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idnworks - Posted - 09/27/2009: 16:55:32
I've not been satisfied with my Dunlop thumbpick recently... I seem to tap the head when I use it so I've been experimenting with others.
I've recently tried a National that I really like-- it's one of the most comfortable, I've tried and doesn't hang or tap the head.
I have a few others I'm experimenting with... a red Dunlop delrin, an expensive Golden Gate perloid and a Herco blue nylon. I picked up a couple of Fred Kelly speedpicks, but haven't really tried them much yet.
What do you guys like using? Do you guys use them straight out of the bag or do you custom them a little bit to make them work better for you?
Shawn Clever
Albuquerque
KANINJACK - Posted - 09/27/2009: 17:13:50
The Golden Gate pink clown vomit picks work for me. I hit the head at first but they wear down a little and do fine.
idnworks - Posted - 09/27/2009: 17:18:32
I've been finding that picks with an asymmetrical point and that don't extend out so far do a bit better for me-- picks that have a little bit of a "hook" to them. Not sure if that's technique or what.
Haven't seen that pink Golden Gate pick yet. Tried their perloid pick-- $2 a pick. Didn't quite feel as nice as the National which was really comfortable. Going to try out the thin Dunlop delrin and the Herco blue nylon this week- they're both asymmetrical and have a really shallow point.
manfrommars - Posted - 09/27/2009: 17:23:18
I like Fred Kelly's Slick Pick. Fits me as well as the Dunlop but not as bulky.
I don't modify it, although it seems to fit better the longer I wear it - as if it 'breaks in'. Maybe my imagination?
I've also enjoyed the Propik Delrin Tip and the Ernie Ball, but the Slick Pick is my mainstay.
banjotef - Posted - 09/27/2009: 17:26:07
I like the Zookies, L10 with the angled edge.
Go down pickin'
eddie83 - Posted - 09/27/2009: 17:29:38
I use to use the national brown thumb picks. I didn't like the tone I got out of them and wanted to try a few others. I looooooooove the golden gate ivroid picks. I tabs the head for a little bit, but got used to the length really quick. tone is a lot better I think.
idnworks - Posted - 09/27/2009: 17:31:36
quote:
Originally posted by banjotef
I like the Zookies, L10 with the angled edge.
Go down pickin'
I was thinkin' about trying one of those Zookies when I made my experimental thumbpick order, but they have like 6 different angles and I didn't know which one to try. Maybe I'll have to try all 6 with my next order.
Poppy - Posted - 09/27/2009: 17:31:51
I have been playing a speed pick, took alittle getting used to but love it now.
"What kind of man would live in a world where there is no daring? I don't believe in taking foolish chances, but nothing can be accomplished without taking any chance at all." -- Charles Lindberg
Kevin B - Posted - 09/27/2009: 17:34:11
I've tried them all and always come back to that multi-colored (pink) Golden Gate pick.
Kevin ( )=='=~
'Possum, It's what's for dinner . . ."
pickingfive - Posted - 09/27/2009: 17:38:43
I like the Jim Dunlop steel thumb pick - 94530. I like better the sound of a steel thumb pick on steel strings than I do a plastic thumb pick on steel strings.
Oh yes - I have not modified the Jim Dunlop steel thumb pick - it works for me "right out of the box."
pickingfive
Edited by - pickingfive on 09/27/2009 17:42:00
The KIDD - Posted - 09/27/2009: 17:44:17
Hey Shawn,
If your anything like alot of us, you'll have an assortment standing by ready to see whats fittin best for the day.. ..I have 6-7 on my JO and used 3 at a 5 HR gig today. My short blade fender usually starts.It heats up, gets alittle loose then I go to the Dunlop.It heats up, then I bring out MR SQUEEZE, the golden gate. Its tightern a mouses ear.. By that time , I lost some water and its a nice snug fit.
Those having smaller hands, John Pearse are great for flathanded players(very short blade)...Ive tried all that you listed with none making it to the top 6. Dunlop Id say fits me best over all.
John
http://www.myspace.com/johnkuhnbluegrass
steve davis - Posted - 09/27/2009: 17:45:55
I have lots of picks and use them all from time to time,but last night
I left my old favorite National home so I used a multi-colored GG.
It was a little tight so I held it under hot water(just the bend) and
enlarged it til it was comfortable.
Any pick can be adjusted so it's comfortable.
RayD - Posted - 09/27/2009: 17:54:04
My favorite is 1970s era National medium. I shaped the tip to my taste as well as the loop to fit my thumb. I also filed a bit of the loop end that wraps around the thumb - it kept catching on strings. Recently I bought a couple of Goldengate Pearloid picks. They have a shape similar to my older National. I also shaped the Goldengate picks to my preference. They are a touch thicker than my National; but, they feel and play much better than the Dunlops and newer Nationals that I've tried. Since I can't get an old National like the one I have, the Goldengates look like my choice for the 2000s era.
Cheers,
RayD
idnworks - Posted - 09/27/2009: 17:59:52
The only thing I didn't like about the Golden Gate perloids (aside from the fact that they're $2 a pick) is that they seemed really hard to me and the edges sharp. When I put it on my thumb, the edge was sharp against the skin near my nail. Not a big deal, I suppose, but no where near as comfortable to me as the National. I might get better tone out of the Golden Gate though.
Don't the steel picks tear up the strings real bad?
Shawn Clever
Albuquerque
I am Banjo... Hear me pick!
steve-o - Posted - 09/27/2009: 18:06:16
Not positive - but I think the Golden Gate Perloid IS a bit thicker compared to others I've tried.
I love the Golden Gate Pink/multi color.
"In order to have something, you must first have something else"
1four5 - Posted - 09/27/2009: 18:06:42
I bought a dunlop rolled edge metal thumb pick at the Winfield festival 4 years ago now, and it's all I've ever used since. I had a bag full of plastics that I gave away about a year later.
Dean
steve davis - Posted - 09/27/2009: 18:09:43
They just pick the string with a glancing blow...not very destructive.
My last set of strings lasted over 10 months so I guess the answer's no,Shawn.
(Do metal picks tear up the strings?)
Edited by - steve davis on 09/27/2009 18:11:06
pickingfive - Posted - 09/27/2009: 18:09:51
indworks: I have never noticed that my steel thumb pick tears up the strings.
pickingfive
1four5 - Posted - 09/27/2009: 18:24:16
I don't know where people get the notion that metal picks are hard on strings. I've even read here that stainles steel frets will cause string wear. These are myths.
Dean
RB5 - Posted - 09/27/2009: 18:31:52
I have been using a propik metal combination plastic. Fits real nice and never moves and doesn't cut off my blood circulation and turn my thumb blue like the all plastic ones.
That's my story and I'm sticking with it!
Robert.
WildJimbo - Posted - 09/27/2009: 19:00:50
Since the first of this year it's BlueChip for me. Yes... more money, but by this time I'd have gone through probably 8 or 9 GoldenGates, so it's paying for itself. There's no noticeable wear and it sounds awesome.
Jim Pankey
Randy5string - Posted - 09/27/2009: 19:01:48
I like the pink confetti multi color golden gate thumbpick and I am looking for a shirt to match it.
Who's pickin' a banja hyar?
Edited by - Randy5string on 09/27/2009 19:02:52
jethrobodine - Posted - 09/27/2009: 19:12:01
ProPik with delrin tip. The best pick I have ever used. People talk about that other plastic tip pick shows no wear, I have used this one for almost a year and I see no wear yet.
scott
banjoken - Posted - 09/27/2009: 19:52:59
I got a blue chip in the beginning of June. I liked the sound right from the beginning!The first time putting on the Golden Gate after wearing the blue chip I thought I liked the Golden Gate a little better as it sort of stood out a bit from the metal picks, but that did not last more than a few seconds. I like the eveness of the blue chip and my well worn pre usa nationals.
Just the other day I put on the Golden Gate for a few minutes. Sounded really dull to my ears now. Also, it was very tight on my thumb, as all picks have been till I used the Blue chip.
It did take a little while for me to get used to the slipperyness of the pick. It sure slid off the string much faster than any pick I ever used, but it is not an issue anymore. Another thing I had to get used to was the angle of the blade. With the picks I have used in the past I was able to get the pick blade to hit flat on the string. The blade angle was actually parallel to the thumbnail. The blue chip angle is more like the skin that it rests on making it more comfortable, but I find I hit the string with the forward edge of the pick. Because of the material there is no difference in sound between the edge and the flat part of the blade, completely unlike the golden gates, nationals and no names I have used in the past.
Pick is comfy and sounds good. I have been happy with it.
Edited by - banjoken on 09/27/2009 19:56:44
Oalbrets - Posted - 09/27/2009: 19:58:36
Blue Chip all the way with me. More money but worth it.
Poverty Ridge Bluegrass
jethrobodine - Posted - 09/27/2009: 20:09:11
quote:
Originally posted by banjoken
.....I find I hit the string with the forward edge of the pick. Because of the material there is no difference in sound between the edge and the flat part of the blade, completely unlike the golden gates, nationals and no names I have used in the past.....
This is the problem I was having with all plastic picks. Everyone of them made a scraping/raspy sound. This has always been a problem off and on, then one day it started again and never stopped. I know it's something in my right hand but I could not get to stop this time. The ProPik with delrin tip stopped all offensive nosies. I would like to try a Blue Chip one day, but not enough to buy one at the moment. I'am very happy with the ProPik. Scott
idnworks - Posted - 09/27/2009: 21:01:46
Wow... this is really good.
You guys are saying a lot of good things about the blue chip, metals, and the Golden Gate pink. I do have a bit of swelling in my hands periodically, so I imagine I'll have to use a few different ones. So far, seems like only the pinky is a bit arthritic, so I'm hoping it stops there. I have a couple Fred Kelly's to try out as well. You guys have some bucks into those Blue Chip picks-- that'd buy me an hour of time with my teacher, Rick McGrath, so I'll probably stick with the plastics for a while. :^)
Shawn Clever
Albuquerque
I am Banjo... Hear me pick!
BvilleDon - Posted - 09/27/2009: 22:41:37
I think I may be the only one using them, but I really like the Acri Brass pick with the Delrin tip. It is like finding the right banjo, these picks just work for me. I like the size, the fit, the tone and lack of pick noise. I bought several different picks a few years ago and never tried the Acri, as I did not think I would really like it. It is probably just me, but I love them. I feel like I get all the benefits folks talk about in the forty dollar picks for 1/8 the cost. I have heard of foliks using the pro pick with the Delrin tip, but I don't know anyone else that likes the Acri's with the Delrin tip but me.
Don
Glenn Tate - Posted - 09/28/2009: 05:45:06
Golden Gate pearloid.
"Politicians are like diapers, both should be changed regularly, for the same reason."
Glenn
bandzo - Posted - 09/28/2009: 05:52:58
idnworks, shape the pick so it fits your thumb! Doh! ;)
Dunlop is OK but you have to completely reshape the part that wraps around your thumb. Golden Gate has a good shape but also needs little adjustment if too tight. Use hot (boiling) water to heat the part (and ONLY that part) of the thumbpick you need to adjust.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - *
Banjo picking is like golf, once you are hooked, you are hooked for life.
Bang Bang...
Banjophobic - Posted - 09/28/2009: 06:55:32
Zookies, with the 10 degree tip angle. I tried the bluechip and it didnt work out for me. 
banjer5 - Posted - 09/28/2009: 08:04:52
I've used clear DOBRO picks since I started. I understand they are no longer made so I guard mine jealously. I hope I never have to find a replacement cuz it sure would mess wid my head. No.......I will not reveal the whereabouts of my stash.
Fast Freddy the engineer says: Throttle in RUN 8 and highball, then don't look back, something might be gainin' on ya. 73,s de K5BGZ
Laurence Diehl - Posted - 09/28/2009: 08:36:43
Shawn - your teacher is Rick McGrath? I knew him more as a steel player 20 years ago - and a fine one too.
Cheers,
Laurence
It takes a lot to laugh, but it takes a train to cry
Catching Second - Posted - 09/28/2009: 09:13:41
quote:
Originally posted by Banjophobic
Zookies, with the 10 degree tip angle. I tried the bluechip and it didnt work out for me.
And I'm glad for that because I got his old one and LURVE it. Ricky Gibson TB-00 conversion
GHohwald - Posted - 09/28/2009: 09:59:45
I was told about the Blue chip pick by JD Crowe who has not used anything else since he first tried them. I like them better than anything I have tried and have several friends that feel the same way, There are 3 sizes so make sure you get the correct one. They increase the clarity of the banjo by about 20%.
Geoff Hohwald quote:
Originally posted by idnworks
Wow... this is really good.
You guys are saying a lot of good things about the blue chip, metals, and the Golden Gate pink. I do have a bit of swelling in my hands periodically, so I imagine I'll have to use a few different ones. So far, seems like only the pinky is a bit arthritic, so I'm hoping it stops there. I have a couple Fred Kelly's to try out as well. You guys have some bucks into those Blue Chip picks-- that'd buy me an hour of time with my teacher, Rick McGrath, so I'll probably stick with the plastics for a while. :^)
Shawn Clever
Albuquerque
I am Banjo... Hear me pick!
Geoff Hohwald http://www.freebanjovideos.comhttp://www.5dollarbanjolessons.com
bnj - Posted - 09/28/2009: 10:32:29
Herco's it what I've used for years, I think that's how they spell it? There small, blue pick, I like them because there not heavy on my thumb, I used Golden G's in the past
but there kinda big to me, they sound good but to big. But you know it's all what you get use too, 2each-his-on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NH3anplzotg
little double banjo, whoa mule
stelling man - Posted - 09/28/2009: 14:44:08
I've been using the Golden Gate clown puke for several years now..
STELLING MAN
dlaustin - Posted - 09/28/2009: 14:59:10
Hi Shawn,
I like the National whites. Also, I like the Kel Kroydon tortoise shell colored thimbpicks. I have to file the face of the blade on them cause they kind of scratch across the strings if I don't. These 2 in the large size fit the best without too much modifying. I've thought about rounding off the point a little bit, but so far just use them like their made.
David
eagleisland - Posted - 09/28/2009: 15:27:50
This thread makes it clear: there is no one "best" thumb pick. It's very much a matter of personal taste, and the only way to find the one that's "best" for you is to try a bunch of 'em. Not only try them, but try different modifications - blade angle, length, etc. (the good news is that most of them are quite inexpensive and easy to adjust).
FWIW, my own personal pick search started with a straight-blade Dunlop, then developing my own customized "zookie" style, then moving on to the Fred Kelly slick picks (liked them tons but they wear out fast) and now, Blue Chips (matter of fact, I'm stopping in at Matt's place in a few weeks and will either emerge with Crowes or, more likely, a custom blade shape).
Whichever pick you settle on, just be willing to accept that a pick, regardless of type or price, will not make you a better picker. The "best" pick (for you) will make playing your banjo easier, and more enjoyable, but it's still no substitute for diligent attention to the music and gobs and gobs of practice.
eagleisland
"I was halfway to Old Kentucky when the drugs began to kick in." - Hunter S. Monroe
ronjo843 - Posted - 09/28/2009: 15:53:02
I have run out of all my old thumb picks. They all had a long tine, extending about 3/8" below my thumb. Now i tried to find some that are like that, but to no avail. So I just decided to make my own. I took new thumb picks, and heated them in water, they go back to the original shape of flat. Then I molded them with the tine being 3/8". of course the hook part is very short now. I cut pieces of old worn out picks, and shaped them to the form of my thumb and left about a 1/2' to extend up on to the finished pick. Then super glued the pieces together. I made up about 6 of these, and will have picks for quite awhile. I also like a narrow tine, so I just filed the tine to my liking. I also line the inside of the thumb pick, where my thumb touches it with a strip of the material you use in a bathtub, and never have a pick that slips as you play.
chickenpickin - Posted - 09/28/2009: 18:28:24
Blue chip all the way for me. I keep a Zookie 10 on my banjo for a back up, but so far I haven't needed a back up. In other words, I haven't lost my Blue chip yet.
Tim
Happy Pickin' from the Chicken
Edited by - chickenpickin on 09/28/2009 18:29:46
idnworks - Posted - 09/28/2009: 19:52:57
quote:
Originally posted by Laurence Diehl
Shawn - your teacher is Rick McGrath? I knew him more as a steel player 20 years ago - and a fine one too.
Cheers,
Laurence
It takes a lot to laugh, but it takes a train to cry
Yep. I really enjoyed the lesson with him a week or so ago. Kinda surprised I didn't see him on here already, but he mentioned that he doesn't spend much time online and I probably wouldn't see him respond to my email right away. Hope he doesn't mind me doing a bit of name-dropping here. I'm just pleased as can be to have the opportunity to learn from him. John Kuhn remembered Rick as well and told me to pass on a big "Howdy" from him... I'll add ya to the growing list. :^) The really great guy who put my spikes in, Bill Richardson (runs a shop here in Albq.) recommended me to Rick-- mentioned that Rick didn't advertise the fact that he plays steel so well (which is true, Rick didn't mention it in our session) but I'm really hoping he can help me find a good local guy to help me find a Dobro teacher for my friend as well. And to be honest, I felt like I've made some great progress just after one lesson with Rick. Very much looking forward to next Tuesday. Shawn Clever Albuquerque I am Banjo... Hear me pick!
idnworks - Posted - 09/28/2009: 19:57:51
quote:
Originally posted by ronjo843
...I also line the inside of the thumb pick, where my thumb touches it with a strip of the material you use in a bathtub, and never have a pick that slips as you play.
I like that idea of lining the inside of the pick with a little bit of rubber a lot, Ron. I might just give that a shot. I might have to heat them to get it loose enough to do that, but I like the idea. I haven't been having enough troubles at the moment to resort to drastic measures, but I imagine as I refine my technique, I'll notice a few more issues and will have to adapt. Mr. C Shawn Clever Albuquerque I am Banjo... Hear me pick!
Aaron Thomas - Posted - 09/28/2009: 21:28:59
I've been using a large Golden Gate thumbpick for a long time.. works for me!
RB5 - Posted - 09/28/2009: 21:57:12
I stand corrected. I use a metal propik with a delrin tip. Same as Jethrobodine.
That's my story and I'm sticking with it!
Robert.
Laurence Diehl - Posted - 09/29/2009: 08:39:20
quote:
Originally posted by banjoken
I got a blue chip in the beginning of June....The blue chip angle is more like the skin that it rests on making it more comfortable, but I find I hit the string with the forward edge of the pick. Because of the material there is no difference in sound between the edge and the flat part of the blade, completely unlike the golden gates, nationals and no names I have used in the past.
Pick is comfy and sounds good. I have been happy with it.
I am finding this too - the Blue chip is very forgiving, sounds about the same no matter the angle. But this stuff is so subjective - maybe next week another pick will sound better to my ears ...and while a good thumbpick might not make you a better player, a raspy uncomfortable one will frustrate you and distract you from doing what you are trying to do - play the banjo. Ideally, comfortable picks and good tone should be a given so you can concentrate on the important stuff!
darryl k. - Posted - 09/29/2009: 09:37:52
Fred Kelly Speed Pick oarnge. I find the flexibility really does improve speed on drop thumbing. It also tones down the 5th. a bit when I overplay. I think they are the same Delrin as the Slickpicks. Nice feel.
darryl
You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use duct tape. If neither works, try beer.
J.D. Miner Trio www.jdminer.com
phwill - Posted - 09/29/2009: 13:47:25
I've tried a lot of different thumb picks over the years, but I keep going back to the National - I think the first pick I bought was a National. My most recent trial was with the Golden Gate Ivroid but I found that after I used one for a couple of hours I would start hearing a scratching sound. Close observation revealed that the pick surface was getting scratched from the strings and causing some extra noise. I haven't had that problem, at least not to an extent that I've noticed, with the old Nationals.
After reading through this thread, I guess it's time to give a Blue Chip a try. Thanks, gang.
Paul
phwill - Posted - 09/29/2009: 13:58:48
Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention - if your thumb pick is hitting the head and you can't stop it with a right hand adjustment, try sanding down the tip with some 400 grit sand paper.
Paul Page: 1 2
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