Here is our first review, a review on the Herco “Holy Grail” #75 Guitar Pick
Well, here we are, at a point where nothing but reviews will suffice for a pick page. We’ve discussed many many aspects of pick design and use, such as pick materials and pick shapes and dimensions too, we have a page for reference of related sites that is ever-growing, also. But now is time for a review, the site’s christening review, and what better pick to start with than the Herco “Holy Grail” #75 Guitar Pick?
Our talk about size, shape, and material, it’s a great thing and all, but what about where the rubber meets the road, or, rather, the Gray Herco “Holy Grail” Nylon Flex #75 Pick, what about IT on the road?
Well, Herco Picks, once invented by Hershman Musical Company, came along to compete with D’Andrea’s unmatched presence in the instrument world. When Jim Dunlop bought the brand and introduced the use of Nylon to compete with Celluloid, it was not a small thing.
Dozens of great rockers are included in the list of players that use Dunlop Nylon Strings, especially the Herco “Holy Grail” #75 Guitar Pick. One of the most famous models is often called the “Holy Grail”. This model, the Flex75 is quite similar and preferred by some players, actually by a huge number of players.
The Gray Nylon pick combines affordable durability with a snappy tone, a sound that really has stood out with Vintage Guitars. It will complement the twang of a Strat or a Boink of a Les Paul with quite a lovely high-pitched quack with some thickness left over. I like them on a single coil guitar with a tube screamer and all nickel wound round core strings. But that is me, see what YOU like!
While Nylon can wear down over time it is a resilient material, one with a bounce-back nature to it, much like harder rubbers. The Herco “Holy Grail” #75 Guitar Pick might sheer with enough abuse, but nylon is popular because it is (was) seen as more durable than the celluloid that preceded it.
Another cool thing about Nylon is that it can press with finely detailed embossing which can include branding and grip textures, such as the Herco “Holy Grail” #75 Guitar Pick.
You can buy these all over the place, including stores, for a great price and they combine firmness with flex for a sturdy, but slightly bendy bounce. But for a good while, they disappeared, for, despite great guitarists loving them, the brand had to be brought back.
Here are some sites that talk about the pick and laud its great qualities, a design that merits first dibs for a review on my site:
Premier’s History of the Pick is a fantastic read…
https://www.premierguitar.com/gear/the-surprisingly-long-history-of-the-guitar-pick
And Rich Menga’s Site:
https://menga.net/herco
If you visit guitar forums, seller reviews, and talk to people in music stores, the Flex picks are wildly popular, but there are some detractors. It’s an in-between tone, not quite Celluloid, not quite Bone, not quite Wood not quite steel. There is some snap which depends upon how thick a gauge it is.
I honestly think that this is one pick that everyone should try when going through models to find their sound. Just remember, “your sound” already exists with over a dozen famous artists who play or played Flex Picks. Yet they do say that “tone is in the fingers”. We’ll have to see about that!
Here are some Specs:
| Material | Attack Tone | Decay/Release Tone |
| Med. Gray Nylon | Clean, unadulterated | Slight snap and quack. Some Thickness. |
| Durability/Wear | Comments | Shape |
| Good for price | 25deg grip, 60deg tip angle and #67 on ShoreD Hardness Meter | Standard 351 type, flattish sides. |
| Grip and Feel | Flexibility | Likely Use |
| Well Textured, holds well. | Moderate, will strum AND Pluck | Combo, Acoustic, Electric, Lead, Rhythm |
| Thickness | Width and Height | Resonance |
| Tip:.99/Grip:1.42mm | 24.6 x 29.8mm | Bright with modest thickness |
| Tip Style | Bevel | Approx. Cost |
| 3.4×5 curve. Round but curved | Stamped sharp curve | $6 for 12 +/- $2 |
The Herco “Holy Grail” #75 Guitar Pick is a decent pick for beginners and a fine pick for pros. There are better picks for specific uses, but this is an affordable, quality solution that gives a reasonable tone that would work on brighter instruments from Banjo to Rock Guitar. It is a good general purpose plectrum
Overall: Recommend for Try.
Next, I’ve got a bone to pick with You.
What do you think? Did EVH really use this pick? Do you do fast leads with this pick? Have you tried this pick?