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Topic: National Finger Picks |
Dave Sky
From:
Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Posted 22 Jun 2022 7:01 am |
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| I have been using the National finger picks NP-2. I need to buy some new ones and founds there are two models, nickel and stainless steel. Is there a difference tone wise? Price wise the nickel is twice as much. I tried the Dunlap but something feels off when I use them, probably it is just me! So, nickel or stainless steel? |
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David Matzenik
From:
Cairns, on the Coral Sea
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Posted 22 Jun 2022 6:34 pm
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I use Dunlop stainless steel picks because they don't wear as much as nickel picks. Tonally, it seems to me the gauge is more important. After experimenting, I settled on .018 thickness. The fit is a really personal thing. I've got mine adjusted to the 1st and 2nd fingers with dots centre-punched for quick ID.
_________________
Don't go in the water after lunch. You'll get a cramp and drown. - Mother. |
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Stefan Robertson
From:
Hertfordshire, UK
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Posted 23 Jun 2022 1:24 am
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I use Dunlop Brass fingerpicks.
Trick is for me you need to "break them in and get a worn sound" either the fast way
1- with coffee
or
2. the slow way with "sweat"
Once brass is worn in it sounds mellow and buttery smooth and not scrapey
New brass will sound scratchy on the strings hence the worn in tips above may help you. Plus they are affordable and easily found.
_________________
Stefan
Bill Hatcher custom 12 string Lap Steel Guitar
E13#9/F secrets: https://thelapsteelguitarist.wordpress.com
"Give it up for The Lap Steel Guitarist" |
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Jerry Overstreet
From:
Louisville Ky
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Posted 23 Jun 2022 7:13 am Re: National Finger Picks
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| Dave Sky wrote: |
| So, nickel or stainless steel? |
I guess it depends what you want to wear out first....strings or picks....stainless picks are harder and harder on strings...nickel silver picks are more forgiving but wear down a little quicker.
Nationals are distributed by D'Addario now. Last I heard, they only have stainless steel or brass, but some plans to reinstate nickel in the future.
If you can't find nickel silver Nationals, I have a couple new pair I might could part with, but they ain't cheap. |
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Cartwright Thompson
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Posted 23 Jun 2022 7:19 am
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| Hoffmeyer makes beautiful National style picks. Not cheap but by far the best nickle silver picks I’ve found. I used to use vintage Nationals, the Hoffmeyers are much better all around |
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Dave Sky
From:
Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Posted 23 Jun 2022 1:55 pm
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| Sweetwater has Nationals in Nickel ($22) or Stainless Steel ($11). I will check out the Hoffmeyer's and some brass Dunlaps and maybe splurge on the nickel Nationals. Thanks everyone for the information! |
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Archie Walpole
From:
Virginia, USA
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Posted 29 Jun 2022 12:36 pm National fingerpicks
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| Billy Cooper Music. National Nickel-Silver $3.25 each…..all day long. Pat. No. 1787136o |
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Jesse Valdez
From:
Fiddletown, California, USA
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Posted 30 Jun 2022 11:19 am
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I use those Nationals as a backup, but another vote for trying Hoffmeyers. They just make my steel ring like a bell
_________________
Steel Guitar Slinger w/ The Malpass Brothers |
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b0b
From:
Cloverdale, CA, USA
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Steve Lipsey
From:
Portland, Oregon, USA
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Posted 1 Jul 2022 11:18 am
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If it is Nationals you want, go for b0b!
I've become a fan of Sammy Shellor picks - they fit a bit higher on the finger and stay on without too much pressure...and they even have a logo on one so you can tell them apart for the right fingers....
...and you get a pair for $5 less than your Blue Chip thumb pick...(haha)
https://store.banjobenclark.com/products/sammy-shelor-finger-picks-pair
-Exterior surface polished to a mirror finish for buttery smooth string release
-Inside surface left satin and porous to prevent slipping on fingers.
-Blade is contoured for better string release.
_________________
https://www.lostsailorspdx.com
Williams S10s, Milkman Pedal Steel Mini & "The Amp"
Ben Bonham Resos, 1954 Oahu Diana, 1936 Oahu Parlor |
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Glenn Wilde
From:
California, USA
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Posted 2 Jul 2022 3:23 pm
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| Anyone using old Oahu picks? I have a few sets I really like, my favorites are the student one's, plain steel and real firm. The professional ones are good too, they are nickel with a diamond cutout. Grab some up if you find them. |
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Dave Sky
From:
Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Posted 4 Jul 2022 11:49 am
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| Bought a few of the brass picks. So far I am liking them. Will probably get some nickel Nationals later. Thanks everyone for the comments! |
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