Greetings! I'm seeking information about stainless steel fingerpicks. I have a set of the Sammy Shelor picks, but I would like to try stainless picks that are more of a National/Dunlop size. Is anyone making or selling such stainless steel fingerpicks these days? I read an older post that Gene Elkins at one time made stainless picks that were more "standard" size, but he has perhaps quit making them? I can't find them for sale anywhere currently. I also read that Mr. Elkins used .03 guage stainless. I seeking input on whether other fellow pickers have tried other stainless picks (besides the Shelors), what were the guages, and what was the overall assessment, and whether they are currently for sale somewhere. I'm gonna make some if they're not being sold.
Thanks for the input, my friends!
John Lewis Wildfire band
Mods: I'm not sure if this post is in the proper forum. Please re-direct as you please!
Do you have the narrow band Shelors, (8mm) or the wide band (10mm). The 8mm are more like the nationals in the area of the band.
National makes stainless steel picks:
elderly.com/products/national-...t-of-four
The current National NP2 picks are now stainless steel. I prefer the nickel silver, and think I bought enough before the change to last me a while. The picks should say NP2-SS, I think.
Banjo Ben currently has both nickel silver (NP2) and stainless steel (NP2-SS) in stock. I have tried both and find that the stainless steel have a slightly brighter tone.
I find that the stainless steel picks I have tried are harder and smoother than other materials. They allow me to pick a little faster because they don't "grip" the string as much if that makes sense. But because they don't "grip" as much, they do generate a different tone.
Propik also has a stainless version.
https://www.deeringbanjos.com/products/propik-stainless-steel-fingerpicks
Thanks for the input. I ordered a set of the Sammy picks with the narrow band, and I like them. I appreciate the quick responses.
JL
