What is the point of it all? Why does writer’s block inflict sharp stabs to the weak egos of writers? The Ernie Ball Prodigy 1.5 black sharp pick stabbed me in the heart of my inspirational flow weeks ago, or at least that is the easiest thing to blame my writer’s block for so long.
No, this fine-tipped Ernie Ball Prodigy 1.5 black sharp pick is NOT to blame for my lack of productivity of late. In fact, it inspired my approach to playing, more on that in a moment. The Ernie Ball brand has given us strings, guitar straps (I have one I don’t like, it’s too flimsy), and yes, picks. Here is the site for the Prodigy line picks.
The Prodigy pick we are studying here is the 1.5 black “Sharp” with a flattened spindle top shape.
It is very angular, from the tip to the shoulders, to the edges. Sharply beveled in Delrin (very distinct and sharp features for Delrin (a material I discuss here), whatever their formula, the style and shaping is a major feature of this unique plectrum.
Why such a shape? Why is the Ernie Ball 1.5 black sharp like some kind of flattened cutter’s diamond?
Well, most players with some time under their hands are aware of the idea that a fine, sharp tip lends a player a more precise feel. The tight point can improve dexterity with high speed and alternate picking. It might not be an intended rhythm pick, but for getting a grip on your melodic runs, this pick is made for the intention ions of the shredder.
Although I’m no shredder as I am an intermediate still, I get a little better, a little faster, and a bit more precise using this for staccato runs and elongated driving Legato passages.
There is no crush sound to the striking of the strings, but a pure sound comes forth from the fires of, well, we won’t go there, hah. In those fires, diamonds are formed, under high pressure and Geo forces with great heat, the diamond (and the Delrin) can be formed with a 3 dimensionally sharp playing tip.
The Ernie Ball Prodigy 1.5 black sharp is almost as distinctly tooled as some acrylic picks, not my expectation with Delrin!
The wedge and cleaved styling of the slopes gives you a really precise bite and the grip is typical, and even a little on the better side, for Delrin. My guess is they added carbon to the mix, after all, these are jet-black only!
Dropped on my table for resonance sound discovery, I hear the distinct ring of something like ebony if it were a poker chip. And speaking of sound, as mentioned, it doesn’t chirp or grind, it simply blasts forth strong distinct tone and will bring out the characteristics of your chosen string and instrument.
I’d conjecture that, were I about 2 years deeper into my learning, this pick would find (will find) a seat on my pick round table stable.
So how about the specs guys, what else is there to POINT OUT (sorry, I just had to):
| Material | Attack Tone | Decay Tone |
Delrin of some form- ulation | Immediate and clear | Ringing and strong with light touch |
| Durability/ Wear | Comments/ Dimensions | Shape |
| Medium Durability | 81.5 H Shore D Durmeter Hardness | Spindle Top Sharp Angled |
| Grip and Feel | Flexibility | Likely Use |
| reasonably sure grip fast feel | No flex | Shredding fast alt- ernate picking leads |
| Thickness | Width and Height | Resonance |
1.64mm | 25.53 Shoulder 29.9mm to Tip | Almost Coin like |
| Tip Style | Bevel? | Approx. Cost |
Sharp Diamond | Crisp 2 way | 6 for $10 US |
- Holds/Grips ***
- Plays (action) ****
- Sounds/Tones ****
- Looks/Appearance ****
- Collect-ability ***
- Difficulty ***
- Durability ***
- Cost ****
- Availability ***
- Like-ability ****
- Over-All Rating 70%
- Novices: Not really recomended
- Performers: A Serious Tool
- Intermediates: Useful for learning and growth!
Now, this IS a pick for some of you and some of you know who you are, but there are many among that have been selected and have not yet stepped forward. Get this pick and join in.
Now that my soul has been stabbed by the dagger of shred (The Ernie Ball Prodigy Black Sharp), time to get some TLC and nursing of my wounds with this next pick, a pick we might mistake with our wife’s caring words by name. Stay tuned!
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