The Steel Guitar Forum

I'm pretty sure this has been covered before, but I am looking for suggestions to keep my finger picks on my fingers and not flying out onto the dance floor to be flattened by unwitting feet.

I mold my picks very carefully to form fit my fingers, and once fitted a set can last me for years. I have spares, and I can get by with a quickly fitted replacement if one goes missing (as in the scenario above) but it's not optimal, and "feels wrong"

Years ago I had a film can with crushed-to-powder bow rosin that I would swirl my finger tips in and as the rosin warmed from my skin temperature picks would adhere reasonably effectively.

For some time now I have used the more readily available "steel picker's saliva" method, moistening my finger tips in a manner resembling the aftermath of eating KFC then putting my picks on- as the spit dries the picks stick. Relatively effective, yet unsanitary and also, visually unappealing for onlookers.

So my question is what do you do? Is there a product available that is easily used, environmentally friendly, non toxic, and gentle to delicate skin that will keep,these buggers on?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions

Bobby Bowman used to use a little shot if hair spray.

I'm using "Stik n' Pik". It comes in a small tube like chap stick lip balm. A local music store owner who is a steeler got me into it.

http://stiknpik.com/


I tried the "Sticky Pick" liquid but this solid tube is much better and smaller to carry.

Clear nail polish. Which also keeps the zinc from drying out your skin and the copper from turning it green (the split cuticles are worse than the green stripes).

I used to lick my fingertips, but always seemed to catch a cold a few days after a gig. Now I use Elmer's washable glue stick, just a dab on each finger. The picks stay on and it can be wiped of the hands easily. They are available everywhere, I usually get them at a Dollar Tree. The stick will dry out after a few months, but they are really cheap.

I saw Roni Stoneman use Super Glue!!

I used Gorilla Snot for years, then one I day I got the idea to harvest some gum off a white pine tree I had just trimmed. Works just as good, it's free too.

You have to be careful not to get it anywhere except on the very tips of your fingers so that it doesn't get on your strings or any place unintended.

I use the saliva stick too. Been doing it for many years and never got sick. I also hope the act of sticking my finger in my mouth will attract women. Well, I've only had one guy come up and ask me what I was doing.

I use Fun-Tak mounting putty, by LocTite.
It is that gummy stuff you use to stick a poster to the wall.
I put a small dot of it on my fingernail, then put my pick on.
Works great.

I use those little stick-on pads that you use on the nose piece of your glasses. Put one on the inside of each band that bends around your finger. They are real comfortable and last a very long time. Get em at the drugstore, about 2 bucks for a dozen or so. Picks wont move and is real easy on the cuteicals. Martin.

I've never used anything except heat shrink tubing.
Been using it for 40 years. Usually lasts 2-3 years.

I have a can of sticky picks in my pac-a-seat, but I found that licking my fingers works as good, and it's quicker. Of course, I make sure my fingers are clean.

I've posted this before... I've used everything mentioned, but always come back to my own. Liquefy (cheapest) fiddle rosin in alcohol. Before a gig, apply it to the inside of your picks with a Q-Tip and let it dry. First time you take your picks off, you will have to peal the picks off your fingers. Of course don't get it on your strings. And a little goes a long ways.

I also use heat shrink tubing. Works great for me! http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=149375

my picks are covered in heat shrink tubing. looks great, no slippage!

I'm useing these for years and never had them fall off http://www.jdmc.com/category/fngrpk-perftouch.html

We still sell padded picks and they also work great. See our "padded picks for sale" in the amps and accessories section.

Dick Sexton- what is the ratio of rosin to alcohol, and what proof? regular rubbing? 77%? 98? Moonshine?

Dale Hansen from Besdang gizmos swears by the glue stick as well.

I wear Jeff Newman finger picks and bend them so that they are tight and dont come off. Once in a while in between picking I may have to push them up into place.

Dave, The finished liquid in a 1" x 4" Wally World flip top bottle, came out a dark amber(about like cheap whiskey). Proof? Well I don't use anything I can drink, so rubbing alcohol does the trick. Did try 90% vodka once, but it slowed down my fingers and made them unruly. Lol! I first tried it by putting alcohol on a cue tip a rubbing it on the rosin, then the inside of my picks. That worked pretty good. The last batch I made will last me another lifetime... If I need it.

Ratio? I'd try less first and work up to what will evaporate off and leave the picks sticky enough inside.

If you try it let me know... Works for me.

I have THE solution... What better than a pick adhesive designed by an actual Steel Guitarist???

Wayne Hobbs, one of very best players here in southwest Ohio makes a solution called Sticky-Picks. Here's a thread about it:
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... 2b446411cb

Website: http://sticky-picks.com/

Jeff H.

thanks all!
I will try at least one of these and report back...

For years the saliva worked fine but as I age that doesn't work as well. The last few years I've used heat shrink tubing, but still would drop a pick occasionally. A friend of Wayne Hobbs turned me on to Sticky Picks and I never lose a pick anymore. I keep a bottle on the job and in my practice room. Great product.

A shot of fast hold hair spray works great for me. Used it for years.