Tips and Tricks for shaping a banjo thumb pick

Here is a process that Sonny Osborne taught me for speeding up the break in process of a new thumb pick, and tweaking the pick to get the most tone and playability out of it.

[@NotaFEDjed]

"They're cheap... If you lose one, you can get another for two dollars." -Son, I remember when they cost a quarter. Great video by the way! Thank you for the tips.

[@fredfrank3347]

My picks assume the flat shape on the point after playing for a short time. They hit the head, and wear down. I said something to the Blue Chip guys about that, and they said they have never seen a better abrasive material than a frosted banjo head.

[@waynemiracle8928]

Some super great advice. We never thought of the hot water trick before. Years ago we would use a cigarette lighter! Once I got the flame too close to the pick. I caught the pick on fire, dropped the pick of course which burned a nice hole in my uncle and aunt’s carpet. For some reason she has never let me forget that? 😀 Thanks Lincoln for these videos!

[@alanbozeman9344]

I’ve gotten my thumb pick hung on the 5th string for years. I never thought about shopping the pick. Thank you for the video.

[@Boysenberr]

The use of the cardboard is fascinating! Thank you! I mainly use Blue Chip picks whose wraps are already bent inward, but the scratches in the plastic I can now repair.

[@drrick1981]

Works great on the National thumb picks too. Thanks for posting!!

[@Alexr2735]

Thanks for all info on the banjo , also your a great artist.

[@Knappist]

I have used the hot water trick for years but your shaping trick is a great idea thanks for the tip 👍🪕

[@MeerschaumMaven]

Thank you so much for putting this online because I have found it very very useful

[@Sairfinger]

Very good info on the thumb pick Lincoln .Can you show us how you bend your finger picks and tell us what brand you use.

[@johnnyace46]

I used to use cardboard like sandpaper on plastic thumb picks. I now use Blue Chips. I noticed your watch. Looks vintage. Very nice. Bulova?

[@clawhammer704]

Try ten seconds in a microwave for all plastic picks.