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Thread: Clean picks

  1. #1
    Registered User mandolinstew's Avatar
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    Default Clean picks

    I use alcohol prep pads,work great.

  2. #2
    Registered User John Bertotti's Avatar
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    Default Re: Clean picks

    Edge on my shirt and a huff of breath, but that is rarely, my picks just don't seem to get dirty.
    My avatar is of my OldWave Oval A

    Creativity is just doing something wierd and finding out others like it.

  3. #3

    Default Re: Clean picks

    I use a two horsepower motor and expensive Italian buffing compounds which require dedicated exhaust to eradicate the harmful particulates.

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  5. #4
    Registered User mandolinstew's Avatar
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    Default Re: Clean picks

    Where can I purchase the Italian buffing compounds.I was using Turtle Wax.

  6. #5
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    Default Re: Clean picks

    Good old soap and water works for me.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

  7. #6

    Default Re: Clean picks

    Quote Originally Posted by mandolinstew View Post
    Where can I purchase the Italian buffing compounds.I was using Turtle Wax.
    My bad, it's actually German. https://www.menzerna.com/products/solid-compounds/
    I was being a little goofy, but I do really buff my picks on my industrial buffing arbor.

    For you, I'd recommend one of these multi-sided nail buffs: Click image for larger version. 

Name:	s-l300.jpg 
Views:	98 
Size:	7.8 KB 
ID:	178092

    Work your way up the grits, then for occasional touch-ups, just use the two finest grits.

    For ultimate shine, use this on a rag: https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Mirr...gateway&sr=8-2

    Also safe for use on most instrument finishes. But beware, it is actually abrasive and if you can buff through a thin finish if you're not careful.

    For everyday cleaning on instruments when I do setups, I use this gentler formula: https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Mirr...gateway&sr=8-1

  8. #7
    Barn Cat Mandolins Bob Clark's Avatar
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    Default Re: Clean picks

    I just give them a quick rub on my dungarees. Good as new.
    Purr more, hiss less. Barn Cat Mandolins Photo Album

  9. #8
    Registered User mandolinstew's Avatar
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    Default Re: Clean picks

    Quote Originally Posted by Marty Jacobson View Post
    My bad, it's actually German. https://www.menzerna.com/products/solid-compounds/
    I was being a little goofy, but I do really buff my picks on my industrial buffing arbor.

    For you, I'd recommend one of these multi-sided nail buffs: Click image for larger version. 

Name:	s-l300.jpg 
Views:	98 
Size:	7.8 KB 
ID:	178092

    Work your way up the grits, then for occasional touch-ups, just use the two finest grits.

    For ultimate shine, use this on a rag: https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Mirr...gateway&sr=8-2

    Also safe for use on most instrument finishes. But beware, it is actually abrasive and if you can buff through a thin finish if you're not careful.

    For everyday cleaning on instruments when I do setups, I use this gentler formula: https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Mirr...gateway&sr=8-1
    Thanks for the info.I have the nail buffs.When I got them a woman told me they were no good for nails and I said that’s not I use them for.They come in handy like stim-u dent.

  10. #9
    Registered User John Bertotti's Avatar
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    Default Re: Clean picks

    Quote Originally Posted by Marty Jacobson View Post
    My bad, it's actually German. https://www.menzerna.com/products/solid-compounds/
    I was being a little goofy, but I do really buff my picks on my industrial buffing arbor.

    For you, I'd recommend one of these multi-sided nail buffs: Click image for larger version. 

Name:	s-l300.jpg 
Views:	98 
Size:	7.8 KB 
ID:	178092

    Work your way up the grits, then for occasional touch-ups, just use the two finest grits.

    For ultimate shine, use this on a rag: https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Mirr...gateway&sr=8-2

    Also safe for use on most instrument finishes. But beware, it is actually abrasive and if you can buff through a thin finish if you're not careful.

    For everyday cleaning on instruments when I do setups, I use this gentler formula: https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Mirr...gateway&sr=8-1
    I used to work for Micro-Surface Finishing, mixing compounds and sliting printing on the abrasive, for you all it is the micro mesh product. They will or at least used to make those nail files to order with a customers info printed on it. I talked a couple companies I worked with to order some with their names and numbers on them. Great to hand out to nurses when I fixed medical equipment. I never thought about musicians.
    My avatar is of my OldWave Oval A

    Creativity is just doing something wierd and finding out others like it.

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  12. #10
    Registered User T.D.Nydn's Avatar
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    Default Re: Clean picks

    Picks get dirty? Maybe wash your hands more often...

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  14. #11
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Clean picks

    Quote Originally Posted by T.D.Nydn View Post
    Picks get dirty? Maybe wash your hands more often...
    My sediments exactly!
    Jim

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  16. #12
    F5G & MD305 Astro's Avatar
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    Default Re: Clean picks

    Mine unintentionally get a cycle or 2 in the washer and dryer from time to time.
    No matter where I go, there I am...Unless I'm running a little late.

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  18. #13
    Registered User sblock's Avatar
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    Default Re: Clean picks

    Clean picks? Just use what's around -- no need to buy special materials! Use hand soap, or a drop of dishwashing detergent, plus tap water. Fine polish? Toothpaste is a mild abrasive that does a fine job.

  19. #14
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    Default Re: Clean picks

    I find they don't get dirty, but get hand oils on them, and washing them from time to time improves the grip.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

  20. #15
    Registered User mandolinstew's Avatar
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    Default Re: Clean picks

    Quote Originally Posted by pops1 View Post
    I find they don't get dirty, but get hand oils on them, and washing them from time to time improves the grip.
    This is true.But not in the washing machine or dishwasher.

  21. #16
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    Default Re: Clean picks

    My washing machine doesn't have a setting for guitar picks, and I don't have a dishwasher so I have to wash them by hand.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

  22. #17

    Default Re: Clean picks

    I have played mandolin for over 45 years and never had to clean a pick yet, what's up with you Americans ?

    Dave H
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  24. #18
    Registered User mandolinstew's Avatar
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    Default Re: Clean picks

    Quote Originally Posted by Dave Hanson View Post
    I have played mandolin for over 45 years and never had to clean a pick yet, what's up with you Americans ?

    Dave H
    Germ Phobia

  25. #19
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    Default Re: Clean picks

    Actually the only pick I have ever washed is a BC. It will get slippery from hand oils and washing gives it back the tactile stickiness that I like. The rest of the picks don't get baths.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

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  27. #20
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    Default Re: Clean picks

    I have monster grips on my picks. Over time, they can lose their stickiness but soap and water brings 'em back to new. I also keep a couple of alcohol prep pads around just in case.
    David Hopkins

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  28. #21
    Registered User seankeegan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Clean picks

    I usually lose them before they get a chance to get dirty.
    Last edited by seankeegan; Jul-08-2019 at 2:56am.

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  30. #22
    Registered User Ky Slim's Avatar
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    Default Re: Clean picks

    Quote Originally Posted by seankeegan View Post
    I usually lose them before they get a chance to get dirty.
    Same here

  31. #23
    Registered User liestman's Avatar
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    Default Re: Clean picks

    I find that if a student of mine has trouble with a pick slipping around, washing hands and pick with soap and water generally solves the problem. Different people have different oiliness of the skin so it is important for some and not so much for others.
    John Liestman -
    Eye new ewe wood lye kit!

  32. #24
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    Default Re: Clean picks

    Quote Originally Posted by liestman View Post
    I find that if a student of mine has trouble with a pick slipping around, washing hands and pick with soap and water generally solves the problem. Different people have different oiliness of the skin so it is important for some and not so much for others.
    Because of age and diabetes, my skin is dry. Winter is the worst. That's why I use the Monster Grips. They work great for me.

    And, no, I'm not affiliated with them in any way.
    David Hopkins

    2001 Gibson F-5L mandolin
    Breedlove Legacy FF mandolin; Breedlove Quartz FF mandolin
    Gibson F-4 mandolin (1916); Blevins f-style Octave mandolin, 2018
    McCormick Oval Sound Hole "Reinhardt" Mandolin
    McCormick Solid Body F-Style Electric Mandolin; Slingerland Songster Guitar (c. 1939)

    The older I get, the less tolerant I am of political correctness, incompetence and stupidity.

  33. #25
    Registered User mandolinstew's Avatar
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    Default Re: Clean picks

    Quote Originally Posted by DHopkins View Post
    Because of age and diabetes, my skin is dry. Winter is the worst. That's why I use the Monster Grips. They work great for me.

    And, no, I'm not affiliated with them in any way.
    Doc Watson used to rub his fingers on a fiddle bow.

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