Dunlop Nylon
Essential Gear For The Beginning Guitarist
If you have recently bought a new guitar, whether that guitar is electric or acoustic, what follows are some essential items you will need as a beginning guitarist. Probably the number one rule is change the strings. Factory strings are really inferior, and if you do not know how, then a trip to the local music store, or some help from one experienced, to change these strings is essential. As a guitarist, I would recommend one of the following to suit your tastes:
Electric: Rock and Roll, Heavy Metal, Blues, Country – Ernie Ball Super Slinky – Extra Light
Acoustic Steel String: Popular, Folk, any genre – a good start would be either some Martin Light strings, or if you wish to spend a few more bucks, the Dean Markley Alchemy in Gold or Phosphorous (Light) are excellent choices.
Acoustic Nylon/Classical Strings – The Dean Markley brand is quite cheap, and fairly good sounding for an aspiring guitarist.
My suggestion would be to change strings about once a month, especially after much use. More expensive strings, nanoweb-coated such as Elixir last longer, but you will have to fork out a few more bucks.
What is important is your guitar’s ACTION. This is essentially how close the strings are to the neck. If the action is lower, the guitar will be easier to play. If you have bought an electric guitar, you may need to have your action adjusted by a professional, to make sure you don’t have blisters on your fingers after a week of rehearsal. There are also many brands of “finger-ease” coating to help you play, as well as keep your strings clean.
In addition, action modifications, can also be accomplished by a professional on acoustic guitars, steel or nylon strings.
In addition to new strings on your guitar, you will need to invest in a way to tune it. There are many devices out there, ranging from PC tuners, hand held tuners, as well as the tried and true pitch pipe, for tuning up your guitar to “440″ – a normal tuning (from the top-lowest-fattest string) of E-A-D-G-B-E. If you find you are having trouble, turning the guitar tuners (machine heads), for a few bucks you can buy a string winder, which will help you accomplish tightening the strings. String winders, usually also double up, on being able to pull the guitar pegs, located on the bridge of the guitar.
If you only know a few chords on the guitar, you may want to consider purchasing a capo. Essentially a capo is attached across the frets, so that the guitarists can play in different keys while using the same simple chords. Capos come in all varieties and are inexpensive.
You will need some guitar picks and they range in thickness. I prefer Jim Dunlop 60 mm. which can be used for rhythm as well, as lead guitar. They also tend to last longer, than the regular pearloid guitar picks which tend to break, if you do a bunch of strumming. Again, this will become more apparent with practice. Choose a pick that you are comfortable with. The Jim Dunlop’s I use usually run about 4 for a buck. Most music stores will give you a few freebies, if you are a customer.
It always a good idea, to invest in a guitar kit, which includes polish, as well as string cleaner. Having clean strings and great looking shine to your guitar add to the overall enjoyment and aesthetics of playing. Martin guitar polish is a great choice for acoustic guitars. GFS has a number of different quality items for guitar polish, as well Fast Frets, for cleaning and maintaining strings
You may want to begin rehearsing guitar sitting down, but sooner or later, especially if you are an electric guitar player, you will need a strap. Straps come in all varieties, and made from various materials. Much of this choice will be of personal preference, such as color, logo such as Fender – what counts is the strap being comfortable. You may want to check out eBay to shop around and compare products and prices.
If your guitar did not come with a gig bag or case, I would advise you to invest in one. Guitars get nicked and scratched up very easily. A gig bag should cost you about 10 or 15 bucks, depending on the quality, but if padded with styrofoam or other material, can be more expensive. Good quality guitar cases can also be expensive. In essence, you may ask yourself, is this guitar I value, and wish to protect. I tend to have guitars which are encased, but also have a “beater” guitar, which I can take to a campfire or jam, and not worry about the potentials of damage occurring. Plus it doubles up as a canoe paddle, if needed. But seriously, your investment today on a guitar may increase in decades to come. I bought a used Fender Telecaster in 1975 for $200, which is worth about $2000 today.
If you have an acoustic-electric, or an electric guitar, of course you will need a cord to plug in, for amplification. Don’t skimp on this item. There are very inferior cords out there which will deconstruct on you. Nothing is worse, than screaming feedback, unwanted buzzes and noise, if an inferior chord is used. This will drive you nuts. Been there, done that. Invest in a plastic molded cord of high quality, avoiding the screw together, and soldered type. You may have to spend 20 or 25 bucks, but you will not be spending 10 bucks a pop repeatedly on junk.
If you have not bought a guitar, then you may be interested in one of the guitar kits available in local music stores or online. Usually such a kit, such as the Epiphone Les Paul II kit or the Fender Squier kit, offers a good deal of these items mentioned, as well as an amplifier to plug your guitar into. I would take time to read the reviews of these items, of which there are many posted, in online stores such as “Musician’s Friend.” This site is really hard to beat, especially when shopping. It provides a good touchstone for comparing prices and values for music gear, in general.
In Conclusion
New Strings – $7-$15
String-winder (optional) – $10 or so
Capo (optional) $10 or so
Finger-Ease Coating for Strings – $8 – $10
Guitar Picks – 4 for $1 and Up
Guitar Polish – $8 – $15
Guitar Strap – $10 and up
Tuner or Pitch pipe – (Free online) $15 and up
Gig bag or Case – $15 and up
Guitar cord – $20 and up
A life time of enjoyable guitar playing – PRICELESS!
About the Author
Written for the owner of http://www.jacksaxe.com/
This article can be reproduced in whole or in part, providing this byline is included along with a followable link to http://www.jacksaxe.com/
Big Cyc – Wspomnienia Artylerzysty BASS COVER (pick)
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12 Dunlop Nylon Standard guitar picks – 0.38 0.60 0.73 0.88 1.00 $4.30 |
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Pack of 6 – Dunlop Jazz III XL Black Nylon Sharp 1.38mm $3.89 |
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Dunlop Nylon Standard Guitar Picks .88mm Grey 12 pack $3.86 |
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Dunlop Nylon Standard Guitar Picks .73mm Grey 12 pack $3.86 |
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Dunlop Nylon Standard Guitar Picks .60mm Grey 12 pack $3.86 |
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Dunlop Nylon Standard Guitar Picks 1.0mm Black 12 pack $3.86 |
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Dunlop Nylon Standard Guitar Picks .46mm Cream 12 pack $3.86 |
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Dunlop Max Grip Nylon Standard Guitar Pick Pack 1.0mm Gray 12 $3.95 |
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Dunlop Nylon Fin Picks .94mm/Dk Gray 444P94 (24 Picks) $6.39 |
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Dunlop Nylon Fin Picks .67mm/Lt Gray 444P67 (24 Picks) $6.39 |
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Dunlop Nylon Fin Picks .42mm/White 444P42 (36 Picks) $9.59 |
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3 x DUNLOP Nylon Guitar Picks 1.00mm (thick) BLACK $2.72 |
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Dunlop Eric Johnson Jazz III – Eric Johnson Red Nylon $3.59 |
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1 doz. Dunlop Nylon Glow Standard Guitar Picks, 1.14mm $4.29 |
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1 doz. Dunlop Nylon Glow Standard Guitar Picks, 1.07mm $4.29 |
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1 doz. Dunlop Nylon Glow Standard Guitar Picks, .94mm $4.29 |
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Dunlop Nylon Max Grip Guitar Picks 0.88 mm 12-Pack $3.95 |
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Dunlop Nylon Jazz III Eric Johnson Guitar Picks – 36 Pack $21.95 |
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Dunlop Nylon Jazz III Guitar Picks – 6 Pack $3.29 |
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Dunlop Nylon Jazz III Eric Johnson Guitar Picks – 6 Pack $4.49 |
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24 DUNLOP NYLON STANDARD GUITAR PICKS – 6 OF EACH GAUGE $7.50 |
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Dunlop Nylon Standard Pick Assortment Box of 432 4420 $134.95 |
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Dunlop Nylon guitar picks 6 picks all .60mm gauge $4.99 |
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Dunlop Nylon guitar picks 6 picks all .88mm gauge $4.99 |
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72 Pack of Dunlop Nylon Standard Max-Grip1.50mm guitar picks $23.95 |
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Dunlop Nylon guitar picks 6 picks all .46mm gauge $4.99 |
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(12) Dunlop 44R Nylon Picks Grey 0.88 Heavy USA $5.25 |
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12 NEW Dunlop Nylon Standard Picks Plectrums 0.60mm LGR $7.89 |
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12 NEW Dunlop Nylon Standard Picks Plectrums 0.46mm CRM $7.89 |
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12 NEW Dunlop Nylon Standard Picks Plectrums 0.38mm $7.89 |
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12 NEW Dunlop Nylon Standard Picks Plectrums 1.00mm BCK $7.89 |
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6 X NEW Dunlop Nylon Standard Picks Plectrums 0.38mm $4.73 |
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6 NEW Dunlop Nylon Standard Picks Plectrums 0.46mm CRM $4.73 |
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6 NEW Dunlop Nylon Standard Picks Plectrums 0.60mm LGR $4.73 |
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Dunlop Sports K490G Front Tire 70/100-17 40M Nylon Motocross $20.00 |
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SET OF 5 JIM DUNLOP NYLON PICKS VARIOUS THICKNESS NEW $3.16 |
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Dunlop 44R-88 (.88 Gray 72-Pk) (Nylon .88 Gray Picks 72 pk) $17.99 |
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Dunlop Jazz III 1.38 (Red Nylon) (Nylon Jazz III Red Picks 6 pk) $2.99 |
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72 Dunlop Nylon Standard .60 mm Light Gray Guitar Picks $19.50 |
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DUNLOP BLUE FLAMES NYLON & GENUINE LEATHER GUITAR STRAP $14.99 |
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DUNLOP GUITAR PICKS- NYLON (w/GRIPS) ALL .73mm (6) $3.10 |
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DUNLOP GUITAR PICKS- NYLON (w/GRIPS) ALL .46mm (6) $3.10 |
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Dunlop Nylon Standard Guitar Pick .60MM 1 Dozen $3.95 |
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Dunlop Max Grip Nylon Standard Picks .73mm 72-Pack $23.95 |
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Dunlop Nylon Picks .38 mm Bag of 72 $17.25 |
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24 Dunlop Nylon Standard Guitar Picks Plectrums – Your Choice Of Size / Type $11.84 |
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24 Dunlop Nylon Standard Guitar Picks Plectrums – Your Choice Of Size / Type $11.84 |
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24 Dunlop Nylon Standard Guitar Picks Plectrums – Your Choice Of Size / Type $11.84 |
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24 Dunlop Nylon Standard Guitar Picks Plectrums – Your Choice Of Size / Type $11.84 |
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24 Dunlop Nylon Standard Guitar Picks Plectrums – Your Choice Of Size / Type $11.84 |
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24 Dunlop Nylon Standard Guitar Picks Plectrums – Your Choice Of Size / Type $11.84 |
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Dunlop Eric Johnson Jazz III (Eric Johnson Red Nylon) $3.59 |
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Dunlop Jazz III 1.38 – Red Nylon (Nylon Jazz III Red Picks 6-pk) $2.99 |
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Dunlop Nylon Standard Guitar Picks .60mm – 36 Pack $12.95 |
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New 6 Pack Dunlop Nylon Max-Grip Jazz III 471P3N $3.69 |
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1 doz. Dunlop Nylon Glow Standard Guitar Picks, .80mm $3.59 |
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Dunlop Jazz III Guitar Picks Red Nylon 1.38mm 6 pack $2.99 |
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Dunlop 84-FN 84FN Flat Trigger Action Capo for Steel/Nylon Guitar, Nickel, NEW! $15.95 |
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Dunlop 44P – 6 Nylon .46 Cream & 6 .38 White Color Guitar Picks 12-pk NEW $4.19 |
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NEW DUNLOP MENS BROWN NYLON WARM UP ACTIVE SPORTS PANTS ~ NWT L ~ FREE SHIPPING $17.99 |
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Dunlop 44P73 Nylon Standard .73mm Gray Guitar Picks – 12 pack $6.10 |
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Dunlop Nylon Standard Guitar Picks 1.0mm Black 12 pack $5.85 |
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Dunlop Nylon Standard Guitar Picks .73mm Grey 12 pack $5.85 |
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Dunlop Nylon Standard Guitar Picks .88mm Grey 12 pack $5.85 |
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Dunlop Jazz III Guitar Picks Red Nylon 1.38mm 6 pack $4.98 |
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Dunlop Nylon Standard Guitar Picks .60mm Grey 12 pack $5.85 |
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Dunlop Nylon Standard Guitar Picks .46mm Cream 12 pack $5.85 |
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DUNLOP “MAX GRIP” JAZZ III NYLON SHARP All Red (6) $4.55 |
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DUNLOP “MAX GRIP” JAZZ III NYLON SHARP (3) Red (3) Black $4.55 |
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GLOW IN THE DARK (3) .67 NYLON PICKS by Dunlop $2.95 |
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24 Bulk Dunlop Nylon JAZZ III 1.38 GUITAR PICKS 47R3N RED Point Tip NEW refill $11.99 |
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Jim Dunlop guitar pick-nylon .60mm ‘grip’ pick,great shape $0.99 |
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NEW 6 pack Dunlop 47P3N Red Nylon Jazz III guitar picks $3.09 |
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Dunlop Nylon Standard Pick Assortment Box of 432 4420 $134.95 |
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Dunlop Gauged Nylon Picks, 1 Dozen, .73mm Ga., Grey $3.49 |
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24 Jim Dunlop Nylon Max Grip Jazz III Blk Picks 471R3S $15.40 |
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Dunlop Gauged Nylon Picks, 1 Dozen, .38mm Gauge, White $3.29 |
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New Dunlop D404 110/90-18 M/C 61H Tubeless Rear Motorcycle Tire Nylon ply $74.99 |
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Dunlop Max Grip Standard – 1.14 12-Pk (MAXGRIP Std Nylon 1.14, 12-pk) $3.95 |
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Dunlop Max Grip Standard (1.14 12-Pk) (MAXGRIP Std Nylon 1.14, 12-pk) $3.95 |
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Dunlop Nylon guitar picks 6 picks all 1.0mm gauge $4.99 |
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New 12 Pack Dunlop Nylon .38 ultra light (44P.38) $3.89 |
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New 72 Pack Dunlop Nylon 1.0MM Guitar picks $19.99 |
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Dunlop Max Grip Nylon Standard Picks .60mm 72-Pack $23.95 |
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24 Pack Jim Dunlop Nylon 1.0mm Guitar Picks 24PK! FREE SHIPPING $8.25 |
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24 Pack Jim Dunlop Nylon .73mm Guitar Picks 24PK! FREE SHIPPING $8.25 |
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24 Pack Jim Dunlop Nylon .88mm Guitar Picks 24PK! FREE SHIPPING $8.25 |
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24 Pack Jim Dunlop Nylon .60mm Guitar Picks 24PK! FREE SHIPPING $8.25 |
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24 Pack Jim Dunlop Nylon .46mm Guitar Picks 24PK! FREE SHIPPING $8.25 |
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Dunlop D-38 Flambe Nylon Guitar Strap Orange Yellow Twist $12.99 |
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Dunlop D-38 Flambe Nylon Guitar Strap Orange Yellow Twist $8.00 |
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Dunlop Nylon .60mm Standard Bag of 72 Guitar Picks 44R $19.23 |
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Dunlop 44R .38 mm Nylon Guitar Picks Bag of 72 $19.23 |
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(6) Dunlop Max Grip Jazz III Nylon Carbon Fiber Guitar Picks 1.38 mm USA Red $5.95 |
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Dunlop Nylon Jazz III Guitar Pick Black 6-Pack $2.95 |
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Jim Dunlop Herco Flex 50 Nylon Medium Guitar Picks – Gold $7.98 |
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Dunlop Nylon Jazz XL – 6 Pack $3.29 |
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Dunlop Nylon Standard Guitar Picks 1.0mm – 12 Pack $4.69 |
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Dunlop Nylon Standard Guitar Picks .38mm – 12 Pack $4.69 |
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Dunlop Nylon Standard Guitar Picks .46mm – 12 Pack $4.69 |
