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Joined:
July 2002
Posts: 280
Location: Waterloo, IL | While cruising through a few newsgroups, I stumbled on one recommending these fancy guitar picks. http://www.welcomesite.com/picks/ Are they worth the ten spot to try? |
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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 16
Location: The Florida Keys | Hi Chuck,
I was looking at the tracker on my website and
I noticed this thread.
I am the creator of the Lignum Vitae picks.
As you might have seen on the website,
I'm now offering 100% of your money back,
if you don't wish to keep the pick for any
reason at all.
If you try one, I hope you'll share your
opinion of it with us? |
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Joined:
December 2002
Posts: 68
Location: Texas | Looks interesting. I would be interested by nine year old would steal it when I wasn't looking to use with her guitar or my two year old would throw it in the trash with all my other posessions that are disappearing around the house.
Has anyone used one of these yet?
Shaft
1112-4 |
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Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 3005
Location: Las Cruces, NM | I love gimmicks, especially if they work. If there is anyone out there that has tried this, join the discussion. To the creator of the pick, I will say, I value a good pick over anything, and protect my favorites like gold, a price of $10 would not be out of reason, although I can buy MY favorites for less. Welcome to the board and you are welcome to discuss the most important connection between us and our strings, the pick, at least for us flat pickers, (as all mandolin pickers are).
Bailey |
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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 16
Location: The Florida Keys | Hi Bailey...
and thank you for the welcome.
I like your attitude!
It is funny how people are often very concerned
with what wood their guitar is constructed of..
and how the way it resonates might subtly affect the tone..
and then they use a cheap piece of plastic for their
direct connection with their instrument!
I really can't blame them though.
We are all so conditioned to spending 50 cents for our picks,
it seems exhorbitant to spent $10.
A helpful analogy that I recently thought of is:
How many times a year do you invest in new strings?
Would you keep dead strings on your guitar,
simply because you didn't want to spend $5 or $10
on yet another new set?
How is the tone on those old strings?
So, why doom yourself to an eternal tone of inferior quality
when there is something superior available at your fingertips?
Even if you lose the pick 4 times a year,
don't you deserve to invest $40 a year in your music,
if it is for something that makes a noticable improvement?
I hope that if someone from this community has
purchased one of my picks, they will share their
thoughts on it, once they'd given it a try? |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10582
Location: NJ | Originally posted by WelcomeSite:
Hi A helpful analogy that I recently thought of is:
How many times a year do you invest in new strings?
Would you keep dead strings on your guitar,
simply because you didn't want to spend $5 or $10
on yet another new set?
How is the tone on those old strings?
So, why doom yourself to an eternal tone of inferior quality
when there is something superior available at your fingertips?
?
LOL
Almost every one of my guitars has old strings. I refer to them as worn in. |
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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 16
Location: The Florida Keys | LOL
Almost every one of my guitars has old strings. I refer to them as worn in.
The strings on my electric go dead in a couple of weeks.
(This is in the humid Florida Keys)
.. but my acoustic has strings that are over
6 months old and they haven't gone dead.
It is because they are Titanium core.
Check these out:
rohrtech.com |
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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 16
Location: The Florida Keys | Some further comments on strings..
The Titanium had a 'too bright' sound, for my taste,
until they mellowed after a few days.
No string can outlast them..
but I prefer the tone on some other strings.
Also, they can't be used on an electric guitar
because Titanium is non-magnetic.
You must use a mic or piezeo pickup to amplify them.
For my electric, I found a source of excellent
strings that are so cheap, you can afford to
change them as often as you like.
They are only $2.35 a set and they ship free
if you spend at least $15!
webstrings.com |
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Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 3005
Location: Las Cruces, NM | Good stuff
I still would like to hear from someone who has used a lignum vitae pick. I am trying to remember what the definition of lignum vitae is, I vaguely remember it as "live wood" in Latin, but that is not what is meant here as I believe there is some type of wood involved. Please give us a scientific description, as we are a bunch of techno nuts.
Bailey |
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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 16
Location: The Florida Keys | Hi Bailey,
Lignum Vitae means 'wood of life'.
The wood grows throughout the Carribbean basin.
Most commercial product comes from Mexico now.
It is an endangered species and it is forbidden
to ship it across borders without extensive licensing and paperwork.
It grows very slowly. A tree can live over 1000 years.
(I have 7 trees that are about 1 year old and 12" tall)
LV was popular until about 100 years ago.
It was used a lot in sailing ships, for pulleys
and deadeyes, etc.
It has been used as propeller shaft bearings on ships, including aircraft carriers.
It is still in use on some massive hydro-electric generators, which were built over 100 years ago.
(bearings are periodically replaced with new LV)
LV is extremely dense (sinks even in salt water)
The cell structure of LV is saturated with
an enormous amount of it's own natural oil.
It can be carved to fine detail and requires no finish other than fine sanding and polishing.
It must be treated with acetone before attempting to glue it.
LV was popular as a health remedy, with various
tonics, prepared from it, still available today.
Many craftsman dread the mere mention of Lignum Vitae, which is known for dulling and even ruining tools.
LV can be extremely unstable if not completely sealed in wax.
Here is a chunk that I cut some pieces off.
By the next day, it had self-destructed.
Once cut into smaller pieces and cured, the wood becomes stable.
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Joined:
July 2002
Posts: 280
Location: Waterloo, IL | I picked up a few guitar picks last night to try, but I haven't seen anything like these yet. They did have a cork guitar pick, but I couldn't see me using it the way I beat on the strings. Still, has anyone here used one of these fancy ten spot picks? |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | They look interesting, and if even just to add to my little wooden box of "collectible" picks, the price doesn't bother me. I just refuse to go through the hassles of dealing with PayPal for a $10 purchase. |
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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 16
Location: The Florida Keys | Chuck, I think a few people from here may
have purchased a pick, so we could have a report soon?
I don't think you'll see anything like these anywhere.
I invented them and manufacture them.
The only other thing that comes close is a place that
sells picks made from 'Gaiac', which the French call Lignum Vitae.
My suppliers have told me about Gaiac though and
it is not really anything like LV.
Cliff, I'd be happy to accept your personal check.
I'll email you my address.
I like paypal myself.
I just got their debit card and I like it better
than my bank debit card, because I don't have to
write down each purchase.
The info is available immediately, online. |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | Chex on it's way to you - thanx!
btw: nice bike!!! |
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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 16
Location: The Florida Keys | Thanks Cliff.
The bike comes free with an order for 5,000 picks.
Maybe soon, none of you Ovation buffs will need
to buy one of my picks.
I got a payment yesterday from:
Ovation Instruments
New Hartford, CT 06057
United States
Maybe they'll be including one of my picks
with every guitar soon?
(I don't think I could make that many,
it is very labor intensive to create these) |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 389
Location: RI. That small State out East | I just bit... I mean ordered one and will let my 17yr old kill it, I mean play with it. We will let you know "gut" opinions.
Of course, if it's not lost before he or I ever try it. My check is in the mail.
Woz |
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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 16
Location: The Florida Keys | Thanks Woz.
I'm headed to the mainland.
I'll be back Monday or Tuesday.
A couple of weeks ago a girlfriend from 21 years
ago tracked me down and came to visit.
Now it's my turn to go up and see her. |
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March 2002
Posts: 15664
Location: SoCal | How does your wife feel about that? |
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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 16
Location: The Florida Keys | Wives?
Always wanted to try me one of them.
I've heard though, that they can sometimes malfunction? |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10582
Location: NJ | Well I got one of those picks and gave it a major work out this weekend. I did practiced on Friday, did a gig on Saturday night and then had a barbecue on Sunday and literally used it for hours.
I was surprised that the pick was not in shreds after this weekend but it absolutely showed signs of wear. It sort of keeps sharpening itself.
I a/b'ed the pick with my standard Fender extra heavy and I guess because of the price of the pick I really wanted to hear a difference. I am not sure if I did or not. I think I did but I also think that it may have been just psychological on my part.
Overall a very cool product. It is expensive and for something that you so easily lose it would be not practical for many. Interesting but only if you like stiff picks |
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Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 3005
Location: Las Cruces, NM | I like stiff picks, and I lost, or somebody stole, my stone pick. Let me get my financial condition in order, and I will buy one. Right now I am fighting the IRS grim reaper, who threatens my very life blood if I don't send them my first born son and tons of geld.
Bailey |
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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 16
Location: The Florida Keys | Well, we know now that it's possible to put some wear on an LV pick.
A roundwound guitar string is like a file, if you
rub something 'up and down' it at all.
I don't see how a wooden pick could live through very many solos from 'Whole Lotta Love', or 'Machine Gun'.
I'll have to replace yours with a 5mm model..
and see how long it takes you to destroy that?
I bought some Dunlop stubbies and they're tapered
just the way I've made my fat picks.
I'm also making a 3rd variety..
but I'm not sure it would be safe in your hands.
It's called the 'Tomahawk' and it's assymetrical,
to give you a different angle at all 3 corners.
You don't know if you heard a difference in tone?
Not sure what could have caused that, after the
radical differences most people seems to hear?
You are the one who considers his strings 'just broken in', when they get old, I believe?
Perhaps they react better with new strings?
Thanks for trying it. |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | Rob;
What's the feasibility of fashioning a couple of trussrod covers out of this stuff (I can send a pattern/template) ? ? ? ? ? ? |
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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 16
Location: The Florida Keys | RA?
I should be able to do a trussrod cover.
Be sure to give me the thickness.
We'll charge whatever we both think is fair.
I'm having supple deerskin pouches custom
made, to hold the standard pick and the new
'Pork Chop' (working name).
alpep
I made you a 'stubby'.
They sure seem small.
I'm gonna send you a slightly beefed up 'pork chop', too.
Try and remember to save the pork chop for the delicate stuff and use the fatpick for the Zepellin.
I guess if we can make one that survives you,
we can offer 'delicate' and 'intense' versions of the picks? |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10582
Location: NJ | I am sure many people can hear a difference in tone with the pick. I a/b ed the pick with a fender extra heavy and I listened to both an acoustic guitar and on an electric amplified. I think there was a different but to my ears it was not a dramatic difference.
I did find the pick comfortable and used it for 3 days as my only pick and I did a lot of playing this past weekend.
Your comments make it seem like I am bashing the product. it has good and bad points like all items do.
One of the positives that I forgot to mention was that it has a great feel. I have used some plastic picks that just don't feel good. The wood pick feels really great. I will continue to use it since I am determined to see how long it will last. I guess I am curious. |
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March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | Al has nothing to do since he lost that Samsonite contract! :) |
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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 16
Location: The Florida Keys | No, I'm very interested in all comments and am
interested in using you for some more tests,
if you don't mind?
I have a delicate touch myself,
so I need someone who can give them a proper bashing.
I really do think that they should probably be
sold with warning labels on the rather delicate
version that I sent you.
I think that people who have bought them tend to
be more concerned with grinding them away, since
they've just made a noticable investment.
When they're free, people always appreciate them less, which is why I told you that I rarely give them away anymore.
I'm gonna send you some new strings with these picks, if you'd be so kind as to incorporate them into the next test.
It will also serve as a testimonial for http://webstrings.com
where I got them for $2.35 |
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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 16
Location: The Florida Keys | You know,
in addition to truss rod covers.
I think an important transplant for LV
might be the Bridge of the guitar?
Sound comes out the hole because it has
been transmitted through the saddle and bridge.
Why rely on plastic when we can use something
that 70% of it's weight comes from a natural oil
that's embedded in it's cellular structure?
Sound travels great through liquid..
so if anyone wants to send me a saddle,
I'll try and reproduce it and we can have some more experiments?
I'll carve all saddles with the grain running 'side to side', of course,
so it has a clean run to the soundboard of your guitar.
I figure to charge about $5 for LV saddles,
varying prices for further bridge work.
This bridge project relates more to acoustic,
than to solid body electric. |
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Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 3005
Location: Las Cruces, NM | Good thinking
And it seems that even Al, the godfather, has noticed some difference between wood and plastic when it comes to picks. We got it all backwards, guitars should be plastic, picks should be wood, any disagreement here??
Bailey |
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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 16
Location: The Florida Keys | That is o logic thaat cannot be disputed!
I've been working on designing a pouch for the picks.
It will make them a little less easy to lose and
add a new layer of luxury.
I'm having custom fitted deerskin pouches
manufactured for the picks.
Along with our Standar pick,
I've designed a new style that I'm calling
'The Clamshell'
This pick has 3 'points', all with different angles.
It looks like Alien technology!
I'm going to need help keeping up with the demand during the holidays.
I'm preparing wholesale packages that might help
everyone harvest a bellyload of cash from Santa this year.
Partially finished picks, paired with a custom fitted,
super soft lamskin pouch, will be available
very cheap, if you want to do some finish sanding.. |
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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 16
Location: The Florida Keys | Al,
You should be receiving the clamshell pick soon.
My goal with this pick, is to offer 3 different points.
The narrow one at the bottom might be for jazz, or metal. The one at the top might be for rock or folk and on the right side is the sweeping surf pick.
©MMIII RA Denney
One factor involved with this design is the grip.
It will feel unusual at first.. but I'm hoping that
the way the tip glides through the strings and the
nice sounds they are producing will overcome the 'alien' grip dimensions.
This pick encourages a 'tripod' grip,
where the thumb is centered between 2 opposing fingers,
instead of the pick being squeezed between the thumb and a single finger.
I hope this will add precision and control,
once the player has become accustomed to it.
Standard picks are still available for those who prefer them.
The pouches will be sewn shut except for the
'surf corner', where the pick can slip into the case.
This is a prototype that I made out of felt.
I'm having the pouches manufactured from deerskin.
I've got the choice of these colors:
acorn, smoke, tan, coffee, black, dark chocolate
One nice feature.. it's all made in America. |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10582
Location: NJ | I got the picks. I have not had a chance to try them. I will not post comments on the board since you seem to take them as an attack. |
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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 16
Location: The Florida Keys | I'm sorry you feel like that Alpep.
If I take your observations as critisizm, it's because it's the only critisizm I've had about the picks.
I naturally respond to what I hear and strive to make my picks better.
I'll go elsewhere.
Sorry for bothering you.
regards,
RA |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10582
Location: NJ | so be it |
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Fancy Guitar Pick