Hands down the best pick I've ever used, and used all of the popular ones. The unpolished version provides a satisfying amount of friction, and definitely changes the tone. It's hard to describe, but I would not hesitate to purchase again. My only regret is not discovering these earlier, lots of time and money spent in the search for the ultimate pick. I've also tried the 003 XL and striker picks. They're all better than anything else out there, but the size and pointed edge on the Chapman signature places it a step above the others.