| Visit Our Catalog at SteelGuitarShopper.com |

Post new topic Finger Picks: steel or chrome?
Reply to topic
Author Topic:  Finger Picks: steel or chrome?
Gary Dunn


From:
near Camel City, NC
Post  Posted 5 Aug 2004 7:48 am    
Reply with quote

BJS’s web page has National and Dunlop finger picks that been modified to have a chrome exterior. I am just wondering how many forumites are using chrome picks and how much sweeter is your tone response is as oppose to regular picks. In addition, how durable is the chrome plating to chipping or flaking off over an extended period of playing time?

[This message was edited by Gary Dunn on 05 August 2004 at 08:58 AM.]

View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Erv Niehaus


From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
Post  Posted 5 Aug 2004 2:00 pm    
Reply with quote

I just ordered a pair of picks from Elderly's that are plated with some some kind of stuff that is sposed to be slicker than snot on a door knob. Time will tell!
Erv
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Jerry Overstreet


From:
Louisville Ky
Post  Posted 5 Aug 2004 2:23 pm    
Reply with quote

I loved the BJ chrome plated nickel picks that used to be available from Jeffran. They don't have them anymore, but the standard nickel JF's are equal to the task. They are pre-bent at just the right angle and wear really well. I think a lot of picks are too thin to give you good tone. These are nice and thick plus Jeff told me I need them and that's good enough for me.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Donny Hinson

 

From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
Post  Posted 5 Aug 2004 2:54 pm    
Reply with quote

Gary, the plain truth is that neither chrome nor nickel plating would make the picks sound "sweeter", since they're both harder than steel! These platings will make them last longer, but both chrome and nickel may have a tendency to crack, chip, or flake off. Some of the "sweetness" you refer to may be due to the hardness of the pick material, and some of it is due to the shape and thickness of the pick, but personally I feel the majority of it is due to the technique of the player.

I have heard a lot of good things about the "Showcase 41's", since they use nearly the same metal as the revered old Nationals.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
David Nugent

 

From:
Gum Spring, Va.
Post  Posted 6 Aug 2004 3:08 am    
Reply with quote

I have been using the Dunlop brass fingerpicks in the .025 gauge, and they seem to soften the pick attack and produce a slightly warmer tone. The only drawback being, as with anything made of brass they have to be polished occasionally to remove the tarnish.
View user's profile Send private message
Mike Perlowin


From:
Los Angeles CA
Post  Posted 6 Aug 2004 7:15 am    
Reply with quote

I used to use chrome picks, but now I use the red powder coated ones that are maid be the same guy who makes the Red Rajah bars. The reason is that they don't slip off my fingers.

I've not noticed any difference in tone they produce,
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Mark Herrick


From:
Bakersfield, CA
Post  Posted 6 Aug 2004 11:39 am    
Reply with quote

Showcase '41's

Sweet!

------------------


View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Erv Niehaus


From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
Post  Posted 6 Aug 2004 1:42 pm    
Reply with quote

I just looked it up. The finger picks from Elderly's are Dunlops that have been Cobalt plated. Should last until the second coming!
Erv
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Bob Wood

 

From:
Madera, California, USA
Post  Posted 6 Aug 2004 8:11 pm    
Reply with quote

Some years back, I recall a "rumor" going around that said, "Nashville studio players are getting rid of their Dunlop finger picks, and were going back to Nationals because they were getting strange sounds coming through on the tracks." Rumor also said that Dunlop was doing something either in the steel they were using, or in the plating that was causing the abnormal sounds. Does anyone else recall that rumor, and was it true?

Bob
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
kbdrost


From:
Prospect Heights, IL
Post  Posted 8 Aug 2004 5:40 pm    
Reply with quote

I'm using brass, too--the Pro-Pick variety. I love the warm tone. I don't worry about polishing them; I usually break them before that

------------------
Ken Drost
steelcrazy after all these years
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Jump to:  
Please review our Forum Rules and Policies
Our Online Catalog
Strings, CDs, instruction, and steel guitar accessories
www.SteelGuitarShopper.com

The Steel Guitar Forum
148 S. Cloverdale Blvd.
Cloverdale, CA 95425 USA

Click Here to Send a Donation

Email SteelGuitarForum@gmail.com for technical support.


BIAB Styles
Ray Price Shuffles for Band-in-a-Box
by Jim Baron