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JoeFriday157 - Posted - 09/29/2009: 15:47:19
Dunlop "Calicos" are my favorite thus far... Picks I've tried include: Golden Gate Ivories, which were okay; D'Addario Red/White/Blues, which I thought were too short and soft; and the ProPik, which I thought royally sucked...
Kevin B - Posted - 09/29/2009: 16:52:34
quote:
Originally posted by idnworks
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!
I line the inside of my thumb picks where they contact my thumb print with very fine wet and dry sandpaper (either self-adhesive or I just glue it in). They absolutely do not slip and there is no effect on my feel. If anything they are so steady the feel of the contact with the string is more positive. Kevin ( )=='=~ 'Possum, It's what's for dinner . . ."
Edited by - Kevin B on 09/29/2009 18:01:48
idnworks - Posted - 09/29/2009: 17:27:00
quote:
Originally posted by Kevin B
[quote]Originally posted by idnworks
[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 line the inside of my thumb picks where they contact my thumb print with very fine wet and dry sandpaper (eitehr selfadhesive or I just glue it in). They absolutely do not slip and there is no effect on my feel. If anything they are so steady the feel of the contact with the string is more positive.
Kevin ( )=='=~
'Possum, It's what's for dinner . . ."
That's a good idea as well. Now that I have a few thumbpicks.. I'll have to give it a shot and see whether some sandpaper or rubber mat works better for me. Thanks, Kevin! Shawn Clever Albuquerque We are the Banjo. You will be picked.
barbbanjo - Posted - 09/30/2009: 01:55:49
Lots of great ideas! I can't afford the Blue Chip right now so I think I'm going to try the wet/dry sandpaper trick. My picks are always slipping and it drives me crazy. I suppose my fingers are smaller than a lot of you guys'. I'm teaching a couple of my grandkids to play and I find it really hard to find picks that fit their little fingers. The thumb picks aren't as bad as the metal finger picks. By the time we get them cinched down enough to stay on, the metal is bent all out of shape and ends up kind of square. If anyone has any ideas for that I'd love to hear them.
Gillis Cashman - Posted - 09/30/2009: 03:57:54
I didn't know they were all not the same. I like the multicolor picks. These fit the best. Are any adjustable.
eagleisland - Posted - 09/30/2009: 04:48:08
quote:
Originally posted by Gillis Cashman
I didn't know they were all not the same. I like the multicolor picks. These fit the best. Are any adjustable.
Many picks are adjustable, Gillis. Delrin picks, such as the Fred Kelleys, are not - but most other plastic picks can be shaped almost any way you like, and with the exception of Blue Chips most metal-band picks can be bent (at least somewhat) to your preferred dimensions. With plastic picks, the key is heat - gentle heat. As in boiling water. Do NOT use microwaves or open flame - picks are flammable and some picks almost explosively so. Dip a pick in a pot of boiling water for a few seconds and you can reshape the band to tighten it up. If you like, you can change the blade angle by gripping it with two pairs of small needle-nosed pliers after heating. You can change the blade length or shape by filing, sanding or cutting with side cutters. You'll always want to smooth everything off afterwards with progressively finer sandpaper. Before I transitioned (first to Fred Kelly slicks, then to Blue Chips), I used to shape my thumb picks all the time. I found that the white Dunlops were a good starting point (that's just me - ymmv). I would usually do about a half a dozen at a time. I'd take a pick that felt just right and shape others to match it. Then - and this is important - I'd stash that original in my sock drawer as a 'reference pick.' That way, I always had one in reserve to base the next batch upon. eagleisland "I was halfway to Old Kentucky when the drugs began to kick in." - Hunter S. Monroe
Edited by - eagleisland on 09/30/2009 04:50:23
cbeucler - Posted - 09/30/2009: 05:38:47
Nothing comes close to the blue chip! No scratching sound. It doesn't wear out and is super smooth. Also very comfortable. Well worth the money!
cbeucler
ac5aa - Posted - 09/30/2009: 11:32:40
OK, all the Blue Chip testimonials have led me to order one. Up until now I've settled on Zookies (L-20's) but to my ear they tend to sound "thinner" than I'd like. I had a clown barf pick that I got at a festival that I really liked until it wore down, but have never been able to find what it was (it had an ad on it instead of the mfr's name). National's aound good, but I'm forever getting the string caught in the thumb loop. How does that happen?!
UPDATE: Got my Blue Chip thumbpick (chose the JD Large) in very short order. I like it a lot, and my instructor tells me they don't wear out. Now I'll just have to remember to pick them up when I leave a gig - left my last set of picks in a nursing home . . .
Duane C.
Sullivan Greenbrier, Gibson RB-250
Edited by - ac5aa on 10/06/2009 09:09:41
kjcole - Posted - 09/30/2009: 13:08:59
I'm liking the Blue Chip - sits right at the same angle I like to twist my regular thumbpicks (to strike the strings flat). Comfortable and no slipping. Nice fat sound. Blade length and shape is also to my liking.
I like the black AMB picks also, after I heat and twist them. Their blade length and shape is about right, so I don't have to shape them. Nice fat sound.
barbbanjo - Posted - 09/30/2009: 13:41:28
In case anyone is interested there is a great little book called "Picks! The Colorful Saga of Vintage Celluloid Guitar Plectrums" that is fascinating. By Will Hoover. It chronicles the history of the pick industry and gives great pictures of a lot of picks including some thumb picks. I've found quite a few vintage picks in old guitar and banjo cases that my father in law had and they are incredible. There are some with cork on the back to help them stay on, some old GG, and some beautiful mosaics from the 50's and 60's. They were all pictured in the book and it was fun to read more about them.
mrbook - Posted - 09/30/2009: 13:45:54
Ilike the medium Dunlop calico thumbpicks at teh moment. I liked the older Nationals, and still have a few small ones around, but the new ones sometimes catch the 5th string on the outer wrap while playing hard. It's embarassing or worse.
Bill
pasturepicker - Posted - 10/01/2009: 05:26:09
Real shell thumb picks sound great.
Pickin' In The Pasture
August 26, 27, 28, and 29th 2010
Lodi, NY
www.pickininthepasture.com
World-class stage show, instructional workshops, lots of jamming!
All in the heart of the beautiful Finger Lakes Region of New York State
youdye - Posted - 10/01/2009: 05:40:37
Tortise shell NATIONAL size Large for me!
Mike Montgomery
4+1=Hootnanny!
O=='={::}
mbaranski - Posted - 10/01/2009: 13:09:15
just lick your fingers before you put your picks on, let them get about 2/3rds dry, and put your picks on. It's like glue.
prewartb3 - Posted - 10/04/2009: 04:59:38
I have picks for months without a scratchy noise. Most plastic picks have a different sound and feel. Try them all first. A little adjustment in boiling water as eagleisland says and your home free. If you strike the string flat and smooth the most you will do is wear the tip down. Rub the pick blade over some 6000 emory and it will be as slick as glass. Put a small piece in your case 2" x 2". The emory will last your lifetime.
PrewarTB3
openG - Posted - 10/05/2009: 11:03:07
I like the steel thumb pick it has a better bite.
Average is as close to the bottom as the top!
PharmBoy - Posted - 10/06/2009: 10:17:08
quote:
Originally posted by ac5aa
OK, all the Blue Chip testimonials have led me to order one. Up until now I've settled on Zookies (L-20's) but to my ear they tend to sound "thinner" than I'd like. I had a clown barf pick that I got at a festival that I really liked until it wore down, but have never been able to find what it was (it had an ad on it instead of the mfr's name). National's aound good, but I'm forever getting the string caught in the thumb loop. How does that happen?!
UPDATE: Got my Blue Chip thumbpick (chose the JD Large) in very short order. I like it a lot, and my instructor tells me they don't wear out. Now I'll just have to remember to pick them up when I leave a gig - left my last set of picks in a nursing home . . .
Duane C.
Sullivan Greenbrier, Gibson RB-250
My Dunlops haven't worn out either (2 years) and they cost $3. everyone is different and if you like the really expensive picks, then be my guest, but I would have to hear an exponential increase in sound quality before I'd spend that kind of cash on picks... ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- There is no growth in the Comfort zone, and no comfort in the Growth zone. "The instrument proper to them is the Banjar, which they brought hither from Africa." -Thomas Jefferson ( )======"===::}
reller - Posted - 10/30/2009: 18:13:12
I sure would like to try the Blue Chip I looked at them at the IBMA this year. I just hate to pay $40 bucks for a pick. I should have tried it out there, Just too busy with everything. For that price there should be a test drive option. I currently use zookie 10 degree but as they have worn in I can tell I don't need the 10 degrees. My brother in law swears by the blue chip mandolin picks. He likes them better than his tortoise. Still $40. for plastic?
eagleisland - Posted - 10/30/2009: 18:36:23
quote:
Originally posted by reller
I sure would like to try the Blue Chip I looked at them at the IBMA this year. I just hate to pay $40 bucks for a pick. I should have tried it out there, Just too busy with everything. For that price there should be a test drive option. I currently use zookie 10 degree but as they have worn in I can tell I don't need the 10 degrees. My brother in law swears by the blue chip mandolin picks. He likes them better than his tortoise. Still $40. for plastic?
It's not plastic. It's a very sophisticated composite with a ton of manual labor involved. They come with a money back guarantee. Order one. If you don't like it, send it back. eagleisland "I was halfway to Old Kentucky when the drugs began to kick in." - Hunter S. Monroe
MikeR - Posted - 10/30/2009: 21:53:23
One more vote for the JD Blue Chip thumbpick, and Sammy Shelor finger picks.. Seems like everything I like costs too much... I used the Picky picks for a couple years, and still like them too though. All in what you get used to I guess..
Mike Robbins
Yates Rattlesnake #21
reller - Posted - 10/31/2009: 17:40:24
Well you talked me in to it eagleisland, that was the push I needed the money back guarantee. I noticed the guys at te both were really easy to deal with (on everything but price) my brother in law had a mandolin pick he had used for 6 months and liked another one a little beter. They swapped with him no charge, and man he cold wear out a block of steel.
Bluegrass - Posted - 11/01/2009: 18:03:40
I love my Bluechip.
John
pick1936 - Posted - 11/01/2009: 18:49:06
I use The OLD black Gibson picks from the 70's, They fit so good,, sound so good,, But the plastic is a little soft so the tip wears down to soon, I only have one left, unplayed. You can't get them now, But They were Great picks.
Nechville. In Higginsville.
Lee Kelso
Edited by - pick1936 on 11/01/2009 18:50:29
Brian T - Posted - 11/02/2009: 09:44:36
I have 3 GG (large). They fit my thumb just fine. Lightly sanded the insides: even better. Then, I filed the tip to change it's position relative to my thumb and shortened it by maybe 1/8". Although I've marked them, I use all 3 and don't notice a difference. Spares are useful. It means that none of them will ever break.
We do not know where we are going.
Nor do most of us care.
For us, it is enough that we are on our way.
Le Matelot
kjcole - Posted - 11/02/2009: 09:57:09
Pick1936
Have you tried the black AMB thumbpicks? It is my understanding that they were meant to replicate the old black Gibson picks. Regardless, I like them alot - nice phat sound, wear well.
Kevin B - Posted - 11/02/2009: 13:09:14
quote:
Originally posted by pick1936
I use The OLD black Gibson picks from the 70's, They fit so good,, sound so good,, But the plastic is a little soft so the tip wears down to soon, I only have one left, unplayed. You can't get them now, But They were Great picks.
Nechville. In Higginsville.
Lee Kelso
Lee I saw a pick adveritised at Janet Davis that she called "Gibson style." It is not the original but supposed to be like it. See the top of this thumb pick page http://www.janetdavismusic.com/thmbpks.htmlKevin ( )=='=~ 'Possum, It's what's for dinner . . ."
Edited by - Kevin B on 11/02/2009 13:10:31
Ikaika - Posted - 11/03/2009: 01:42:12
No name, don't know where I got these, I think they were about a dollar each, I have tons of them in different colors, and I like 'em  . This one's pretty worn out, the edge is like a razor blade, and it's about an eighth of an inch shorter than it used to be.
http://www.myspace.com/imthefid
Ozarkwoods - Posted - 11/03/2009: 04:59:06
Since I went with my Blue Chip JD model I have never looked back it fits well, and the after a year it shows no wear. Yes very spendy but I really don't plan on buying another thumb pick. I love the sound coming from it also.
Randy
If you walk through the doors of life you won't get stuck looking at the same four walls.
Kemo Sabe - Posted - 11/03/2009: 05:15:14
quote:
Originally posted by Ozarkwoods
Since I went with my Blue Chip JD model I have never looked back it fits well, and after a year it shows no wear. Yes very spendy but I really don't plan on buying another thumb pick. I love the sound coming from it also.
Randy
Well said! Blue Chip JD gets my vote. Great fit and great sound. Phil "Listen, listen, listen and play, play, play." (Murphy Henry)
Edited by - Kemo Sabe on 11/03/2009 05:16:48
Ikaika - Posted - 11/03/2009: 09:15:54
I play very hard most of the time. Even my metal Dunlop 20s wear out after a few months - especially the second finger one. I'm sure no matter what a thumbpick is made of, I will wear it out. No names, Nationals, Dunlops, when I find a thumbpick that fits, I buy a bunch of them. I probably have too many right now, but that's ok, I like to look at them :D .
The one on the left, you can see the wear on the right side. Other one wears slower, but it also eventually wears out.
http://www.myspace.com/imthefid
Edited by - Ikaika on 11/03/2009 09:28:16
banjoken - Posted - 11/03/2009: 09:56:15
Wow... those are your finger picks after just a few months? You must be playing mighty loud for that to happen. Does anyone, listener or fellow jammer, ever state that you play to loud?
I would try to adjust the pick angle so that you are not hitting the string on the edge, but in the center. The pick might not be centered on your finger, but who cares. The pick will last longer and it might even sound better.
Ikaika - Posted - 11/03/2009: 10:05:53
It's not so much the volume that results from my playing hard, it's that pop that I like from a good banjo. Nobody has ever told me I'm too loud . When doing backup, I move back from the mic, and/or play lighter. It doesn't bother me to buy picks when they wear out - it's all just part of my way of doing whatever it is that I do. Also, when I chrome my picks, they last a lot longer than a few months. My worn out finger picks, they are a conversation piece, like, "Holy hell, what are you doing to your picks, gnawing on them for breakfast?". I guess I need to start up a pick graveyard .
quote:
Originally posted by banjoken
Wow... those are your finger picks after just a few months? You must be playing mighty loud for that to happen. Does anyone, listener or fellow jammer, ever state that you play to loud?
I would try to adjust the pick angle so that you are not hitting the string on the edge, but in the center. The pick might not be centered on your finger, but who cares. The pick will last longer and it might even sound better.
http://www.myspace.com/imthefid
kjcole - Posted - 11/03/2009: 10:46:40
I rotate my fingerpicks slightly so the center of the blade is hitting the strings.
If you are hard on thumbpicks then the Blue Chip was absolutely made for you.
5strbanjo - Posted - 11/03/2009: 12:20:59
I think that the BlueChip thumb pick is the best ever made, and I prefer the J.D. Crowe model, although others may prefer the standard model with a longer blade...worth every penny of the $40 price...light, comfortable yet snug on the thumb, and mine shows no wear whatsoever after six months of daily use...
Mitch
T1T2 - Posted - 11/03/2009: 12:29:13
I use either a Herco Flex 52 or a Dunlop Delrin. They are exactly the same shape but the Herco is blue (Bugga blue) and the Dunlop is red. I believe that Dunlop manufacture Herco picks anyway so the similarities kind of makes sense. They don't seem to be every body's cup of tea but they have worked for me for over 20 years on Steel, Dobro and banjo and are very hard wearing.
mattburnside - Posted - 11/03/2009: 12:41:01
quote:
Originally posted by banjotef
I like the Zookies, L10 with the angled edge.
Go down pickin'
I love love love these. My only complaint is that I have to file them down because the point is too long, but the angle makes it for me.
kjcole - Posted - 11/03/2009: 13:16:28
Mattburnside,
Turns out the Blue Chip gives you about the same angle. Since I heated and twisted all my plastic thumbpicks, I was a little nervous about ordering a JD Crowe Blue Chip. I was really relieved when I slipped it on and looked at the blade orientation. Feels good, gives a good sound, and resists wear like ceramic (OK, maybe that last one is a exaggeration - but not far off). And the blade length is shorter on the Crowe version (personally I like the sound of a shorter, wider blade). I used to file and shape a lot of blades too. Happy not to do that anymore!
Edited by - kjcole on 11/03/2009 13:19:03
idnworks - Posted - 11/03/2009: 14:02:19
Wow. This thread just keep rising from the grave. :^) Never thought this would keep going so far.
Shawn Clever
Albuquerque
We are the Banjo. You will be picked.
Banjo Stan - Posted - 11/03/2009: 14:55:59
I bought a JD Blue Chip pick from Ricky Neat at NashCamp. Very comfortable and pulls out great tone from my Chief. It's all I use now with my Sammy Shelor finger picks.
  
Stan Robins
Banjo MD - Posted - 11/03/2009: 19:31:20
Blue Chip
William
Ikaika - Posted - 11/03/2009: 23:14:40
Guess I don't have as many as I thought. Some are probably in my steel case. These will last me at least a couple years - I use them until they are absolutely unusable. Don't remember where I found those black fingerpicks - they're metal, coated with something.
I'd be afraid to spend more than a couple bucks on a pick. If some drunk falls into my stuff, sends the pick into another dimension, I'm screwed; same if some thief swipes it, or if it grows feet and walks away.
This is my little Peti Rojo friend - this is a Peruvian one, the little guy who lives here in the desert park here is exactly like this one - same delightful demeanor too.
"Just play one, just play one."
http://www.myspace.com/imthefid
Edited by - Ikaika on 11/03/2009 23:27:05
Ozarkwoods - Posted - 11/04/2009: 05:27:40
Ikaika I can see your point I felt the same way but then change my way of thinking, because I did I moved away from my starter Morgan Monroe, and bought a Stelling Staghorn now I have what I want and enjoy playing it.
Am I worried that some drunk might fall on it....no I dont ....I made a choice to not drink and play at the same time. :D
Randy
If you walk through the doors of life you won't get stuck looking at the same four walls.
strang - Posted - 11/25/2009: 07:00:19
quote:
Originally posted by reller
Well you talked me in to it eagleisland, that was the push I needed the money back guarantee.
Did you buy one  I want to try it at the next jam 
eMike - Posted - 11/25/2009: 18:42:19
Former Zookie fan turned into BlueChip fan. It feels great, doesn't slip, no scratchy feel and I love the sound.
Mike
Don Borchelt - Posted - 11/26/2009: 05:00:58
Like T1T2 (welcome to BHO, BTW), I have used the Herco Flex 52 for some time. I recently bought enough of them from Elderly to last until I die, so I won't have to worry about being able to get them in the future. I like a slightly keener sound, which this pick gives me.
Edited by - Don Borchelt on 11/26/2009 05:01:24
reller - Posted - 11/26/2009: 22:27:42
Hey strang, It is on my santy claws list I may have it by the next jam
acri - Posted - 11/27/2009: 05:42:22
i'll send 2 all brass thum picks for 10.00 ...they sound as good or better than the "blue chip"i will refund if you don't agree...3 day offer only
email now! acri@w3az.net....... factory direct...gord
5stringJim - Posted - 11/27/2009: 12:23:50
Zookies are my recent favorite...but they keep breaking at the bottom of the curved part. Golden Gates never break at the thumb part, but they wear quickly and get a scratchy edge. The Zookies never get scratchy.....so when my last two broke, I cut the blade off a Golden Gate and superglued the Zookie blade on to the thumb grip.....perfection !!
Don't know whether to call them GoLookies or ZooGates
Klondike Waldo - Posted - 11/28/2009: 12:03:01
I like AMB thumbpicks. Comfortable, sound good, take a lickin' and keep on pickin' Page: 1 2
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