...Just a quick thought/opinion about the
Adamas 2mm Graphite pick... I've noticed several folks chose it as the #1 piece of gear which gets one closest to Jerry's 80's/Tiger tone, and I simply can't agree. With all due respect to everyone who feels that way... I use the Adamas pick exclusively, and I love it. I acknowledge that it indeed adds a certain sonic component, a subtle "chirp" for lack of a better word, that is evident when using it and recognizable when listening to recordings of Jerry, also it feels really good. But I can't see how those subtle inflections warrant it as the #1 piece contributing to 80's Jerry tone.
My Girlfriend brought me a thick nylon pick from a music festival she attended recently; I used that pick for a set while playing with my band and, while it didn't sound exactly like the Adamas pick (which I switched back to at the setbreak), it worked well enough, sounded good enough, and I doubt anyone really noticed. By contrast, I've played on stage through a friend's rig which is very similar to mine except no McIntosh and slightly different speakers, and the difference was profound; my guitar/Adamas pick included.
I would agree that if you already have a Waldo TPC1 and the right pickups, a proper preamp, and decent speakers, the pick can bump you up quite a bit into the Jerry-zone with it's unique feel and sound. Also, as far as "biggest bang for the buck", at $17/dozen from the manufacturer, one could argue it gives the most push for the money spent... In the grand scheme of things though, a "new-to-Jerry" guitarist starting from scratch and assembling gear, IMHO, the Adamas pick is not nearly as important as guitar electronics, pre-amp, or speakers.
...my $.02
