Does the material of a guitar pick affect the sound? Differences between Celluloid and Polyacetal
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Celluloid vs. Polyacetal: How to choose?
When choosing the material of a guitar pick, the first things to compare are thefeel of the pick hitting the strings and the feedback returned to your fingers. Celluloid is a classic material that has been loved for a long time. Polyacetal is a material favored by those who prefer a smooth surface feel and consistent feedback.
However, the sound cannot be determined by the material alone. The shape, thickness, tip and edge finish, and playing style also affect the impression. In this article, to help you choose PICKBOY picks, we organize the differences between the two materials and the steps for comparison.
First, check: The difference between Polyacetal and "Delrin"
Polyacetal (POM) is the name representing a type of resin. Delrin® is a brand name of acetal resin, which is a type of polyacetal. It is not accurate to call all picks made of polyacetal "Delrin."
When searching for products in the PICKBOY store, please check the material indication for each product and choose from the list of polyacetal materials.
Points to compare between the two materials
| Points of comparison | Celluloid | Polyacetal |
|---|---|---|
| Material classification | A classic material used since long ago | One of the resin material options |
| Texture you want to try | How it strikes the strings, flexibility, surface texture | How it slides on the surface, feedback at the tip |
| Points to consider when choosing | Playing feel changes depending on thickness and shape | Do not judge the material solely by the name "Delrin" |
This is not a comparison to uniformly decide which produces a "better sound." It serves as a guideline to check how it strikes the strings and ease of control with your own guitar and playing style.
Celluloid picks: Use the classic playing feel as a standard
Celluloid has long been used as a material for guitar picks. If you are accustomed to using celluloid picks, starting by changing the shape or thickness within the same material makes it easier to notice your preferences.
Sometimes described as a "warm sound" or a "soft attack," the actual impression also depends on the thickness and tip shape of the pick, as well as how it contacts the strings. Play both chords and single notes to check for string catch and the outline of the sound.
Polyacetal picks: test the glide and feel
Polyacetal picks are an option when you want to try a different surface texture and string contact compared to celluloid. When strumming, focus on the sensation as the pick passes over the strings; for single notes, pay attention to how easily you can locate the tip position to better discern the differences.
Don’t assume just from the material name that it produces a "sharp sound" or is "ideal for any genre." Compare polyacetal picks with celluloid picks of similar shape and thickness. The feel can also vary depending on the finish of each product and playing conditions.
Compare the differences with three picks
- Match the shape and thickness. Keep conditions other than the material as close as possible.
- Play the same phrase. Check the attack on the strings and the sound onset with both chord strumming and single notes.
- Also compare ease of grip. Check not only the sound but also how easily the pick slips and whether you can play without tension.
If it's hard to distinguish material differences, recording and listening back is one method. The overall pick selection is also introduced in Guitar Pick Selection Guide .
Find the material that suits your sound and hand with PICKBOY
Celluloid and polyacetal are both strong options for choosing picks. First, decide on a comfortable shape and thickness, then try playing with different materials to compare. You'll find the one that feels easiest for you to handle.
Browse picks made from CelluloidBrowse picks made from Polyacetal