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Date: Thu, 18 Apr 2002 22:19:28 -0400

Now a question........probably for Mickey. My banjo playing is all without picks because of my right hand nerve and muscle problems - I can play without picks just fine, using my middle and ring fingers, but, of course, there is NO volume. (great for indoors!). The thought occurred to me today about using either a banjo with a pick-up for hooking to a speaker, or looking into the Deering Crossfire!

Question for Mickey - which does he think best for those like me who have to play bare-fingered? A regular banjo with a pick-up, or the Crossfire? Which has a truer banjo sound?? Which has more volume available?

Also, of course, what is your price on the Deering Crossfire, just in case.

I really appreciate your advise and any recommendations!!

You all are Great! dave        

Greetings Dave!

Great to hear from you...

My point of view on playing without picks:
I would say it most definitely can be done effectively both acoustically or electrically. Many a classical banjo player has only used their fingers of their picking hand without any added on medium...such as fingerpicks. Be aware, most all of them did use fingernails to ensure a crisp tone. I have played many times without picks to gain more of the softer classical tonality. Many of the 3-finger ragtime pieces and standards I play sound so much better without picks. I'd have to say that the only style of banjo playing that demands picks would be bluegrass. Even so, if you have strong fingernails, or know how to build them artificially, you'd be surprised at the volume you can attain even for a bluegrass setting. However, traditional Bluegrass banjo should always be played with 2 metal fingerpicks and 1 plastic thumbpick.

You still have the option of using a pick-up...which will only reinforce the volume. Personally, I would use the Crossfire for experimenting with many other styles of music...which I have and find the Crossfire a phenomenal banjo that can sound like a banjo or a piano depending on your electronic settings.

The Crossfire will have far more volume potential, without feedback problems, than a standard acoustic banjo with a pick-up installed...I've had nothing but fun playing these...and hope to own one myself soon.

Both the Crossfire and the Acoustic banjo with pick-up will have relative acoustic properties...since they are both electrified artificially...the only true way to recreate the amplified banjo with a true acoustic tonality would be to use a high-end microphone. Be sure to check out our video samplers of the Crossfire plugged in...it sure sounds amazingly acoustic to me...

Mickey

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Date: Thu, 31 Jan 2002 19:54:30 EST
Subject: banjo picks and banjos

Mickey
....And what guage of picks would you recommend?
                                                            Thanks, Woody


Greetings Woody,

I recommend the Dunlop .018 fingerpicks...these are just soft enough to be pliable...for ease of shaping and great comfort. I've tried many other picks and found most to not only be uncomfortable, but to shift around alot.

Hope this helps...Mickey

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Date: Wed, 8 Aug 2001 14:15:27 -0600
Subject: Re: Banjo picks

Hello,

I just purchased a banjo (rank beginner). I'm going to need some finger
picks (metal seems to be right) and a thumb pick. Can I get a quote for
these items since they don't seem to be up on the web page? Is there
anything else I need?

Thanks so much,
Ben Borer

Greetings Ben,

You only need to call our toll free number to place an order for fingerpicks and a thumb pick...

888-209-8434

My suggestion would be Dunlop metal fingerpicks and any plastic thumbpick that fits...Dunlop makes a very comfortable fitting fingerpick and thumbpick. I've used them for many years. National also makes a very popular fingerpick which is a brand used by many notable bluegrass players.

You might have to order a few for variety to ensure that one fits...now, the fingerpicks, being soft metal, are designed to be formed to fit.
Thumbpicks need to fit tight and usually come in 3 sizes: small, medium and large. If the thumbpick is somewhat loose, you'll be fighting with it as it turns and twists while playing. A tight-fitting thumbpick will remain secure no matter how hard you play.
Please let me know if I can assist you further . . .Mickey