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Author
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Topic: finger picks
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Bill Yoder
Member From: Orrville, Ohio, USA
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posted 07 October 2006 04:08 PM
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o.k.guys,heres that old question again.how to keep those nasty finger picks from slidin off.i have a large knuckle on my index finger,i only get the pick on so far,how do you guys keep em on there? |
Jack Ritter
Member From: Enid, Oklahoma, USA
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posted 07 October 2006 06:06 PM
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try a can of spray on extra -hold hair spray---shoot the area litely where your picks fit on and put em on---works great for me!!!
shake it up good.
jack ritter
enid,okla. |
Bill Ford
Member From: Graniteville SC Aiken
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posted 07 October 2006 06:07 PM
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Bill,
You see a lot of players lick their fingertips before puting their picks on, I've tried it and it works. Also I beadblasted the inside of mine with good results."CAUTION" beadblasting will flatten them some,you have to rebend/refit them, also protect the pickin side if you try this.A question I'd like to throw out..how many sets of finger picks have you bought trying to get a spare set for backup? Bill |
Greg Cutshaw
Member From: Corry, PA, USA
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posted 07 October 2006 07:40 PM
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A lot of people keep saying to try Gorilla Snot and finally I did! It works perfectly for me and keeps the picks good for about 2 weeks of picking an hour or so every day. This stuff is cheap and works great for flat picks too. After you get used to your picks staying put, you can relax your hand muscles a little more and stop focusing on keeping the picks on. It's a pleasure to have the picks stay absolutely where you put them for a change. See the reviews:
Gorilla Snot Greg[This message was edited by Greg Cutshaw on 07 October 2006 at 07:42 PM.] |
David Sanderson
Member From: Mayfield , Kentucky, USA
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posted 13 October 2006 09:29 PM
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Go to Walmart in the stationary dept. & look for a round box about the size of tobacco box white with red lettering Keene Take Hold fingertip grip for sorting stationary,mail,etc.Cheap & works great.Have to wait a few seconds to dry good. |
Dave Horch
Member From: Frederick, Maryland, USA
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posted 14 October 2006 02:18 AM
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quote:
Go to Walmart in the stationary dept. & look for a round box about the size of tobacco box white with red lettering Keene Take Hold fingertip grip for sorting stationary,mail,etc.Cheap & works great.Have to wait a few seconds to dry good.
Better than "snot"? |
Jack Stoner
Sysop From: Inverness, Florida
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posted 14 October 2006 03:27 AM
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Lynn Owsley carries a pouch of chewing tobacco and uses that on his fingers. I don't know if it's a specific brand or just any brand.I just blow some of my "hot air" on the picks and that seems to workd for me. |
John Daugherty
Member From: Rolla, Missouri, USA
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posted 14 October 2006 05:18 AM
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Dang, Jack, There's enough hot air in you to cause your fingers to burst into flame... use it sparingly.. 
Seriously, I have never had a problem with finger picks, I bend them tight enough so they can't come off.
Bill, are you using picks which have holes in them? The holes should keep the picks in place if you bend them tight enough. If you feel some discomfort from the tight fit, I think your fingers will adapt to that, in time.
I suppose it is possible to have an unusual finger shape that would cause a problem, but I have never experienced that.
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www.home.earthlink.net/~johnd37
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Alan Rudd
Member From: Franklin, Tennessee, USA
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posted 14 October 2006 06:00 AM
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I know this has been suggested by Mike Holland, but it works well for me. Eye glass nose pads. |
Jim Sliff
Member From: Hermosa Beach California, USA
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posted 14 October 2006 08:35 AM
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One thing I just found out - if you use the ubiquitous Dunlops, take every one you own and smash that useless "comfort" curve out of it! Then re-fit to your fingers until they are flush al the way around, and you'll find they don't slip anymore.I had a problem with the curve catching between two picks and the middle finger one getting knowcked off sometimes - problem solve, and the side benefit is it also solved the "slipping" problem. |
Jim Bates
Member From: Alvin, Texas, USA
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posted 14 October 2006 09:50 AM
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Best thing for me is to wash my hands with Lava soap which removed all of my 'sweat' and did NOT leave any lotion as many hand soaps do nowadays. After breaks at jobs when I would be doing a lot shaking hands with people, then go back and wash my hands again with the Lava. (Bring your own soap!)Also, I agree that the 'comfort curve' on the new Dunlop picks are a bad idea. I have to flatten them so they do not gouge my fingers and catch on each other. Thanx,
Jim |
Bobby Lee
Sysop From: Cloverdale, North California, USA
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posted 14 October 2006 09:55 AM
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Nationals sound better than Dunlops. |
Ed Shimkus
Member From: La Luz, New Mexico, USA
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posted 14 October 2006 11:35 AM
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Large knuckle? Did you mean to say that? My picks (Newman JF and National NP1 and NP2) only go as far as the base of my cuticle - maybe a tad beyond - but nowhere near the knuckle. I'm new to PSG and my first set of picks were the Dunlop. I had a problem of catching the forward string in that upturned flange of the Dunlop. Thought it was me until I picked up Jeff Newman's "Right Hand Alpha" wherein he advises against the Dunlop just for that reason. Forgot to mention, I keep 'em on tightly to the point where my finger tips are hurtin' just a bit.
[This message was edited by Ed Shimkus on 14 October 2006 at 11:37 AM.] |
Doug Rolfe
Member From: Indianapolis, IN
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posted 14 October 2006 11:41 AM
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I have posted here before, but we make a pick that has an electric wire shrink wrap applied to it. This came out of my own needs as to try and keep the picks on hurt my fingers after a few minutes. That doesn't happen any more as the wrap pads the pick as well as keeping them on. It is offered in both Nationals and Kaisers.
Contact me at dougrolfe@tds.net and I'll send them to you at $3.00 each plus postage. |
Kevin Ruddell
Member From: Toledo Ohio USA
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posted 14 October 2006 02:46 PM
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washable glue sticks, a little dab'll do ya |
Robert Murphy
Member From: Maryland, USA
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posted 14 October 2006 06:52 PM
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The tip of my index finger was removed by a power tool 15 years ago and the middle finger next to it was broken at the first joint many years befor that. Close fitting picks with holes (Keyser) work best and with smooth gripped picks I need help. Thanks for the advice. Still picken'. |
A. J. Schobert
Member From: Cincinnati OHIO WHO DEY???
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posted 14 October 2006 07:19 PM
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Bill I lick my fingers and they slid on keep in mind it is important to have the rings of the picks crimped so much so they won't fall off, it is hard to get use to at first. |
A. J. Schobert
Member From: Cincinnati OHIO WHO DEY???
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posted 14 October 2006 07:21 PM
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But don't crimp the picks so much you cut blood flow off!! |
Roy Ayres
Member From: Starke, Florida, USA
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posted 14 October 2006 08:29 PM
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Saliva for every-day playing and Gorilla Snot for important gigs and steel guitar shows. The "snot" is a little trouble to use, but really holds the picks on well. I also touch the fingers of my left hand lightly to the stuff then wipe it off. Really gives me a secure feeling when handling the bar ------------------
Visit my Web Site at RoysFootprints.com
Browse my Photo Album and be sure to sign my Guest Book. |
Jerry Hendrix
Member From: Manistee, Michigan, USA
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posted 15 October 2006 06:04 PM
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Yeah, I`ve tried all the above & I find that just wetting my fingers works for me. But, man, don`t get that gorilla snot on your strings, It will sure slow you down Ha Ha. Just keep on pickin..Old Jer...(: (: |
Paddy Long
Member From: Christchurch, New Zealand
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posted 15 October 2006 09:21 PM
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I just lick my finger tips too, works fine....anyway I can never find a Gorilla with a running nose when I need one !
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Michael Hillman
Member From: Boise, Idaho, USA
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posted 16 October 2006 03:32 PM
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Bill, I think all of these suggestions are great. My wife is serious musician, and we recently attended a lecture sponsored by Steinway pianos,given by the technician that traveled with a great classical performer (whose name escapes me now) sprayed the keys on his piano with hairspray just before his concerts. I've tried Gorilla Snot, and, what seems to work equally as well is the powdered resin from the sporting good stores, such as ball players use. This also comes in a small jar from the bowling suppliers, its very similar to Gorilla Snot. Whatever you choose, use it carefully in small amounts. |
John Coffman
Member From: Sealy,Texas USA
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posted 16 October 2006 06:39 PM
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I use to have is problem and I watched Jody Sanders just you put the tip of finger in your mouth just wetting it then slide the pick on and let is sit a few moments and that's cheap always available and promote washing your hands often. ------------------
Thomas SD10 3/4,Thomas D10 8/5 and Desert Rose S10 3/4. Beginner Just Steelin on the Brazos river.
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A. J. Schobert
Member From: Cincinnati OHIO WHO DEY???
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posted 17 October 2006 01:23 AM
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I would have the Bass player stick his tongue out and drag your fingers gingerly over the tongue, be sure to thank him or her for there services afterwards. |
C. Christofferson
Member From: Utah, USA
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posted 17 October 2006 03:32 AM
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Bl, youre probably already familiar with the 'alaska picks', there are some pictured here, they do make a nice alternative. click |
Dick Sexton
Member From: Newport, North Carolina, USA
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posted 02 November 2006 04:15 PM
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I've been having this problem too, picks wont stay on. Thried all of the above and they did work to some degree. Here's what fixed it, but use at your own risk. Find some of the cheap fiddle rosin, put some alcohol on a cue tip and rub it on the rosin then rub the cue tip on the inside of your picks. Let it dry. Wala, that'll do it. But don't do what I did the first time. I rubbed the cue tip on the rosin then rubbed my fingers on the rosin and put my picks on. When I was done practicing an about an hour later, I had to peel my picks off my fingers. Thought the skin was gonna come right off. Better then spit, better then snot, giver a try. DS |
Jim Bates
Member From: Alvin, Texas, USA
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posted 03 November 2006 04:46 AM
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Note to Michael H. concerning spraying piano keys with hair spray. DO NOT DO THIS!! Possibly the 'piano technician' either mis-spoke or was joking. Plastic covered keys will be become permanently etched with the lacquer hairspray. Any ivory covered keys will have a buildup, and possibly more discoloration due to this.I have been a piano tuner in the Houston area for 36+ years, and regularly tell people how to clean the piano keys. TGhanx,
Jim |
David Doggett
Member From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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posted 03 November 2006 03:29 PM
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Wrap some electrical friction tape around the back of the pick. Not only will it keep the picks on, but will make it more comfortable on your cuticles. |
Dr. Hugh Jeffreys
Member From: Southaven, MS, USA
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posted 03 November 2006 04:04 PM
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Carpet tape!......j........ |
Bill Duve
Member From: Salamanca .New York, USA
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posted 05 November 2006 04:46 AM
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I read Doug Rolfe's idea and my picks were killing my crooked arthritic fingers sooo,
I didnt want to wait for his so I got out a can of LIQUID ELECTRICAL TAPE (ace hdwe) and painted the inside real thick and hung them upside down on a wire thru the hole to dry till putting them on formed the shape of my finger..The results are a smooth roll edge and they feel wonderful, they also stay on ........ |
Jim Bob Sedgwick
Member From: Clinton, Missouri USA
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posted 05 November 2006 06:14 PM
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Pro Picks sound better than Nationals or Dunlops. Now if they would only make them black or red.  |
Bryan Daste
Member From: Portland, Oregon, USA
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posted 07 November 2006 11:51 PM
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Bill, I tried the liquid electrical tape idea and it works great! |
Bobby Johnson
Member From: Mims, Florida USA
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posted 08 November 2006 12:46 AM
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I often wondered about somthing. I work as a electrician and they make a rubber dip for dipping handles of plyers and side cutters and such to sheild from getting shocked. it dries rubber like liquid tape but much more durable. That might could work as well. Have to try it i guess. Can't hurt. They sell it at hardware stores.[This message was edited by Bobby Johnson on 08 November 2006 at 12:47 AM.] [This message was edited by Bobby Johnson on 08 November 2006 at 12:49 AM.] |
Jim Sliff
Member From: Hermosa Beach California, USA
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posted 08 November 2006 05:50 AM
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Backing up Jim Bates - I read that post about spraying hairspray on piano keys and about fell over! Lacquer/solvent on ivory OR synthetic keys is a REALLY bad idea. |
Fred Shannon
Member From: Rocking "S" Ranch, Comancheria, Texas
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posted 08 November 2006 11:10 AM
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Paddy Long, we keep a gorilla tied to the music trailer and when we need it we just go out and "kick the snot out of him". Oh Wow! I cant believe I wrote that, but it was so tempting I couldn't resist. on Topic: I know Bobby Bowman and I both used the cheapest hair spray you could buy... If the room was very cold I went to the "G Snot" for safety. Phred ------------------
"From Truth, Justice is Born"--Quanah Parker-1904 |
Ray Minich
Member From: Limestone, New York, USA
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posted 08 November 2006 02:42 PM
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I must be fortunate, I've got these two dents that have formed in both of my fingers beside the fingernails. Caused by fingerpick squeeze since 1963. Picks don't come off at all, I have to pull them off. Like the detent was intended by HIM...[This message was edited by Ray Minich on 08 November 2006 at 02:44 PM.] |
Bill Duve
Member From: Salamanca .New York, USA
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posted 08 November 2006 02:56 PM
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That Liquid electrical tape is also good for other things like a bigol dob of it where to stabilize where the ground wire breaks at the reverb tank RCA jack and other minor repairs, Do not however use it for houshold wiring as its insulation value is unknown and it has no thermal rating.....------------------
I have kicked computers out the back door for less.. |
CHIP FOSSA
Member From: Monson, MA 01057 U.S.A.
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posted 09 November 2006 06:53 PM
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This topic goes back many years and always pops up from time to time.Here's my fix: Open up the pick enough so you can lay in an oversized "T" shaped piece of plumbers shine cloth - the waffle type works very well. Get some flensing(sp) glue that archers use to glue feathers to arrow shafts from a sports store. Glue-in the T piece making sure good contact is made on all 3 sides of the pick - use a proper size cork to wedge in, if needed. Give it a good 24 hours to cure. Trim off the fat with an X-acto knife or one-sided razor blade, re-shape the pick to fit your finger[s]. You're ready to go. Do this, too, with the thumb pick. I too, have used violin bow rosin. You can buy a small matchbox-size at any quality music store. It comes as one solid chunk. Simply grind it finely, put in an old 35MM photographers film case and you've got a 2 years supply, or even longer - depending on gigs.
[This message was edited by CHIP FOSSA on 09 November 2006 at 06:55 PM.] |
Bill Yoder
Member From: Orrville, Ohio, USA
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posted 11 November 2006 06:55 AM
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Well,I,ve come up with one solution that really works.i cut a small piece of carpet tape(2 sided).just big enough to lay on my fingerail,slip the pick on the nail,voila,it stays.you can pull the piece of tape off and use it many times.if if wears out,you cut a new one.works well for me? |
Leila Tuttle
Member From: Wheat Ridge, Colorado, USA
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posted 11 November 2006 09:38 PM
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Super glue works great. I tried it two years ago and the picks still haven't fallen off.
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