What brand of finger picks do you use?
Moderator: Shoshanah Marohn
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What brand of finger picks do you use?
Since I got no response from my earlier post, I thought I would try another angle. I would be interested in knowing what brand of finger picks (thumb, as well) you use. In addition, what is the distance between the end of your fingers and the end of the picks. As a new player, I am trying to find a combination that will allow me to pick properly and not have the back of the pick on my 3rd finger catch on the string I am attemping to pick. This all gets into right hand position, which, I suppose, is a matter for another post. In any event, I appreciate, in advance, any responses that are offered.
- Steve Hitsman
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I use ProPiks and blue Hercos. I suggest you try bending your finger picks various experimental ways until you find something that feels right. Everybody likes something different. I have mine with the lowest part of the wrap at the bottom of my nails. The pick itself is bent so that it almost touches my finger tip and extends about 1/8" above my finger. I also twist them so they hit the string at a slight angle.
Once you get 'em where you want 'em, guard 'em with your life.
Once you get 'em where you want 'em, guard 'em with your life.
- Ronnie Boettcher
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All I use are the old NATIONALS. Circa: 50's, early 60's. I just broke the last of my old thumb picks, that had a longer tine than most. Just using the Dunlop Calico, now, and have to get used to the slightly shorter tine.
Sho-Bud LDG, Martin D28, Ome trilogy 5 string banjo, Ibanez 4-string bass, dobro, fiddle, and a tubal cain. Life Member of AFM local 142
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Picks
I use what ever picks I can "steel" . I really liked the JF Newman finger picks and the Herco Blue thumb pics.
Daniel J. Cormier
Rittenberry with Tone to the bone,profex or tubefex and what ever amp, hilton pedal, BJS bars. Email at kajunsteelman@yahoo.com.
Rittenberry with Tone to the bone,profex or tubefex and what ever amp, hilton pedal, BJS bars. Email at kajunsteelman@yahoo.com.
- Hook Moore
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I still use the Jeff Newman ( JF ) fingerpicks and I like the black GeorgeL thumbpicks.
Hook
Hook
Last edited by Hook Moore on 14 Jul 2009 4:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- Jerry Bull
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I use dunlops that Bill Stroud modifies with his special crome. and use a Zookie for the thumb, supplied also by Bill. By the way, thanks Bill.
www.psgpicker@gmail.com (Sierra Crown D-10 keyless)2-Nashville 112's, Steelers Choice, Hilton VP, Digitech RP150, Bobro, GeorgeL's cables, BJS Bars and Picks.
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This is the fun equipment chase. I suggest buying several different types of finger and thumb picks. See what you like. Experiment with different ways of bending them. Through trial and error you'll find what is uniquely yours. For me, it's the fake nationals slightly elongated and long bladed Dunlop thumbpicks, although I'd like to try Zookies.
Oh yeah, they come in different thicknesses too. I like 'em sturdy.
Oh yeah, they come in different thicknesses too. I like 'em sturdy.
GFI Ultra S-10, Nashville 112, stuff.
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- Lee Baucum
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Fingerpicks
I like the Kyser fingerpicks and Blue Hercos,both are light don't like heavy gauge picks or large thumpicks.
Does anybody think that different gauged picks have an impact on tone,somebody mentioned that at a gig recently I had never really thought about it.
Does anybody think that different gauged picks have an impact on tone,somebody mentioned that at a gig recently I had never really thought about it.
Bennett D10 8x7 Bennett SD10 4x6 Williams D10 8x5 Dobro 88 square neck NV 112 Hilton VP DD6 Delay
- Paddy Long
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- Mike Poholsky
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Hey Charlie, You might try bending the tip of the pick a little closer to your finger. As I remember starting out, using finger picks and trying to pick the correct strings was about the most awkward thing I'd ever done. It's just frustrating at first. Just keep experimenting until you find something comfortable, then just keep practicing. It will get easier. Hang in there! I've been using Jeff Newman Finger Picks and Gateway Thumb Pick.
Then there's the whole blocking thing!
Then there's the whole blocking thing!
Zumsteel 12 Universal
SGBB
ShoBud VP
'64 Fender Twin Reverb/Fox Rehab
Fender Steel King w/BW 1501-4
FX to Taste
SGBB
ShoBud VP
'64 Fender Twin Reverb/Fox Rehab
Fender Steel King w/BW 1501-4
FX to Taste
- Matthew Carlin
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Picks
I also use Jeff Newman's BJ finger picks (I think these were before the JF picks) He called them diamond rings because the holes are diamond shaped. At that time, he also had red thumb picks. The beauty of these were the many different shapes and lengths. I only have a couple of them left and with my fat thumbs, it is difficult to find a pick that fits.
Ol' Fred
Ol' Fred
- Eugene Cole
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I use a no-name thumbpick that is metalic and rusts where plating has worn off. I usually end up with Dunlop and National finger picks. I currently use Nationals on my pinky, ring, and index fingers, and a Dunlop on my middle finger.
But much of the time I do not use picks when I play Steel. No picks nets a much warmer tone without the bright attack that picks seek to generate.
-E
But much of the time I do not use picks when I play Steel. No picks nets a much warmer tone without the bright attack that picks seek to generate.
-E
Last edited by Eugene Cole on 19 Jul 2009 9:37 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- Larry Bressington
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Pro picks and Dunlops, it is also very important to bend and shape the picks to your own finger mould, and taste.
I personally like the pick to land flat as it hit's the string, i played for years where it hit at an angle, but i have since come to dis-like that, so before i play now, i insert the picks and then lay them against strings 5 and 6 and see if they hit straight.
The band peice that bite's into your finger for grip can sometimes catch the opposing string, so i bent mine to an applicable way that works through exsperimenting, and i trained myself to pick with my hand still, and 'rolling ' the fingers in a forward motion.
I am self taught, so take what i say with a 'shot of whiskey!
Lots of great advice on this thread that i am listening to and going to exsperiment.
Ray's pick's that he is using 'kyser' are becoming the rage and he's a very Established player.
I personally like the pick to land flat as it hit's the string, i played for years where it hit at an angle, but i have since come to dis-like that, so before i play now, i insert the picks and then lay them against strings 5 and 6 and see if they hit straight.
The band peice that bite's into your finger for grip can sometimes catch the opposing string, so i bent mine to an applicable way that works through exsperimenting, and i trained myself to pick with my hand still, and 'rolling ' the fingers in a forward motion.
I am self taught, so take what i say with a 'shot of whiskey!
Lots of great advice on this thread that i am listening to and going to exsperiment.
Ray's pick's that he is using 'kyser' are becoming the rage and he's a very Established player.
A.K.A Chappy.
Fingerpicks
I believe Kysers are the best but having trouble in getting them in the UK,any outlets that you know of either UK or the States.
Bennett D10 8x7 Bennett SD10 4x6 Williams D10 8x5 Dobro 88 square neck NV 112 Hilton VP DD6 Delay
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picks
I use Perfect Touch finger and thumb picks and wouldn't trade them for anything.Most comfortable for me over extended playing periods.
If I hear it,I'm gonna try to steel it