So a few months later, and I've discovered that this size & shape is more suited to my playing style than the standard shape.

I liked these so much I decided to buy the next thicker pick to see if there is a difference when it comes to improving picking speed (stiffer picks have less rebound/reset than thinner picks).

Otherwise, these picks stand up to constant playing without chipping, breaking, or chafing.

There is definitely a sonic difference in the picks. I bought these and the Warm version to compare and did the pick drop test - pretty interesting to hear the different tones from picks of the same shape, size, and thickness.

Playability - there is also a difference (slight) in tone that my ears detect between the two versions; the Warm picks seem to have a slightly darker, grittier tone than the Warm picks. I don't hear any of the typical pick "thwack thwack" sounds I'm used to hearing from Dunlops or Fender picks.

Durability - one of the claims that Tusq makes is that their picks, like their other guitar products, can stand up to the wear & tear of playing much better than acrylic or other synthetic materials. We'll see; after a few hours of playing, the edges do not seem to show any abrasion or wear marks.

DISCLAIMER - I rated these 3.5 stars because...well, because I'm a dope and didn't realize that "Teardrop" shapes are smaller than "Standard" size picks, and therefore, I had to adjust to the much smaller size than what I'm used to. They feel like I'm using a fingernail; pinched between my thumb and forefinger, the very tip of the pick is barely visible, yet somehow I'm able to strike strings cleanly (for the most part).

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