been learning how to use a thumbpick. I found the black mountain ones last fall and have really found them great! Thanks for the demo. And the channel!

@TheJamSpace 3 года назад

Hey Anthony, good to see you in RU-vid form 😄 Thanks for watching - this was my first attempt at a demo so I appreciate the compliment. I have done a more recent video comparing the Black Mountain Heavy (the original) to the Medium (which came out a couple of months ago) so that may interest you if you have a need for a lighter thumb pick. They have also come out with a new ‘Jazz tipped’ (pointier heavy pick is my guess) that may be something else to consider next time you need to order some new picks. I find that after resizing the bumblebees, that they are my current go to thumb pick. It’s nice to have options and do we ever! Take care. - Richard

@joq702 3 года назад

Very helpful and straightforward. No pumping of one over the other from the start. Thanks.

@TheJamSpace 3 года назад

Also, I wanted to inform you that I made an error in the video. It turns out that there is not a size difference between the Jazz and Teardrop version of the Bumblebee pick. It is actually just in the shape of the pick tip; The Jazz is more pointed and the Teardrop is more rounded, but they are both the same size (akin to the size of the Dunlop Jazz III pick seen in the video). I will be making another video about the bumble bee to correct this but just thought I would cool it with pick videos for a while :) - Richard

@joq702 3 года назад

@@TheJamSpace Thanks - can you tell me if either pick gets caught up on an upstroke single note pick? I like to individually string pick inside a chord and a lot of my technique requires me to (or I should say I would prefer) to be confident in an upstroke pluck any time I need it. I am transitioning from being a bare thumb individual picker to trying to find a comfortable and SECURE pick (meaning it will not twist, become too loose). Thanks. I'm about ready to purchase for an experiment with the Fred Kelly.

@TheJamSpace 3 года назад

Hey, the pick does not get caught on single note upstrokes (at least not how I use the pick). I have my index finger underneath the pick whenever doing upstrokes (as if I were holding a flat pick). I just put up a demo and long term review and demo video of the Bumblebee teardrop pick. Perhaps some of my playing and demonstration in the new video will help you decide. link: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-mWHdRtEGhHg.html Cheers!

@markharwood7573 6 месяцев назад

Some personal observations. Fine products. Black Mountain Heavy for just picking, Medium or Light if you are going to strum too. Bumblebee Jazz Heavy for picking. Nexcare Waterproof Tape for grip on the thumb. If you angle the pick away from straight, glue it there.

@752brickie 6 месяцев назад

I have 4 of Cole's Black Mountain Picks coming hopefully this week ! Cannot wait to try them cause my best lifelong friend that lives in Arizona told me about them and he said they are AMAZING !!!! Cole even took time to call me when I had sent a text about the time for delivery cause my post office has misplaced many things over the years !! I did not realize they were coming from BC ! But that says a lot about a company when the owner actually calls you about his products !!!

@jdhaole7650 3 года назад

Bumble Bee for the win!

@TheJamSpace 3 года назад

A fine choice! Thanks for watching and commenting JD 🎸🙌

@carlarinder616 3 года назад

That's my pick of choice... been using Bumblebees for years... my first was given to me by Mr Bob Saxton.

@Messihippi 3 года назад

I’ve been playing with the Bumblebee for years. Tried the Black Mountain, and didn’t like the feel or lack of adjustability. Another factor you don’t mention: in the UK, I can get a pack of 4 Black Mountain picks for £20 plus p&p, but Eagle Music sells the Bumblebee for £1.99, so I could get almost 11 of them for the same price. One last note - in my early guitar years I got through loads of Dunlop thumb picks because of wear and tear (I play heavily on resonator guitars with 16-60 gauge strings). I have NEVER had a Bumblebee wear out on me, nor come loose at the pivot. The long-term durability is simply astounding. I never use the Black Mountain picks I bought, so I can’t say how durable the spring mechanism is, but I doubt it’s too good. Thanks for the video, and keep them coming.

@TheJamSpace 3 года назад

Thanks Messihippi, for sharing your experience and information about Bumblebee availability/cost in the UK. Here in Canada, none of my local shops carry them (unfortunately for me) so purchasing online is my only resource. Regarding feel/lack of adjustability Black Mountain released a video a couple months back called ‘How to Modify your Thumb Pick with Hot Water’: I haven’t tried it yet but in addition to modifying fit they say that the angle can be adjusted as well. I know you’re happy with your Bumblebees and that’s awesome (I love them too 🙌) but perhaps you’ll get more use out of your Black Mountain picks with a simple adjustment. Thanks for your helpful and informative post! All the best. - Richard

@joq702 3 года назад

The sound coming off the Bumblebee pick to me sounds better. Less plasticy sound and more precise sounding.

@TheJamSpace 3 года назад

Hey, that’s an interesting observation. I think during the filming I was focused on feel, and because I’m just getting into gearing up the channel I was focused on learning the editing tools when putting the video together. I’m definitely going to pay attention to this when playing guitar with these picks. Thanks for your comment and contribution to the overall comparison of these 2 picks!

@joq702 3 года назад

@@TheJamSpace You are welcome. I think I understand why the Black Mountain may, and I stress may, sound a bit more plastic in the sound coming off the strings and that may be the thicker millimeter or just a bit less flex of the plastic. I would suspect that the thicker mm of the Black Mountain (in comparison to the mm thickness of the Bumblebee) makes the pick just a bit more rigid overall. Yes, it has the spring, but that is not going to compensate for the rigidity of the pluck. And then on top of that, the Bumblebee likely also flexes more because of how it is connected to the yellow part.

@theshapeexists Год назад

My classical guitar teacher used to cut up ping pong balls and shape them and glue them on his nails. I tried it and it’s actually very effective. They last a long time too

@carlarinder616 3 года назад

I use the Bumblebee... I adjust the position ( the sweet spot) then supper glue it in place... I love it

@TheJamSpace 3 года назад

Good advice, Carl! Thanks for the tip. How long does it generally hold for you? Lifetime of the pick bond or about a year for example.

@carlarinder616 3 года назад

@@TheJamSpace I've never had one break... I'll lose the pick before I break it.. I'm bad about losing picks lol

@carlarinder616 3 года назад

@@TheJamSpace I love the pick when it get older and worn ... they get better with age

@carlarinder616 3 года назад

Also I like the Jass 3 stile... I push it all the way back and glue it.. that makes it shallow... good for Speed ..it dosen't grab, slides off the strings fast.

@TheJamSpace 3 года назад

Well, you’ve sold me on it, 👍 thanks Carl. 🙌🎸

@pupawheelie 8 месяцев назад

Thanks for the video. I'm a guitar player used to picking with fingers only. Recently took up banjo and I feel that thumb picks are too long and I've had to file them down. I love when you speed up the video!! It reminds me of foamy the squirrel (search youtube and you'll get a good laugh!)❤

@beathilbert Год назад

Only a 1,5 mm version Black mountain pick??. I always play with 2.0 mm; Is a 2.0mm version avaiable??

@rudycastillo6369 3 года назад

which one would u suggets if u play metal with the black mountain

@TheJamSpace 3 года назад

Do you play lots of fast lead parts? I haven’t tried it yet but the new Jazz tipped heavy from Black Mountain would probably be best for that style. I think for Metal you’ll want speed out of the pick so heavy gauge for sure.

@rudycastillo6369 3 года назад

@@TheJamSpace i play alot of fast down picking and gallop stuff i always used thumb picks the herco dunlop picks and they slip off

@TheJamSpace 3 года назад

@@rudycastillo6369 Yeah, the herco looks promising but the plastic around the thumb is so thin that it doesn’t hold well. Again, I haven’t tried it yet but I believe that Black Mountain also has a new higher tension spring model for a tighter fit that might come in handy for low end chugging.

@rudycastillo6369 3 года назад

do you know the name of the model of the pick for the one with the tighter spring

@TheJamSpace 3 года назад

@@rudycastillo6369 This is the specific product: blackmountainpicks.com/collections/black-mountain-picks/products/3-jazz-tipped-black-mountain-thumb-picks?variant=39315438633063 There is a choice for Left or Right handed and Regular or Extra Tight spring tension.

@dainejir661 Год назад

Wow! Joe Melillo!

@SergeUnplugged 2 года назад

You can have black mountain the whole day and your thumb will not get tired

@TheJamSpace 2 года назад

Yes, it has a sturdy hold but at the same time feels very loose and light on the thumb. Thanks for sharing your experience Serge. - Richard

@MrSteveMy 2 года назад

That's the biggest package for such a small item... No wonder the world is going tits up!!

@TheJamSpace 2 года назад

The Black Mountain picks came in a cardboard mailer about the size of a CD and the BumbleBee picks came in a letter sized envelope. Not too bad and both biodegradable paper products.

@mianh6119 3 года назад

I’m hardly a pick person but I took to the mountain pick instantly because it’s very comfortable

@TheJamSpace 3 года назад

Yep, it is instantly likeable for that reason. The Bumblebee has grown on me now and I think I like it a little more but the Black Mountain was enjoyable from day 1. Thanks for adding your opinion, Mian.

@banjobunny19 2 года назад

In my oppinion the black mountain has a better sound.

@TheJamSpace 2 года назад

It is so interesting to hear people commenting on sound quality. I did not make much of an effort to focus on a sound quality comparison. In my mind I was mostly focused on feel. Thanks for adding to the discussion :) - Richard