What's the most comfortable thumb pick?

[DorsetSteelPlayer]

hey guys,

What do you recommend as the most comfortable thumb pick to use with PSG? As someone who's used to just finger picks (index and middle finger) and using my thumb alone, I find it difficult to use a thumb pick but it may be just the type I am using (a National M size). Interested to hear what others are using and bear in mind my hands are not that big...

Thanks!
Andy

[Jim Pritchard]

Hi Andy,
there are a few different ones available, and it's all matter of personal choice. As a newcomer to the steel, the following is what I would suggest.
The majority of steel players I know have opted for the 'Blue Herco' ones. Iv'e been using them since the 1980's with no issues
Not all music shops sell them, so I've gone on line for mine, as they're not all that expensive. Link below. Good luck.

https://www.eaglemusicshop.com/herco-flex-52-thumbpick

[Jif]

These are what I settled on after trying different types. They come in various sizes and have an angled bit at the end. My preference is for 10° but other angles are available.

https://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/products/jim-dunlop-zookies-single-thumb-pick-large-10-degree?_pos=23&_sid=eb8e3f59c&_ss=r

[Zumbilly(Murdoch)]

I have tried many thumb picks and have settled on Fred Kelly speed picks which have been My go to for a lot of years. Hercos are also excellent Jeff Newman which was laminated was the only thumbpick I broke. I prefer a pick with a short blade.

[Jif]

I think the theme here is that we've all tried various types of thumb pick and settled on a type that suits us, for whatever reason. I would suggest trying a few different ones and finding what works best for you.

Good luck

[DorsetSteelPlayer]

I have tried many thumb picks and have settled on Fred Kelly speed picks which have been My go to for a lot of years. Hercos are also excellent Jeff Newman which was laminated was the only thumbpick I broke. I prefer a pick with a short blade.

That is exactly my preference: a short blade as I find the one one the National too long and also super stiff and it gets in the way of the strings too much. Thanks for the suggestion on the Fred Kelly - had seen them online. Do you know a good place to buy them from that is not from Amazon?

[DorsetSteelPlayer]

Hi Andy,
there are a few different ones available, and it's all matter of personal choice. As a newcomer to the steel, the following is what I would suggest.
The majority of steel players I know have opted for the 'Blue Herco' ones. Iv'e been using them since the 1980's with no issues
Not all music shops sell them, so I've gone on line for mine, as they're not all that expensive. Link below. Good luck.

https://www.eaglemusicshop.com/herco-flex-52-thumbpick

Thank you for this I will order a couple and see how I get on!

[Zumbilly(Murdoch)]

If You do a google search for Fred Kelly speed picks You will find a site named Aliexpress who are advertising at G.B. P.
I would recommend the white ones (hard) advertised at £1.28
Best wishes Billy

[DorsetSteelPlayer]

If You do a google search for Fred Kelly speed picks You will find a site named Aliexpress who are advertising at G.B. P.
I would recommend the white ones (hard) advertised at £1.28
Best wishes Billy

thanks Billy I will take a look, meanwhile I ordered some Blue Herco and see how I get on with them...

[DorsetSteelPlayer]

Hey everyone, I must report that the Blue Herco seems to be perfect for me. Glad I ordered 4 of them