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So, now that the new ToneSlabs thumb picks are shipping out and people are starting to play around with them, what's the consensus? I just got mine and I'm a bit underwhelmed. They fit fine and seem well made, but the pick itself is much longer than my JD BlueChip. Too long, in my opinion. I already have issues digging too deep while I play and striking the head with my thumb pick, so the last thing I need is a longer pick. And I find that if I strike the string perfectly flush, it sounds very similar to the BlueChip, but if I strike the string at a slight angle, it loses a lot of volume, while the BlueChip continues to sound nice and loud. Maybe it's an acquired taste, but for now I'm going to stick with BlueChip. Curious to hear other opinions.
I got both the Crowe Claw and the Earl Stubbs. I only had them a couple days so keep that in mind.
I really like them. I really wanted to like the BlueChip but I hated that the blade was offset making the blade of the pick close to the knuckle on my thumb. Both these picks address that issue. I was using clownbarfs, these picks might be a hair longer in the blade, but I haven't had issues hitting my banjo head or volume issues. I'm leaning more towards the Crowe Claw. I think it is going to be my go-to moving forward.
quote:
Originally posted by Sunrise LeeI got both the Crowe Claw and the Earl Stubbs. I only had them a couple days so keep that in mind.
I really like them. I really wanted to like the BlueChip but I hated that the blade was offset making the blade of the pick close to the knuckle on my thumb. Both these picks address that issue. I was using clownbarfs, these picks might be a hair longer in the blade, but I haven't had issues hitting my banjo head or volume issues. I'm leaning more towards the Crowe Claw. I think it is going to be my go-to moving forward.
I’m curious about sizing. I typically use a Blue Chip large. How does the Toneslab compare size-wise?
Mine arrived a couple of days ago. I'm trying both. So far, of the two, I prefer the Crowe to the Stubbs. More like my Russ Carson Blue Chip. I like the sharp tip.
it's definitely a different feel: it's lighter-weight than the Blue Chip. And it sits higher on my thumb- where the Blue Chip sits nearer the knuckle.
So far, the Toneslab feels less secure on my thumb... especially when I'm using a harder thumb attack or a brush stroke...
It's different and I'm going to have to play with it a bit to see if getting more used to it changes my mind.
I'll post again after a week of picking with both of theToneslabs models and I look forward to other folks' reviews.
I use a small Blue Chip and got the small Toneslab. For me, both are the right size.
Edited by - lyndabee on 04/07/2026 19:51:10
They feel kinda huge to me. Not the fit, just bulky and long. The tone from the Crowe pick is great, but all the sudden I was having a hard time getting through some basic songs ha. Had to switch back to the Bluechip but going to keep giving the Toneslab a shot.
I really wanted to like the Earl Stubbs version but it sounds dead and tubby when picking the 3rd string. I see it as just a neat thing to have laying around now.
Edited by - sjm78560 on 04/08/2026 20:18:07
I got my Crowe claw today. I've been using blue chip Russ Carsons for 5 years. The Toneslab fit well, so I played several songs on my prewar. I didn't notice any difference in the sound or how they played from my blue chips. In fact after a very short time enjoying the songs I completely forgot I had the new pick on! I guess that's the ultimate test.
I like that the metal inside surface is non slip. The fit is a little farther from my knuckle which I like. We'll see how it wears, but so far I like it!
Rick
quote:
Originally posted by sjm78560They feel kinda huge to me. Not the fit, just bulky and long. The tone from the Crowe pick is great, but all the sudden I was having a hard time getting through some basic songs ha. Had to switch back to the Bluechip but going to keep giving the Toneslab a shot.
I really wanted to like the Earl Stubbs version but it sounds dead and tubby when picking the 3rd string. I see it as just a neat thing to have laying around now.
So update on these picks. After playing with the JD Crowe version again for a bit, I shifted the position of my thumb and it feels and sounds good! Years ago I started having issues with my pointer finger curling so bad that I ended up putting the banjo down for 12 years. I started playing again a year ago and I'll have short periods where I'm feeling ok and then out of nowhere it starts happening again and it's very hard to snap out of it. This thumb pick forced me to stick my thumb out further towards the neck, versus a bent hitchhiker thumb tucked in close to my fingers. I hope this doesn't gynx it, but since I made this adjustment I have never felt better and more comfortable playing. I've tried a lot of things to correct it and nothing has worked. Feeling pretty grateful for them at the moment. The change in position also changed the tone of them significantly. The Earl Stubbs pick sounds really good now. Slightly deeper tone but I'm liking it a lot.
Edited by - sjm78560 on 04/10/2026 15:31:40
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