View Full Version : Here it is!
Doug Edwards
Apr-04-2008, 8:54am
After much R & D, Mandolin Accessories & Stringworks has produced and answer for the "Black Hole for Picks".
Introducing the Black Hole Eliminator Pick Lanyard! Never lose a pick again! The retractible safety cord always has a secure grip on your pick (not recommended for swift water rescue). Be confident when using that $90 hybrid pick. Call 1-800-FOR-PICK, operators are not standing by.
Doug Edwards
Apr-04-2008, 8:56am
Almost no pressure from the cord when playing. Keeps your hand from flying and enhances tone.
mandowood
Apr-04-2008, 8:58am
As long as it enhances the tone, I'll take 2!
pekoe1111
Apr-04-2008, 9:10am
Oh, please! How 20th Century! I prefer this:
Celtic Saguaro
Apr-04-2008, 9:25am
I have it on good authority the GPS wouldn't work from inside the black hole most picks fall into anyway. #It's a whole other universe. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
pickloser
Apr-04-2008, 9:28am
Where would one attach it on an A-style mandolin player? Great idea though. I want one.
mandopete
Apr-04-2008, 9:31am
You know, we might actually be on to something here. With the profileration of high-end picks, losing one can become a real financial (if not emotional as in my case) issue.
Perhaps an embedded RF id tag (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RFID)
that looks like a zinger like the kind that hold my fishing line clippers to the vest. Thats great. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
Doug Edwards
Apr-04-2008, 9:37am
The downside to the RF id tag is going in and out of stores. Many use these for inventory control. My poor wife has one embedded in her purse. It sets off the alarm at Bed Bath and Beyond and a couple of other stores. I can't convince her to get a clerk to deactivate it for her, she just leaves her purse in the car.
pekoe1111
Apr-04-2008, 9:38am
Or perhaps this cutting-edge device for the older members...
John Hill
Apr-04-2008, 9:44am
It's like dad always said, "You're either onto something or you're on something."
Avi Ziv
Apr-04-2008, 9:50am
Some people take these annoyances seriously and use whatever skills they have to solve them. A while back , several research scientists from the Institute for Medical Research and Public Health in Australia set out to study the migration of teaspoons as they disappeared from their break rooms and appeared elsewhere... I remember hearing about it on NPR. Here is the study (http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/331/7531/1498)
Avi
p.s Oh - and if you wonder where all missing socks are...you'll have to read The New Policeman by Kate Thompson - a particularly good read for Irish Traditional music lovers
Mark Walker
Apr-04-2008, 10:23am
Doug - that's a great idea. #I love the MAS logo on it as well. # You don't overlook any of the smallest details, do you? #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
I'll pass on the RFID chips. I don't want some eye in the sky spying on where I might be playing, performing or jamming! LOL
Keith Erickson
Apr-04-2008, 11:51am
Call 1-800-FOR-PICK, operators are not standing by.
Doug,
I just wanted to let you know that I just called 1-800-FOR-PICK and an operator answered the phone.
...but the company was called Raining Data http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
JEStanek
Apr-04-2008, 11:52am
Mark just wrap the headstock in aluminum foil and you'll be OK. Or keep the pick in a copy of Catcher in the Rye.
Jamie
Ctone
Apr-04-2008, 12:10pm
Have you given your notice at work?(With the millions that are about to start rolling in?) http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Mark Walker
Apr-04-2008, 12:14pm
Mark just wrap the headstock in aluminum foil and you'll be OK. #Or keep the pick in a copy of Catcher in the Rye.
Jamie
Jamie - that's true. I actually work for a software company and we do write software solutions for RFID.
Not to go off on a tangent; RFID technology is 'emerging' but still isn't quite there yet. Lots of things - even with active (versus passive) RFID tags - can knock down their ability to be read and detected.
Meanwhile, I'll opt for the tried and true 'retractable pick reel.' http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
mandroid
Apr-04-2008, 12:30pm
Local receiver/transmitter IC should do it , does't have to go up to the satellites like GPS .
who decided remotes should be black, make mine neon day-glow.. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
duuuude
Apr-04-2008, 1:11pm
Well now, you DO realize that if it does get sucked into the black hole, yer goin' right in with it!
Doug Edwards
Apr-04-2008, 3:19pm
I just noticed I've had this thing on all day. #I've been everywhere today. People have probably been staring and saying "There goes an insecure musician", that's right after "What the..."?
I doubt you'd get sucked in with it. It is after all "not recommended for swift water rescue". http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
PhilGE
Apr-05-2008, 10:09am
I punched a hole in a thin small teardrop and keep one on my key ring at all times, "in case of emergency."
I'm looking forward learning morea about the newest X-Men character. He's kind of like Wolverine, except his skeleton is made of carbon fiber and he can extend his fingernails on demand for use as picks.... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif