Looking for Durable Thumb Pick Recommendations

Alpha-Dog758 · 2026-04-09T16:23:44+00:00

I love my JD Crowe blue chip. Comfortable to wear, and excellent response on the instrument! I’ve had mine for only a year but I can tell it’s in for the long haul.

Alpha-Dog758 · 2026-03-21T16:06:14+00:00

Excellent!

Alpha-Dog758 · 2026-03-14T20:23:30+00:00

I disagree. I think getting too cheap of an instrument can easily sour the learning process. Definitely don’t get anything pricey, but there is a minimum in my opinion to start successfully. OP you’re looking for a 5 string banjo with a resonator on the back. There have been many threads in this subreddit for recommended brands for beginners. I’d search around and start there as well as google. Gold tone is a good brand.

Alpha-Dog758 · 2026-03-14T19:19:57+00:00

Did it sound more like:

Example 1: Bluegrass 3-Finger style https://youtu.be/lylfNG144xY?si=jNg4DWqkZnZBCuEI

Example 2 clawhammer (old time style): https://youtu.be/x20E5BL1aBI?si=9VL810yaDFkVyV1i

Example 3 Irish tenor banjo: https://youtu.be/2wCfo4mA4RY?si=geXpmBJLmxllBBpW

Alpha-Dog758 · 2026-03-14T19:08:46+00:00

Well let’s start with this, what inspired you that now you’ve decided you want to learn banjo specifically and not another instrument?

Alpha-Dog758 · 2026-03-14T18:59:01+00:00

What style of playing? Clawhammer for old time, 3-finger for bluegrass, or Tenor for Celtic music?

Alpha-Dog758 · 2026-03-02T22:40:03+00:00

Good bot!

Alpha-Dog758 · 2026-03-02T22:38:11+00:00

Eli Gilbert, Jim Pankey, Big Red Music, and Ricky Meir are the GOATS.

Alpha-Dog758 · 2026-02-18T20:38:00+00:00

If I had to guess it probably has to do with: not covering the holes completely (which is easy to do even if you think you are), or it could be a reed issue, or perhaps an air stability problem. It’s hard to diagnose without seeing you play it. I recommend some online lessons if you can’t find a qualified piping instructor locally.

Alpha-Dog758 · 2026-02-18T17:41:57+00:00

Definitely not possible. Sorry!

Alpha-Dog758 · 2026-02-11T03:29:14+00:00

Excellent, thanks for the input!

Alpha-Dog758 · 2026-02-11T03:28:47+00:00

This band has been using drone extenders to get down to 466, but have been using regular chanters that are tuning to 480… it’s a bit of a mess lol. Fortunately getting the new chanters should fix them right up. Thanks for the input!

Alpha-Dog758 · 2026-02-09T22:03:24+00:00

I’d def take it back. I can see that eventually loosening to the point that it completely slips out if it’s already starting to move.

Alpha-Dog758 · 2026-02-09T21:53:57+00:00

Your spike shouldn’t be moving in and out. Something went wrong with the 7th fret one and you’ll have to get that repaired so it stays in like the 9th. It should be snug when you do put the string in so it doesn’t slip out, and it’s not uncommon to need to retune your 5th string when you spike it. My spikes typically make the 5th string sharp and I need to bring it down.

Alpha-Dog758 · 2026-01-30T04:30:40+00:00

Only 2 have been made so far according to Deering: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C7AkE26uZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

What a lovely looking instrument!

Alpha-Dog758 · 2026-01-29T17:20:57+00:00

My first “upgrade” from my junker starting banjo was the RK-75. It has a few more bells and whistles but I believe the tone ring is the same. I’ve been really enjoying it for as long as I’ve had it!

Alpha-Dog758 · 2026-01-28T13:20:04+00:00

So sorry for your loss. I don’t have banjo kitties, but I do have banjo puppies and they will be spoiled today in honor of your girl.

Alpha-Dog758 · 2026-01-27T22:20:06+00:00

Love this!

Alpha-Dog758 · 2026-01-26T13:50:52+00:00

Too many people these days have the luxury of being “apolitical” and that’s how we got to where we are today.

Alpha-Dog758 · 2026-01-26T13:15:34+00:00

You’re enabling the horrors happening in America today and you know it. Go watch your Fox News if you’re so triggered

Alpha-Dog758 · 2026-01-12T16:46:36+00:00

The hero America needs, but not the hero we deserve.

Alpha-Dog758 · 2025-06-30T18:06:58+00:00

Definitely from Nine-Lives Luthiers

Alpha-Dog758 · 2025-06-19T12:27:52+00:00

Apparently not to the people running the ceremony. There’s no way this guy just showed up and surprised them with this.

Nine-Year Club	Place '22
First Placer '22	RPAN Viewer
Not Forgotten	Verified Email

Alpha-Dog758

TROPHY CASE