If you’re into modern progressive metal or djent, you’ve probably heard of Periphery and Misha Mansoor (aka Bulb).
When I saw that there were Bulb Delrin picks available, I had to try them—not just as a fan, but as a guitarist always hunting for that “just right” pick that can handle both rhythm and lead. You can grab one here on Amazon if you’re interested.
These Bulb Delrin picks turned out to be far more versatile than I expected. If you’re looking for something that can go from strumming to fast alternate picking without switching picks, they’re worth a serious look.
Overview / First Impressions
The Bulb Delrin pick immediately stands out for one reason: flexibility combined with precision.
- It’s shaped similarly to a Jazz-style pick (think Jazz III), with a sharp point for articulate picking.
- At the same time, it’s larger and more flexible than a typical Jazz III, especially in the thinner gauges.
That combination gives you:
- Enough flex for comfortable strumming
- Enough point and control for fast, accurate lead playing
In my opinion, especially in the thinner versions, this might be one of the most versatile picks you can keep in your case.
Build Quality & Design
These are Delrin picks, but they don’t feel like your standard hard plastic.
Key design impressions:
- Material feel: There’s a soft, almost “coated” surface to them. It doesn’t feel like a slick, hard Jazz III. Instead, it has a slightly grippy, smooth texture that feels secure in the fingers.
- Tip shape: The pointed tip is very similar to a Jazz-style pick, which is great for clarity and attack.
- Size: Larger than a Jazz III, closer to a standard pick size, which makes it more comfortable for players who find tiny jazz picks too cramped.
The result is a pick that feels premium and comfortable, without being slippery or too rigid.
Features & Functions
Here’s what stands out functionally:
- Flexible feel
Especially in the thinner gauges, the pick has a noticeable flex. That makes it easier on the wrist and hand when you’re doing long strumming patterns or acoustic-style comping. - Sharp, controlled tip
The pointed tip gives you:
- Grippy coating/texture
The soft-feeling surface helps keep the pick stable between your fingers, even when your hands get a bit sweaty. - Versatility by design
The combination of:
makes this a pick that can realistically cover both rhythm and lead duties.
How It Sounds / Use Cases
From a guitarist’s perspective, here’s where the Bulb Delrin really shines.
Strumming & Rhythm
Because it’s a bit larger and more flexible than a standard jazz pick:
- Strumming feels smooth and forgiving.
- You don’t get that harsh, overly stiff attack that some very thick or tiny picks produce.
- Great for clean chords, ambient parts, and rock rhythm.
Fast Picking & Lead Playing
Despite the flexibility, the sharp tip makes it surprisingly capable for speed:
- Alternate picking feels precise and controlled.
- Legato lines and runs come through clearly because the point grabs the string just enough.
- Ideal if you play prog, djent, metal, or fusion, but still want a pick that isn’t a tiny, rigid triangle.
If you’re used to Jazz III-style picks for lead but hate them for strumming, this feels like a bridge between those worlds.
Limitations / Things to Know
No pick is perfect for everyone. A few things to keep in mind:
- If you love super stiff picks, especially for downpicked metal riffing, the more flexible gauges might feel too “soft” under the hand.
- Players who prefer tiny picks (classic Jazz III size) may find the Bulb Delrin a bit large.
- The coated/soft texture is great for grip, but if you like a very hard, glassy-feeling pick, this will feel different.
That said, if you’re after one pick that can do almost everything, these trade-offs are actually what make it so versatile.
Final Thoughts
From a guitarist’s perspective, the Bulb Delrin pick hits a rare sweet spot:
- Pointed and precise enough for fast, technical playing
- Flexible and comfortable enough for strumming and general rhythm
- A grippy, soft-feeling surface that feels secure and pleasant in the hand
If you play in multiple styles—clean, heavy, fast, slow—and don’t want to constantly switch picks, the Bulb Delrin (especially in thinner gauges) is a genuinely strong “one-pick solution.”
If you’re a Periphery fan, it’s a fun nod to the band. But even if you’re not, this is just a solid, well-designed, highly usable guitar pick that’s worth trying.
Resources & Further Study
If you’re working on your technique and fretboard knowledge alongside experimenting with picks, there are a couple of useful resources mentioned:
- Fretboard Memorization Cheat Sheet – Available at travelingguitarist.com, this covers:
- Guitar Forum – You can also join the community at forum.travelingguitarist.com to talk guitar, music theory, gear, and more with other players.
Experiment with your picks, dial in what feels best, and pair that with solid fretboard knowledge—you’ll feel the difference in your playing.