Upon hearing about V-Picks 2.75 mm picks, I was intrigued but skeptical. A long time proponent of standard picks a millimeter at minimum, I figured I'd give the clear acrylic picks a go. I was instantly taken by their comfort and tone and started ordering more and more, all but phasing out my Dunlops, until V-Picks creator Vinni Smith found me out and was kind enough to answer a few questions about his unique picks.

Some of his answers and more can be seen in depth on the official V-Picks website where Vinni goes into fine detail on everything from the story of V-Picks to maintenance tips to playing technique advice.

Tell us a little bit about the V-Picks story -- how did V-Picks come to be?

Well, I made my first guitar pick from plexiglass back in the early 80's. I was very unhappy with the picks available due to their sound and feel. Also, I found that if I played with a thicker pick, my hand would be more relaxed and I could play better. And one last observation; I found with a thicker, larger guitar pick, I would sound like two of my favorite guitarists, Ed King from Lynyrd Skynyrd and Brian May from Queen. I decided a cast acrylic pick at 2.75 mm was perfect for the bevel and feel. The V-Pick really has stayed the same after all these years!

What was the first V-Pick model made, and are there any differences between the first V-Picks you made and the V-Picks available today?

Basically, the first picks made back then were V-Pick Medium Rounded. They were not called V-Picks back then. My friend and guitarist extraordinaire, John Dean labeled them that about three years ago. They were made of plexiglass then. We use injectable acrylic now instead of the sheets of plexiglass I used way back then. The material we now use is much warmer feeling and has more of the V-Pick "grippage."

How has the V-Pick influenced your approach to playing guitar?

I do not think at all about my guitar pick anymore. Ever! I can put my total concentration on and into my playing. My energy is directed and aimed where it should be. I think I am able to create better music and unleash the ideas that are within me better. I believe that if you are constantly thinking about your pick, then you are playing the WRONG pick for you. Mrs. V has named this principle, "The Invisible Pick." I think this title describes exactly what your guitar pick should become -- something that you do not think about after you pick it up. It should become part of your hand. And again, if it is not, then you are playing the wrong guitar pick for you.

What's the biggest challenge in convincing someone of a V-Pick's advantage over a standard pick?

Just getting them to try the pick is a challenge. They hold or look at the pick and say "There is no way I can use this!" Nine times out of 10 we get that first reaction. Then after playing for just a short time, they look up with this weird look in their eyes and say "This is amazing!" Happens every time.

What differences are there between beveled and rounded edged picks, and what type of players would benefit from one type of edge over the other?

We have both pointed and rounded picks. They all have the same bevel except for the Screamer / Acoustic. Really, I have not seen any correlation or pattern with players. Although, the pointy picks do strike a good nerve with the Metal and Shredsters more than the rounded picks. The pointed picks tend to be brighter sounding and the rounded ones have more singing mids. Now the Screamer is way over the top with tone. It has a screamy high end, mid range boost and a big, firm bottom end sound.

Folks that like Fender picks usually go for the medium and large rounded picks. Jazz III players go nuts over the small pointed V-Picks. Mandolin players like the rounded or pointed picks, usually medium or large.

Have you tried any V-Pick shapes or concepts that haven't panned out?

We now have over 25 models of picks. A lot of them were designed after getting some requests from artists. The only shape that I quit making was the hybrid with 2 points and one rounded corner. Guys thought they wanted them like that until they got them. That is the only flop that comes to mind right now.

You also make other accessories out of cast acrylic, like the V-Slide. Any other accessory plans in the future?

Yes indeed! I am buying a new laser machine right now. We plan to make nuts, saddles, pickguards, control cavity covers, truss rod covers, personalized items with the artist's own signature and a new product that I cannot tell you too much about, but I believe it is going to blow the slide guitar market out of the water! I call it the "Attitude Adjuster." More on this in the upcoming fall.

How does the V-Slide differ from a standard slide?

It sounds different. A lot different. Not a harsh, clangy sound like glass or brass -- very light. And, it does not put a lot of wear on the side of your neck and frets! I am not a very good slide player but I have had slide players tell me that the V-Slide "bites into the string better." They say it is better for vibrato because of this. It is just a warmer, friendlier sound to me. Plus, they won't break if you drop them on the cement floor at midnight!

Any pointers for players just starting to use V-Picks?

Yes. First of all, if you tried a V-Pick and did not like it, then you did not try the right V-Pick for you. We have over 25 models. Just as every player does not like every one of Jim Dunlop's picks, the same with a V-Pick. Also, if you try one and it creates a "chirpy" sound, then just change your pick angle a bit. You do not need to play a V-Pick with as much angle as a regular guitar pick. This is due to the carefully calculated bevel of the V-Pick. I actually play them flat most of the time now. Also, if you try a V-Pick and it does not seem to stick to your fingers like everyone says, then wash your hands and the V-Pick with warm soapy water to get the oils off of your skin and the pick. Voila! That will make a big difference. One last suggestion is to relax when you play with our picks. You will automatically get the tone you have always "dug in" to get before. It will now be there immediately. The V-Pick will do the work for you. This is why they have to be 2.75mm thick. That is necessary to create the carefully designed bevel. AND, if you ever drop your pick and cannot find it due to it being clear, just turn all the lights on in the room and stand back. The V-Pick will gather and send off the light like a beacon! Works for me every time.