I started playing reso as I was getting overuse issues with my picking hand playing mandolin. And since playing reso for several weeks I've noticed I have to be careful to not get thumb soreness. I simply started with a plastic Dunlop large pick as that's what they had at the store. But I'm curious if pick style makes a difference and if there would be a pick with lower impact/stress on the thumb.
I think it may have more to do with the guitar.
My main guitar for many years (until 2004 when I began playing a Clinesmith) was an early 1930's Model 37 Dobro, with the original lug cone. I really have to work that guitar to get good volume. It reminds me of watching old Flatt & Scruggs videos where Josh Graves is really digging in on a prewar Dobro to get the job done. Brings to mind Jerry Douglas stating in multiple interviews over the years that bluegrass is very "physical" music.
There's just less effort involved to get good tone and volume out of a well designed larger body modern reso guitar - Scheerhorn, Beard, Byrl, Griffith, Appalachian, etc.
When I first picked up my Clinesmith from Todd at a California festival many years ago I couldn't believe how much easier it was to play than the old Dobro.
I have another prewar Dobro, a 1936 Regal built Model 37. This one has a Quarterman cone and I don't have to work it as har as the other old Dobro which I attribute to the cone.
What guitar are you playing?
I have used a BlueChip thumbpick almost exclusively for the past 12-13 years. The material glides across the strings unlike any thumbpick I have ever used and it just seems to make playing easier. I have a couple of Dunlop thumbpicks in my stash but they pretty much just hang out in the pick drawer.
Edited by - MarkinSonoma on 08/02/2024 11:12:00
Mark is spot on regarding BlueChip..
Dunlop, Zookies and many other thumbpicks are out there and it becomes very personal as to your choice.
Most, if not all the top reso players use BlueChip or the equivalent there of.
Expensive or not, use the best.
How do you pick one out? At $40/each, I don't want to order them in different sizes to see what works best.
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Originally posted by l2tHow do you pick one out? At $40/each, I don't want to order them in different sizes to see what works best.
Matthew Goins has a very lenient return policy at BlueChip, if the size doesn't work for you he's good about making an exchange.
I think the Large works best for the typical adult male. I use the JD (as in Crowe - not Jerry Douglas) Reso model. The blade is shorter and slightly wider than the regular Reso model. Keeps my thumb closer to the strings. I tried a Medium years ago and it was way too tight so I returned it.
The band typically rides a little higher up the thumb on the Large than all the typical plastic picks out there, takes some getting used to at first. But so many of the other all plastic picks out there tend to cut off circulation in my thumb during a long playing session.
BlueChip for sure, the most comfortable pick out there. I use a large regular Reso model. You can adjust the metal band to fit your hand easily.
I purchased a Perfect Touch thumbpick after reading a number of posts here and so far like it. But I wonder, how does it compare to the Blue Chip JD Crowe? Anybody tried both?
To each his own but a plain old National or Dunlop pick works for me.
There are certain dobro products that the top players in the world (JD, Ickes) have vetted for us mortals.
Blue chip thumb picks are one of those superior products.
The Fishman Nashville PU and JD Aura pedal are others that come to mind.
They are not using them because of some sweet kickback, but rather they have tried *everything* and want the best for their rigorous touring and performing.
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Originally posted by FrederickPattersonTo each his own but a plain old National or Dunlop pick works for me.
Same here... love the basic Dunlop metal thumb pick. But... the secret is to sand the manufacturing ridge/lip off the tip, smooth it up, round it slightly, and polish it. This makes it play smooth and effortless. I bought mine for 75 cents at a festival 20 years ago, and it's still going, and just keeps getting better.
Edited by - DeanT on 08/04/2024 12:36:45
