Thumb Pick

Bill McCloskey · Posted 3 Feb 2007 6:16 am

I had read about a new tortis shell thumb pick from Red Bear Trading www.redbeartrading.com and I ordered one to try out.

This is the most comfortable, best sounding, and most secure thumb pick I have ever used. It actually improved my playing from the second I put it on.

These picks are not cheap, but I have to tell you, I'm thinking of ordering another just to have as a backup. I can't imagine ever using another pick again. [/url]

Mark White · From: Michigan, USA

I ordered one of these too. I love the Propik frame but not the blade material that they use. Not cheap though...... Shocked

Michael Johnstone · From: Sylmar,Ca. USA

$42 for a thumbpick........

Tell ya what - I'll take a free one and if I like it I'll give ya $10 for 3 more.

Bill McCloskey · Posted 4 Feb 2007 7:24 pm

I never thought about different picks and how dramatically they can change the sound of an instrument until I got into Gypsy Jazz a few years ago. I bought one of those thick Gypsy Jazz flat picks that I think went for something like $15. I never paid more than a quarter for picks in the past, so I was pretty skeptical. I was very surprised by how much the pick changed the tone of the guitar. It was quite an eye opener for me.

For some, paying $42 for a flat pick seems outrageous. For others, twice the price is cheap for improved sound, comfort and playablity. I spend a quarter of my life with a thumb pick on. Seems cheap to me.

Jim Bates · From: Alvin, Texas, USA

Thumb pick material and shape can make a world of difference in the sound of the string it is used to play. In the early 70's I switched to a clear plastic, large Dobro brand thumbpick (you can still get these type from Dunlop - clear with the pointed tip). Don't know what type plastic they are made from, but if you listen carefully to a unwound string plyed by this pick and a metal finger pick there is very little change in sound / tone.

I am an 'aggressive' picker on the pedal steel and also the dobro, and this pick has always stayed tight. Have tried almost all of the others - still come back to this one.

Thanx,
Jim

Mark White · From: Michigan, USA

I've tried Dunlop, National, Golden Gate, John Pearse, some no-names, Fred Kelly's etc. but keep coming back to Propik's for comfort and staying put. The problem is they sound a bit thin and don't take a trimming very well. $42 for a thumbpick is a lot for sure, but if it works out for me it will be worth it. After all, I've spent more than that trying every thumbpick I could find.
What's next....some $30 Perfect Touch finger picks probably Rolling Eyes

but hey, you only live once!

Bob Hoffnar · From: Austin, Tx

Bill Stokes who builds the showcase 41 picks makes a thumb pick called the torti pick. I used them for years. It may be a cheaper way to get the sound you guys are talking about. Bill makes great stuff.
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Bob

Mark White · From: Michigan, USA

Thanks for the tip Bob, Bill's website isn't working, looks like he's just getting it started. Where do you buy his thumbpicks? I've Googled them and tried the normal places like Elderly but can't seem to turn them up.

Bob Hoffnar · From: Austin, Tx

Mark,
Try contacting Bill directly. I think the info is on his site.
I'm waiting on a big order from him at the moment.

Bob
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Bob

Lynn Oliver · From: Redmond, Washington USA * R.I.P.

Bill Stokes' Website.

Bill does make great stuff and I've used his products for years.

The only place I know of that still sells Torti-Picks online is Hatfield Music.
_________________
Lynn Oliver

Mark White · From: Michigan, USA

Thanks guys, I'll give them a try.

Mark White · From: Michigan, USA

I got my thumb pick from Red Bear Trading today and I absolutely love it. It's kind of the best of both worlds, the secure comfort of a Propik along with a nice, warm sound. The thing that I especially like is how easy it was to alter to my liking. It comes a little too pointed for my taste so with the help of a $1.99 four stage fingernail file from K-Mart I filed it down to my liking and was able to buff it to a shine very easily. Like you Bill, I'm thinking I'd like a backup. Worth the money? I'd have to say yes, especially if it lasts like they say it will.
I'd still like to try the Showcase 41 pick.

Bill McCloskey · Posted 9 Feb 2007 4:37 pm

Hey Mark, I know what you mean. You have to try it to believe it.

Gary Stevenson · From: Northern New York,USA

I have been using the Perfect Touch finger picks and they are worth getting. There is no finger pinching and they stay put. They just feel right on your fingers.

basilh · From: United Kingdom

Thanks for the 'Heads Up" regarding the L.B. Custom thumb-pick. It arrived today..
I AM BITTERLY disappointed.

I bought it on recommendation AND looks.
It was the logo and printing on the inside of the pick that "Sold It" to me.

I ISN'T as pictured.. I has NONE of the gilded inlay and is just a plain finish. i.e. NOT AS DESCRIBED.
In the UK this form of advertising is ILLEGAL.

It's like buying a car with the bare (sorry about the pun) metal and no paint-work.

I must stress that it IS a superb pick as picks go.
I don't want my money back (Which I would be entitled to)

I will keep it, but recommendations from me to players over here will be a little thin on the ground.

Whereas this is what I got :-

basilh · From: United Kingdom

After testing it I can confirm that it's pretty good in the grip department, but on closer examination I also find that it's thinner and more pointed than the depictions on the web site.

See mine above.

This is another pic from the website :-

BTW am I wrong to point out these failings on a forum that's here to discuss these type of things. i.e. Picks. Bars. Strings, ancillaries etc. ?

Andy Sandoval · From: Bakersfield, California, USA

Anybody ever tried these?

Quite comfy.

basilh · From: United Kingdom

I Like them Andy, on stage I play Steel AND Plectrum guitar in alternating sections of a song. I have the guitar 'round my neck and just switch as the need arises. This 'Herco Heavy' Thumb-pick is ALMOST a regular guitar pick as well. Where do I obtain one from.?

Bill McCloskey · Posted 22 Feb 2007 4:24 am

Bas,

the one I got looks exactly like the one posted on the site and looks nothing like the one you got. So, I don't know what happened with you, but the one I have and recommended came as advertised.

basilh · From: United Kingdom

Bill, even more reason to complain, it seems that the adage 'Brand New Customers Only" doesn't apply here !

Andy Sandoval · From: Bakersfield, California, USA

Bas, here's some links to the Herco thumbpicks. The first one is a UK link.

strings direct

Elderly

sun creek music

basilh · From: United Kingdom

Thanks Andy, I appreciate the kindness.

Now, as for the ProPick Thumb Pick, can ANYONE sell me one like the ones they show on the RedBear website, PLEASE, I'll pay full price +.
Basil

Gary Lynch · From: Creston, California, USA

Welcome to the era of hyper inflation and boutique enterprises. Jesse James rides again!

Bill McCloskey · Posted 22 Feb 2007 7:26 am

Baz,

Have you tried contacting RedBear and telling them the issue? That seems to me to be the first step.

basilh · From: United Kingdom

I Have, Bill. All that I've got back is a reply about the semantics of my description of the 'Inlay"

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