SMenasco - Posted - 09/06/2010:  07:47:42

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New finger picks feel great. But after a few hard sessions, they become distorted. Up to now, when the picks get bent and out of shape and start digging into the sides of my fingers, I've just been throwing them in a drawer, and grabbing a new pair. I tried to shape a metal rod like my fingers and beat the picks out straight and then try to shape them with a pair of needle nose, but it just isn't quite right. Has anybody come up with an idea or method to reshape them like they came new? How about you garage designers coming up with some kind of repair kit. I'll bet they would sell. Any ideas?

Thanks.

Dean Upson - Posted - 09/06/2010:  08:32:29

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I use a couple of the mini needle-nose pliars and carefully bend them to shape. I do wrap a bit of electrical tape to the pliars to keep the picks from getting marred. Should work, it has for me even when I've stepped on them! I think the trick might be to use 2 pair of pliars.

Dean

phil dean - Posted - 09/06/2010:  10:06:57

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I went to a friend of mines department store being sold a couple years ago and found an old male mannequin he was throwing out, cut off the forefinger and thumb because it was very close to my finger size. I use them to get it close and then finish the sizing after I place them on my fingers. Works real good and usually pretty dadgum close to just right. I have another friend that uses parrafin melted down and reshaped to be very close to his, works pretty good. HEHEHEThanks, Phil

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Edited by - phil dean on 09/06/2010 10:10:04

badger - Posted - 09/06/2010:  14:07:47

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Or buy heavier picks. Maybe a set of Acri stainless is what you need - seriously tough suckers. I use ProPicks or Showcases and haven't changed them in years.

DNickell - Posted - 09/06/2010:  16:04:41

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I periodically get out the very small needle nosed pliars--in a variety of shapes and tip shapes, from a specialty tool shop--and reshape my pics. I spend a LOT of time getting them just right, so I'm more particular about someone else messng with my pics than I am my instruments.

I have recently made the change from Dunlops to ProPiks. I use the ProPik with the metal band and plastic tip for banjo and the rolled Dunlop metal thumb pic for dobro.

kkarr - Posted - 09/06/2010:  20:41:44

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I am using the Pro Piks. On my fingers I use the split wrap. And on my thumb the Good Grips metal thumb pick. I have the metal / plastic one as well. I found that the plastic sticks out too far and I think I'll have to file it down a little if I want to use it. I like the metal one because the edge of the pick is closer to my thumb. I have not had to reshape these yet and that may have to do with my newness to finger picks in general. So far, I seam to be able to use just my fingers to bend them in the right position.

martinman54 - Posted - 09/08/2010:  18:51:18

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JF picks from Jeffran Music are the closest thing to the old National picks I can find. I think I like them better than Nationals. Anyway they are the heaviest picks that I can find, .026 gauge.

WRM - Posted - 09/09/2010:  02:38:22

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"I use ProPicks or Showcases and haven't changed them in years."

Me too.

Tom Jr. - Posted - 09/09/2010:  06:34:52

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I just bought a spare set of Sammy Shelor stainless steel picks when I saw LRB play at the JD Crowe festival this weekend. I love mine so much I don't want to ever risk not having a pair. They are very stiff and hard to bend into shape the first time but stay absolutely true from then on. One pair should last you about three decades as long as you don't lose them. I really dig into the strings as a general style and couldn't be happier.

Dean Upson - Posted - 09/09/2010:  06:41:35

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Tom,
I have some ACRI stainless steel picks and they, too are very hard. I have never had to reshape them and they should last a lifetime.
Dean

El Dobro - Posted - 09/09/2010:  10:18:38

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The picks I use all the time must be at least 10-15 years old. Better old, bent finger picks than old, bent fingers.

SMenasco - Posted - 09/10/2010:  13:40:44

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I found that an ACR copper tubing flaring block with a swedging tool will work fine. However, I decided to try a set of stainless Acri and quit messing' with 'em. Thanks for the input.

Twang - Posted - 09/12/2010:  06:53:50

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quote:

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Originally posted by wyattu

Tom,
I have some ACRI stainless steel picks and they, too are very hard. I have never had to reshape them and they should last a lifetime.
Dean

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I ditto the ACRI picks you dang near got to get pliers out to get um bent and feelin right and it takes the same for some knuckle head to try and mess them up. I keep about 3 sets a cheapos around for the "can i try folks" and my acri's never see the dirt under anyone else's fingers period. They aint cheap but they are dang sure worth it. Thumb picks, ive seen everything from glued cut up picks to fancy banjee picks used... and what i do is so retarded that i wont even begin to pass it on... there is the meat of my opinion.... you cant find a finer pair of finger picks than ACRI, although they may take a lil gettin used to because they a so hard.

JT

Twang - Posted - 09/12/2010:  06:54:58

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Late as always but i got my two cents in... lol

Dean Upson - Posted - 09/12/2010:  07:30:20

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I trimmed the pad and side of my middle finger many years ago in an episode that I hate to think of and probably won't share, suffice it to say that the memory is a bit foggy. I had used the Perfect Touch finger picks, because I could form them quite easily to my fingers. I have since switched to the ACRI's stainless because once you get them formed to your finger, they do not change shape, ever and they stay put. At least that has been my personal experience. I still use the Perfert Touch, but not as often. I use nothing but the Blue Chip thumb pick, pricey, but I cannot wear it out and it works well for me. I like the tone of the ACRI and Perfect Touch on my guitars. I do not care for the ACRI thumb pick nor do I lie the ACRI brass picks. As they say, ymmv, what ever works for you is "the best". Unless someone has their own picks with them, they don't give my guitars a try.

Dean

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Edited by - Dean Upson on 09/12/2010 07:32:57

kmangelos - Posted - 09/13/2010:  13:24:29

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Use a pair of ring-sizer pliers, available from jewelery repair suppliers. Here's a post from banjo hangout that discusses the subject:

Found the perfect tool for shaping metal finger picks, it's a concave/convex set of pliers that is probably used in making jewelry, shaping rings, wrapping/bending wire. Found them at a surplus store, they appear to be very old but they work perfect for bending picks into the perfect shape/fit for my fingers.

I have an old pair of these and they work great for sizing/reshaping finger picks.

kma

Arrowsmit - Posted - 09/13/2010:  14:27:35

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I must be the odd man out but it seems like it takes me forever to get my fingerpicks (Dunlop .025's) 'just right'. Getting close is fast/easy but that last little bit of tweeking seems to take awhile for me. I'll let ppl play my reso, NP, but I ain't loaning em my picks.

Vic

phil dean - Posted - 09/13/2010:  15:22:02

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Great to see your post Vic, I have been missing seeing you on here as regular lately,seems a lot of folks missing from RH in the last few months. Must have been getting in a lot of dobro playing. Phil

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Edited by - phil dean on 09/13/2010 15:25:30

Dean Upson - Posted - 09/13/2010:  16:13:16

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Hey Vic,

Welcome back Haven't seen you around much lately. I'll likely give you a call on Wednesday or Thursday.

Dean

lonewolf - Posted - 09/16/2010:  13:44:23

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+1 arrowsmit. I think a lot of us spend lots and lots of time, bending, filing, polishing, and otherwise contorting the finger picks we use. Folks fingers vary wildly, and no company can make picks to fit them all. I never loan my picks, and if one falls on the floor when I am playing somewhere, I live in terror, until I find it. I have nightmares about someone stepping on my finger picks!
Gene warner
repairman

lonewolf - Posted - 09/16/2010:  13:44:33

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+1 arrowsmit. I think a lot of us spend lots and lots of time, bending, filing, polishing, and otherwise contorting the finger picks we use. Folks fingers vary wildly, and no company can make picks to fit them all. I never loan my picks, and if one falls on the floor when I am playing somewhere, I live in terror, until I find it. I have nightmares about someone stepping on my finger picks!
Gene warner
repairman