captruss - Posted - 03/12/2010:  16:31:52

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Anybody ever try one? Any opinions?

5stringpicker2 - Posted - 03/12/2010:  17:00:36

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Sorry, can't help ya.

(I )===='---<::)

The Pope - Posted - 03/12/2010:  17:01:44

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I have a JD and the "regular" one. I think this is the best thumbpick ever created...
No scratchiness, fine tone and lasts a long time.

eagleisland - Posted - 03/12/2010:  17:37:36

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I prefer a shorter blade than the JD. I was blessed with the opportunity to visit Blue Chip and have a couple of picks custom-shaped.

Blue Chips are amazing. They won't make a noob a better player, but they sure do sound good and pop off the string.

Smurf - Posted - 03/12/2010:  17:57:30

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I just bought one and still waiting for it cant wait to get it

wrightedward - Posted - 03/12/2010:  19:22:37

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Havent had one my self ,,but a few friends do .. They sound good and dont wear out like others ..I would have to wear it all of the time or i would lose it for sure ..And at $40.00 couldnt aford that ..But i am still thinking about one ,,got a birthday coming up ,,maybe ,,after all i will be 75 and doubt i will wear it out LOL .
Eddie

mountiepicker - Posted - 03/12/2010:  19:52:44

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Fantastic!

cbeucler - Posted - 03/12/2010:  21:38:30

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Best thumbpick ever!

RonBlock - Posted - 03/13/2010:  07:52:15

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I love that thumb pick. Clay Hess brought one to my house one night and I could instantly play better. It felt sleek, streamlined, not thick and clumsy like a regular plastic thumb pick. I've got the Crowe model, and they last a long time. Jerry Douglas uses them; he can still chew them up but it takes a lot longer. He used to go through several plastic picks per night. It's the best thumb pick I've ever used.

Chris Quinn - Posted - 03/13/2010:  08:16:14

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Best I have ever used.

arnie fleischer - Posted - 03/13/2010:  08:32:16

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There are a couple of recent threads on this pick with a range of comments, including those from people like me who love it and those from people who don't think it's worth the money. Some of the latter, I must point out, have never tried or seen this pick, and thus appear to hold that belief as a matter of principle, which I do understand because this pick is expensive and hyperbole is common in the bluegrass banjo world. But as others have said in prior threads about this pick, expense can be a relative thing. I've been using my JD model for a little over a year with virtually no wear. I used to go through two plastic thumb picks a month. Not any more, so it's worth the money for me. Plus, it glides noiselessly across the strings and is the most comfortable thumb pick I've come across. The differences between the standard model and the JD model are described on the Blue Chip website, but in a nutshell the JD has a slightly shorter and wider blade, which I prefer. By the way, this month's BU has an article about Blue Chip picks.

pickingfive - Posted - 03/13/2010:  08:40:24

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It is the most comfortable thumb pick out of the box I have ever tried. Unlike all other metal picks I have tried, I did not have to do any custom bending/adjusting of the J.D. Crowe Blue Chip thumb pick for it to fit my thumb. The end of the pick that wraps around your thumb is formed in a manner that there is no way it will hook a string (if you have that trouble of digging down too deep and hooking a string at times.) I have always used a Jim Dunlop mental thumb pick because I like the sound of metal on metal more than plastic on metal. The Delrin tip makes a tone that is very close to the tone of a metal picking the strings.

mastertone250 - Posted - 03/13/2010:  12:37:49

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I just got one and have picked 4 shows with it and got one tonight. Its comfortable and i absolutly love it. Excellent tone and no scratchyness. its just flat out awsome thumbpick.

ernieb - Posted - 03/13/2010:  14:14:17

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While I was not able to use the 'J.D. Crowe' version of the Blue Chip thumbpick since it was a little too short to fit my picking style, I did return it to be replaced with the Blue Chip large Standard Model. I must say that I was so impressed by the comfort and SOUND of this pick that I immediately ordered a second one to keep in case I lost the first one!! The day I received it in the mail, I played for two hours straight without pain and/or numbness in my thumb - a 'first' for me in the last 20 years or more... I have severe neuropathy in my hands and fingers and I've literally tried I think, every thumbpick that's been made in the past 20 years! ALL of them caused pain, numbness or BOTH and I was never able to come up with anything that I could use. While I swore I would never pay FORTY DOLLARS for a banjo pick, due to the level of pain I was incurring each time I played, I knew I had finally reached the point of either giving the Blue Chip a try, or give up my 35-year love affair with the banjo. I'm SO glad I went the route of the Blue Chip pick first!! They feel so nice and loose-feeling on your thumb that you would would think that the pick would simply fly off with the first couple notes, but it doesn't!!! AND, my Osborne Chief sounds as if it had some sort of miraculous occurrence take place with it's 3rd, 4th and 5th strings - AMAZING is the only work I know that describes the difference in the sound! I'm just happy I didn't bet with anybody regarding THAT part of the advertising for these thumbpicks - I would have LOST!!

Additionally, Matthew Goins is without doubt, one of the nicest folks I've ever spoke to or done business with. When I needed to trade in my JD version, it was as simple as a phone call - no questions, gripes, just "yes sir, send it back and I will put you another one in the mail!" We need more folks like Mr. Goins in the business!!

Ernie

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Edited by - ernieb on 03/13/2010 14:16:20

eagleisland - Posted - 03/13/2010:  15:18:42

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quote:

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Originally posted by ernieb

We need more folks like Mr. Goins in the business!!

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We need more folks like Mr. Goins in EVERY business.

Hey, Dave - when are you going to get some sound clips of your new Hatfield up?

lazyarcher - Posted - 03/14/2010:  09:54:57

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Its all I use now..I believe there is a very noticable improvement in tone and ease of playing. Also, the band dosnt heat up and slip like the Tortise Nationals i previously used.

I started with the regular model, but the blade was a bit too long. Rather than taking up Mr.Goins offer to send it back for a Crowe model, I cut and buffed the large down to my desired blade length (with Mr.Goins directions). The blade cuts, sands and buffs really well. They are awesome.

arnie fleischer - Posted - 03/14/2010:  12:35:37

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quote:

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Originally posted by pickingfive
[ The Delrin tip makes a tone that is very close to the tone of a metal picking the strings.

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pickingfive, the blade of the Blue Chip thumbpick is not made of Delrin.

GHohwald - Posted - 03/14/2010:  13:04:35

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The Blue Chip pick has changed the tone of the banjo for the positive more than anything I have ever tried. Everyone that I've showed it to has bought one.

quote:

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Originally posted by captruss

Anybody ever try one? Any opinions?

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Laurence Diehl - Posted - 03/15/2010:  15:47:19

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I figure everyone's different so I don't usually rave on about accessories too much. But even though it took some getting used to for me, I think it has some serious advantages:

• It doesn't stop the circulation in your thumb
• It doesn't wear and get scratchy
• It is very forgiving of the angle you hit the strings at

There may be different opinions about tone,touch etc., but I think this list alone makes it worth getting this pick.

captruss - Posted - 03/15/2010:  16:11:21

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OK, I'm convinced. I ordered one. Might as well start with the best I can afford. If I can't get a Pre-war I can get a 40 dollar pick at least. Thanks for the help.

joseph litz - Posted - 04/06/2010:  16:01:19

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I think I'm going to get one too. I'm using a Dunlop medium. I'm guessing a medium would be right for a Crowe also...Does that sound right. At that price I'd kinda like to get it right the first time

captruss - Posted - 04/06/2010:  18:24:38

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I'm just a beginner so take what I say under careful consideration but when I got my JD it was a little shorter than my plastic pick. It took me a short while to stop missing the third string but I'm used to it now and I really like it. It is extremely comfortable. Eventually I figure the slightly shorter pick means less movement up and down and more speed.

Gomer - Posted - 04/06/2010:  19:11:17

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I have two of the regular , but I have been sleeping around with a National the last month. I had to trade in my Crowe as well, No hassel at all. The Bluechip folk seem to want to make happy happy.

john leary - Posted - 04/07/2010:  03:57:30

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HELP! I've just been on the jd crowe web site to look at these thumb picks, and there's about 8 different models, but they all look the same. which one is best for bluegrass banjo?

captruss - Posted - 04/07/2010:  04:37:28

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We're talking about the Two Blue Chip picks. One is the regular model, Large I think it is, and one is the JD. I don't know what is on Crowe's web site.

Bluegrass - Posted - 04/07/2010:  08:05:50

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I love mine! No wear at all after months of hard playing. They're worth the price!

stillearning - Posted - 04/07/2010:  11:25:39

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You could not ask for a better thumb pick. A really good investment. And it builds strong bodies eight ways. Its a wonder.
Dave.

5strbanjo - Posted - 04/07/2010:  12:05:57

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...I love my J.D. Crowe model and have been using it exclusively for at least a year. . .without question, the best thumb pick ever made, whether you prefer the regular model or the shorter J.D. Crowe model...the best there is on all counts...

Mitch

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Edited by - 5strbanjo on 04/07/2010 12:09:21

dmf823 - Posted - 04/08/2010:  06:09:04

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I have the jd crowe model. It is a cheap and easy way to immediately improve the sound of your banjo. Its also more comfortable then a plastic pick.

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 04/08/2010:  07:20:54

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But can YOU play the banjo like JD when you wear it? That's what I want to know.

I think I'll stick with my Dunlop's. Didn't anyone think to inform BlueChip that there is a world wide recession on and some of us are out of work right now. I really can't see how they justify that price for a thumb pick.

I certainly won't be buying one any time soon.

Tam

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Edited by - Tam_Zeb on 04/08/2010 07:31:47

captruss - Posted - 04/08/2010:  07:26:30

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Of course, that ability comes with the pick. Why do you think it costs 40 bucks?

stillearning - Posted - 04/08/2010:  11:27:27

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quote:

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Originally posted by Tam_Zeb

But can YOU play the banjo like JD when you wear it? That's what I want to know.

I think I'll stick with my Dunlop's. Didn't anyone think to inform BlueChip that there is a world wide recession on and some of us are out of work right now. I really can't see how they justify that price for a thumb pick.

I certainly won't be buying one any time soon.

Tam

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stillearning - Posted - 04/08/2010:  11:58:10

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I can't play like JD but my thumb feels like JD. I think if you order one and are not pleased with it, you can return it. Who knows, you might find that is worth the money. I know I did. Dave.

Smurf - Posted - 04/08/2010:  12:47:14

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I got my pick a couple of weeks ago and try to play but there is some problems notice that the angle of the pick is way different than the others I’ve used. When I put it on I have to change my hand form I have to break my wrist towards the front of the banjo
Compare to before I was just archering pretty much like Earl. So now I went back to my old national for now.

captruss - Posted - 04/08/2010:  13:11:05

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I'll give you $10 bucks for it.

Laurence Diehl - Posted - 04/08/2010:  15:32:32

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quote:

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Originally posted by Tam_Zeb

But can YOU play the banjo like JD when you wear it? That's what I want to know.

I think I'll stick with my Dunlop's. Didn't anyone think to inform BlueChip that there is a world wide recession on and some of us are out of work right now. I really can't see how they justify that price for a thumb pick.

I certainly won't be buying one any time soon.

Tam

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I can certainly see why most people would not want to spend $40 on a thumbpick. I don't know exactly how they justify that price, but the blade is made out of some expensive electronics industry composite. The picks are hand-made, one at a time. I am sure that has something to do with it. I have hundreds of hours of use on mine and so far I can see NO discernable wear whatsoever! At this rate (in about 5 years) I will make my money back. Plus I like them.
Laurence

banjoken - Posted - 04/08/2010:  17:18:30

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quote:

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Originally posted by Smurf

I got my pick a couple of weeks ago and try to play but there is some problems notice that the angle of the pick is way different than the others I’ve used. When I put it on I have to change my hand form I have to break my wrist towards the front of the banjo
Compare to before I was just archering pretty much like Earl. So now I went back to my old national for now.

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Smurf... I noticed the same thing with the angle of the pick. With the old picks I used I was able to hit the pick flat against the string, at least strings 5 4 and 3. The bluechip picks have a different angle and I can now hit flat against the 1st and 2nd. I emailed Matt about the difference in angle from all other picks and he came back with the statement that they spent a full year designing the angle and band for comfort and playability. Personally I don't understand the angle, but one thing is good. With the old picks the sound produced from hitting flat and from the edge were completely different. Edge gave a more scratchy sound. With the bluechip the sound is the same on both the edge and the flat part of the blade. This is good since the angle of attack changes when your thumb hits the 1st and 2nd string.

The pick is expensive, but there is no need to let Matt know about the troubled economy. He seems to be selling the picks with no problem, and supposedly the materials are expensive. Good for him for having success with the picks.

I have not gone back to the Nationals and Golden Gates for more than a few seconds since using the bluechip. It has a different tone for sure, not necessarily better, just different and I like it. It also took a little while to get used to the slippery feel of the pick. It really was different. Did not take long to get used to it.

kjcole - Posted - 04/09/2010:  09:37:20

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I used to bend my plastic picks to the same angle that BlueChip uses. Allows me to hit the 5th, 4th, and 3rd square on with my habitual (comfortable) wrist angle.

Smurf - Posted - 04/09/2010:  18:14:43

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Hey Banjoken!
You are right when I hit the 3,4 and 5th string its on a weird angle its not flat but for the tone I like it, maybe it will take time to get used to it, I will try for a longer time
and be patient