Rounding a pick

[Cary Fagan]

Perhaps there have been posts on this before. If so I'd appreciate being directed that way.

Recently I lost my wegen bluegrass pick that I'd been playing with for 1 1/2 years. It had become nicely rounded. Now I have to use a new pointed one and it doesn't work for me. I've tried rounding one with various sandpapers and files and the sound I get is pretty poor--tinny. Any advice?

[mandroid]

I like diamond fingernail files, try various wet or dry paper? rather than carpenters sandpaper... I would go to very very fine like 'crocus cloth' 600 grit or finer, but the denim pants do a good final buff.

[JGWoods]

I get good results with fingernail sanding boards or whatever you call them. Around here the CVS has a pink one that is fine on one side, super fine on the other. Costs a buck.
Works on fingernails too.

[G_Smolt]

Seconding the suggestion for emery boards, as well as the final buff on Levi's or another coarse cotton fabric.

If you REALLY want to give the pick that comfy, "played-in" feel, try duplicating your own wear pattern on the point.

Mark

i stated how to do this in a previous thread and got slack for it!!! oy vey.......
a pair of old jeans, or even better, the best, is carpet.

[64lusso]

Or you could just go to the Tortis website and order one of their pick maintenence kits for $3.75, it might be the best deal out there, everything you need to re-shape and smooth your picks quickly and effortlessly in a small pouch that will fit in most Mando case pockets.

[Cary Fagan]

thanks for the replies. I found that the emery board did work pretty well, followed by the blue-jean buff. An hour of playing time and it sounded just fine. This is great to know as now I can make some back-up picks and not be terrified of losing my one good one.

I'll be interested in taking a look at that tortis kit.