maxmax
MM Forum Member
Posts: 4
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Post by maxmax on Jan 1, 2021 15:35:54 GMT
Hey Everyone, Happy New Year!
I’ve stumbled upon this forum many times over the years, but haven’t registered until now.
I have a question regarding the molding of plastic fingerpicks. I’ve read here how some of you have done this by dipping the picks in hot water. I tried it without much success.
Would someone be willing to walk me through exactly how you go about it and how long you have them in the water? Boiling or just warm water?
Also, is everyone that uses plastic picks using Dunlops? I like the tone of them, but the shape is very awkward with the blades well below the pads of my fingertips (if you’ve tried them I’m sure you understand what I’m talking about). Is this also fixable with hot water molding, or do you just live with it? I can use them well enough, but would of course prefer to get them a bit more flush against my fingers.
Or any recommendations on other plastic fingerpicks that fit more like a standard National metal pick?
Many thanks in advance for any and all feedback! Max
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Post by Michael Messer on Jan 1, 2021 15:50:58 GMT
Hi Max
Welcome to our forum.
I use white heavy Dunlop fingerpicks and reshape them to the shape and fit that I like. Those picks as supplied from the factory are useless.
I have a saucepan of of boiling water that I keep simmering while I do the job, a saucer, two pairs of pliers and a cold water tap.
It takes a few goes to get it right, and often you have to start again.
Put a pick into the boiling water and as soon as you see it start to open up, pick it out and work on the shaping. I usually start with the blade, I flatten it and then shape it much like a metal pick. As soon as it is right I run it under cold water to fix it. Then holding the pick with pliers by the blade I lower the part that goes around your finger into the boiling water, and as soon as it starts to open up I get it out and start shaping it to fit my finger. As soon as it is right I run it under cold water. You have to work fast and it often fails and you have to start again, but once it is right the picks will feel great. I usually do a few at a time and often end up swearing and cursing, but it is all worthwhile because once the picks are right for your fingers, there is nothing like them. I have done this practice for decades, so am very used to doing it.
Let me know how you get on. If you still need more help, just holler and I'll do what I can.
Shine On Michael
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maxmax
MM Forum Member
Posts: 4
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Post by maxmax on Jan 1, 2021 16:11:53 GMT
Hi Michael,
Thanks a lot for your quick and detailed reply, I appreciate it!
I’ve got the swearing and cursing part down, so now I just need to work out the rest. ;-) I’ll give it another go this evening.
Many thanks, Max
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Post by bonzo on Jan 1, 2021 21:35:06 GMT
Another pick I use, considered a bit of a curiosity, are Alaska picks. Unlike other picks I'm aware of, it works as an extension of the fingernail. Reason I like them is I find it easier to pluck and strum the strings in the same way as just using my fingers and nails. Worth a look IMO.
Best wishes to you all, John
Ps. Welcome to the forum Max 😊👍🎸
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maxmax
MM Forum Member
Posts: 4
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Post by maxmax on Jan 2, 2021 10:50:51 GMT
Thanks John!
I did try the Alaska Picks some years ago and didn’t get along with them, but thinking back I’m not sure a gave them a fair chance. Will see if I can find my old pair to try again.
With the help from my wife who has better fine motor skills than me, we actually managed to get a pair of Dunlops to fit quite comfortably. Might tweak them a little bit more, but overall I’m quite happy with them.
Thanks again! Max
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Post by Michael Messer on Jan 2, 2021 14:35:35 GMT
Here you go, I have found a couple of photos of my picks. You can see that I have flattened and angled the blades. Also that I open up the wrap-around bit and flatten it slightly. That may not works for others, but that is a shape I like and most of mine are similar. No two are ever the same. You can strum up and down with regular fingerpicks, but it takes practice. I have done it for as long as I can remember. I used to play in a band that played a lot of boom-chic-boom-chic-boom-chic rhythms and it was then I think, that I mastered the black art of strumming with fingerpicks. I haven't used a flatpack/plectrum for decades, so I play everything and every type of rhythm with fingerpicks. Just trying to be helpful :-) Shine On Michael
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maxmax
MM Forum Member
Posts: 4
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Post by maxmax on Jan 2, 2021 20:23:02 GMT
Thanks for sharing Michael!
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