The Steel Guitar Forum

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.

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.

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.

I use what ever picks I can "steel" . I really liked the JF Newman finger picks and the Herco Blue thumb pics.

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.

Thanks, guys. I'll look into all of those types. I meant to write earlier "...back of the pick on my 3rd finger catch on the string above the one I am attemping to pick"

Old Nationals and L-10 Zookie. Don D.

Mainly JF that I got from Jeff and Fran years ago along with the L 20 Zookie thumb picks. They last forever and always keep their shape.

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.

I like Kyser Old Style finger picks. They are very similar to old Nationals, and have knurling on the inside surface--not enough to feel rough, but enough to help keep them from falling off, which has always plagued me with the old Nationals, which are my favorites otherwise.

I have a handful of old Nationals that I like very much; however, once I discovered ProPiks a number of years ago, they quickly became my favorite. The angle of the blade is just right for me. I don't use the split wraps.

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.

I've used Jeffs picks since 82!

Stevens (for the last 40 years). Before that, I used Nationals.

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!

I use BJ finger picks ( I think these are now JF picks) and Red Dunlop Thumb picks... I would like to try the perfect touch picks though. They look really comfy.

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

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

I use a National thumbpick and Dunlop finger picks.

Brett

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 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.

Ray,
you can order the picks from:

http://www.janetdavismusic.com/

Horst

I use Perfect Touch finger and thumb picks and wouldn't trade them for anything.Most comfortable for me over extended playing periods.