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Zookie Thumb Picks
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The Steel Guitar Forum
Bar Chatter Archive
Zookie Thumb Picks
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This topic was originally posted in this forum: Wanted To Buy |
| Author | Topic: Zookie Thumb Picks |
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Jim West Member Posts: 444 |
posted 10 November 2000 03:13 PM
I'm not sure how many out there have used the Zookie angular thumb picks but I just got some and tried them out and like them a lot. Because the pick is adjusted for the off angle your thumb position naturally assumes to the strings, the face of the pick strikes the string parallel to the string which allows (for me) a more consistent attack. Also, because the pick surface is parallel to the string, there is more room for the pick between any two strings. For me this means less accidental hits on unintended strings. I use the L-30 (L=Large, 30 degree angle) I'd be curious just to know anyone elses experiences. Jim West |
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Dave Alfstad Member Posts: 221 |
posted 10 November 2000 03:40 PM
I have used Zookies for over 3 years now and I love them! I find that there is less wear on the blade of the pick, due to the fact that the pick attacks the strings more "head on". I have used the same Zookie thumb pick for well over two years now for live playing. It is showing just a little bit of wear, the tip is slightly rounded off. I have another one that I use for practice at home and it's well over a year old. I bought about 6 Zookies a couple of years ago but haven't even had to use them yet. In a nutshell, THEY'RE GREAT! BTW...I prefer the M-20's.
[This message was edited by Dave Alfstad on 10 November 2000 at 03:41 PM.] |
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BILL kennedy unregistered Posts: 221 |
posted 10 November 2000 03:42 PM
Hi Jim : yes i have used the "ZOOKS" and all you said are trueI use the smaller size and the degree is 20.Don't use them all the time tho.Most of the time believe it or not i use a metal thumb pick.Like ever thing else,to each his own i guess. Lots of pickin to you BILL |
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Cliff Swanson Member Posts: 345 |
posted 10 November 2000 09:46 PM
I bought 2 each of the M-20s and M-30s about a year ago. I tried both and it didn't take long for me to determine that I prefer the M-20 variety. Like Dave, I've been using the same pick for almost an entire year...I have the others with me, but that one particular pick is just THE one for now The only minor problem I have with these picks is that I have difficulty positioning my thumb behind my ring finger in the standard manner for playing harmonics. The angle works against that for me. Cat |
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jim miller unregistered Posts: 345 |
posted 11 November 2000 11:48 PM
I hadn't even seen, or heard of a Zookie until a couple months ago. I was at Gattlinburg,Tn. playing with some guys up there, and the Banjo player handed me one and said , " ya ever tried one of these?" Weirdest lookin' thing I ever saw. I tried it , I still got it,and use it all the time. Only thing, I haven't seen them in a store any where. I have to call Leon Wells, the banjo picker and have him send me some. Jim Miller I'D RATHER BE STEELIN' |
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Mark van Allen Member Posts: 2458 |
posted 14 November 2000 03:26 PM
Sometimes little things do make a big difference, and Zookies are definitely one of those things... I'd never want to be without 'em. What a great idea. I swap between the 10 and 20 degree sizes depending on how bent I feel that day... ------------------ |
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J D Sauser Member Posts: 1240 |
posted 14 November 2000 04:43 PM
I know you're going to hate me for saying this but I think they're a bad fix for a bad habit. Yes, they do correct the attack angle issue (the angled pick now does touch the string flat) but the thumb's motion is still half way going from left to right (along the string) instead of only from back to front. ... J-D. |
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John Hawkins Member Posts: 588 |
posted 14 November 2000 05:58 PM
Jim, Go the Carter's site here on the forum . I am pretty sure you can order them from Carter. I , too, have used them a long time and I think they are 1st class . You might Herby Wallace's site if you have no luck with Carter. Also try Scotty's in St. Louis . They have a site on the forum also . John |
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Bobby Lee Sysop Posts: 14849 |
posted 14 November 2000 06:33 PM
I use them. I really like that angled tip, because my thumb doesn't bend back far enough naturally to give me a good tone. |
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jim miller unregistered Posts: 14849 |
posted 14 November 2000 07:44 PM
Thanks John, I found some. The Stringman up there in Kentucky is sending me some. Jim Miller I'D RATHER BE STEELIN' |
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Bob Brocius Member Posts: 224 |
posted 14 November 2000 08:02 PM
Okay, enough about how great they are.  I'm convinced. So where the h__l do you get them? Bob |
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Jim West Member Posts: 444 |
posted 15 November 2000 08:06 AM
The Zookies are a Jim Dunlop product so all you should have to do is go to your local music store and have them order 'em for you if they don't carry them. Maybe b0b should start sellin' 'em. Jim "pedalin' as fast as I can" West |
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jim miller unregistered Posts: 444 |
posted 15 November 2000 07:54 PM
FYI Here's where I got mine. Forum member Malcomb Kirby at Discount String Warehouse ' strings@apex.net Jim Miller I'D RATHER BE STEELIN' |
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Jimmie Misenheimer Member Posts: 273 |
posted 26 November 2000 08:00 PM
For YEARS I've used "Dunlop" small (white- not that this matters)plastic thumb picks. They don't (for the most part)slip on your thumb like the blue nylon picks do, of course you can use "G-Snot", or spray rosin, but why when you can just use something that works well on its own? I take "needle nosed" pliars, bend the "tounge" of the pick a little in back (this is angled toward the center of the wrist),then bend the "tounge" slightly toward the center of the palm of the hand. Works great! Just bend easy and MOST of them won't break. Anybody doesn't want to do that, give me a call at 1-800-822-4818, we sell them and I'll get you some. Peace... Jimmie |
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Steve Feldman Member Posts: 2983 |
posted 27 November 2000 07:46 AM
Unless I missed it, I haven't seen any NEGATIVE commnents about them. I guess I don't mean negative, per se, but as I continue to work on my right hand - sticking that thumb out there - I can't use the Zookies. They OVERcompensate. That is, if my thumb is where I want it to be, I am hitting the strimg dead-on 90 degrees with a normal pick. Are Zookies just a crutch???? |
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Jim West Member Posts: 444 |
posted 27 November 2000 08:00 AM
>>>>Are Zookies just a crutch????<<<< If they're a crutch then you have to ask yourself are picks themselves a crutch or anything else you use to play the instrument. Just my 2 bits worth Jim West |
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Steve Feldman Member Posts: 2983 |
posted 27 November 2000 08:12 AM
Sorry, but I don't exactly see PICKS as being a crutch. I do wonder if having an angled pick tends to make your thumb 'lazy'. Just a question, Jim, that's all. I also realize that there is no 'correct' right-hand technique for everybody, and in that sense, for those who don't shoot for the 90-degree thumb out thing, the Zookies are probably great. But FOR ME, they're a bit of an impediment and I prefer the straight pick. |
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Bobby Lee Sysop Posts: 14849 |
posted 27 November 2000 09:37 AM
My hand is very uncomfortable in the 90 degree position. Zookies allow me to get the angle of attack I want without distorting my hand into what is, for me, an unnatural position. I don't see them as a crutch, but then I'm not a "no pain, no gain" kind of guy. J D, I looked very closely at the way I pick with Zookies, and I don't see that left to right motion you describe. I think that if your hand can do the 90 degree thing without Zookies, that's great, but my thumb joint just doesn't like to bend that far. Zookies were a godsend for me. If I didn't have an angled thumb pick, I'd have to figure out a way to angle my finger picks. It's easier to do one than three. ------------------ [This message was edited by Bobby Lee on 27 November 2000 at 09:39 AM.] |
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Jim West Member Posts: 444 |
posted 27 November 2000 02:21 PM
The Zook's allow my right hand to assume a more normal position for me. If you are more comfortable than it should follow that you will play better, and that's what it's all about for me. My thumb does not like being forced into being parrallel to the strings. It's just doesn't feel natural. If a persons thumb does like it there than they should use a pick that accomodates them. I agree with Bob that the Zook's were just what the doctor ordered for my particular right hand style. When I first put it on it took about three seconds to adjust and WOW! What a difference! I have about fifteen types and styles of thumbpicks that I have tried over the years and the Zook's were the ones that I ordered plenty of so I would always be sure to have 'em. I believe that if it helps you become better at what your doin', than DO IT. Jim West |
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. No sign of significant wear, and it really fits my thumb well.
Bobby Lee - email: