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Post new topic Why don't folks use this thumb pick?
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Author Topic:  Why don't folks use this thumb pick?
Steve Lipsey


From:
Portland, Oregon, USA
Post  Posted 12 Nov 2011 3:07 pm    
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The rounded edges give no more string noise than plastic picks (unlike the flatter metal picks), which is the usual reason for not using metal on your thumb (i.e., on the wound strings)..at least according to my unscientific testing....

It seems metal is better for picking - or why use metal finger picks on the unwound strings?

...and they don't get soft or slippery when hot, and can be sized to fit comfortably.....I have them from my slide guitar/dobro days and haven't switched to plastic....

Is plastic better? Why?

Thanks...

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Lane Gray


From:
Topeka, KS
Post  Posted 12 Nov 2011 3:57 pm    
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My experience is that they give more scratch noise. I don't need to add more noise.
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2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects


Last edited by Lane Gray on 12 Nov 2011 5:48 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Billy McCombs


From:
Bakersfield California, USA
Post  Posted 12 Nov 2011 5:38 pm    
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Steve I use them and have for 4 yrs. I had a problem with the plastic one breaking. I read were Bobbe Seymour of Steel guitar Nash. said that a lot of Pros were using metal thumb picks so I gave it a try. I really like them and they don't break. PS Sarah Jory uses them.
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Jerry Hayes


From:
Virginia Beach, Va.
Post  Posted 13 Nov 2011 3:55 pm    
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I like to use the same thumbpick for steel and guitar which requires some back and forth movement (like a flatpick) and these don't work well for that. Also I can sense a little sizzle when attempting to pick block with a metal thumbpick which you don't get with the Herco nylons that I use.......JH in Va.
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Pat Haley


From:
Walker, LA USA
Post  Posted 13 Nov 2011 3:55 pm    
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I bought 2 thumb picks from Blue Chip Picks to play my reso. I have not had a chance to try them on the PSG. Hope to try them when I get home next week. Here is a link.

http://shop.bluechippick.net/

I also ordered some ProPicks. Again I will try them next week when I get home. Here is their link.

http://www.guptillmusic.com/index.html

Has anyone tried these?
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Steve Lipsey


From:
Portland, Oregon, USA
Post  Posted 13 Nov 2011 7:25 pm    
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Pat-
I switched from propicks (from slide and dobro days) to National or Jeff Newman picks....the propicks bend too easily and get folded over, and the double tab kind are really comfortable but the lower tab catches on the strings of a pedal steel...
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Geoff Cline


From:
Southwest France
Post  Posted 14 Nov 2011 6:47 am     Some folks DO use this pick
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See my avatar. I also use blue Chip thumb picks...but I LOVE my OLD National!
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Larry Chung


From:
San Francisco, CA, USA
Post  Posted 14 Nov 2011 8:24 am    
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I have used metal thumbpicks for many years. I use an old National (very similar to the Dunlop) for banjo and Dobro. They don't wear down as easily as plastic, and I really didn't like the raspy sound I got from a worn plastic thumbpick. They do wear down eventually, fwiw.

I use a Propick for my pedal steel work. I like the thin blade, feels very accurate and precise. I do like the fact that a metal band is pretty easy to fit to the thumb. And to adjust.

I have found that metal picks are a tad heavier than plastic, and my speed (especially on banjo) is affected, but not in a terribly significant way.

The Blue Chip (great flatpicks) was a little too slick on the strings for me. I like a bit of grab.
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Richard Sinkler


From:
aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana
Post  Posted 14 Nov 2011 9:50 am    
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Because I use something else. Actually, I have never heard or tried a metal thumb pick that I like the tone from. I am perfectly happy with my Golden Gate thumb picks.
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Carter D10 8p/8k, Dekley S10 3p/4k C6 setup,Regal RD40 Dobro, Recording King Professional Dobro, NV400, NV112,Ibanez Gio guitar, Epiphone SG Special (open D slide guitar) . Playing for 54 years and still counting.
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Mike Pace

 

From:
O.S. CT. USA
Post  Posted 14 Nov 2011 5:23 pm    
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I have a couple of the National style ones in my bag, but for the past several years I've used the Propicks metal thumbs..... I like them a lot, and have given some away to fellow steelers around here, with positive feedback. Even when playing tele, I now find it hard to go back to plastic.
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Jerry Tillman

 

From:
Florida
Post  Posted 15 Nov 2011 11:35 am     Thumb pick thief
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I gave Russ Hicks a thumb pick made out of tortoise shell,very hard to make,to give to Buddy Emmons.He kept it and never gave it to him.Great sounding pick.
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Steve Lipsey


From:
Portland, Oregon, USA
Post  Posted 15 Nov 2011 11:26 pm    
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I guess metal thumb picks aren't as uncommon as I thought....some like 'em, some don't, that's just the way things go...but at least I don't feel like I am crazy or stupid, now...
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Georg Sørtun


From:
Mandal, Agder, Norway
Post  Posted 15 Nov 2011 11:54 pm    
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I prefer metal thumb pick for the "same sound all picks" effect.

Shape and polish them to get the "right" attack-sound.
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