The Traveling Pick Sampler - Anyone Interested?

[BillWilliams]

Hi Mark,

I'm in Europe and would like to take part.

[Mark Gunter]

You’re added to the list. Waiting for more responses and will post updated lists soon.

[Mark Gunter]

Just a note to thank all who have been involved for making the pick sampler project successful, from Caleb, who got it all started, to all who have participated, all who have donated, and all who have organized and curated as the samplers have been used and have grown. A big thanks to Chris Daniels for curating the sampler through difficult times. Most of all, I want to express my gratitude to Denis Kearns for the more recent culling and organization of these samplers. Without Denis’ selfless labor of love, these samplers would not be what they are today.

Thanks, Denis, for getting this back on its feet at a time when I was struggling to make it happen. You rock.

[Denis Kearns]

Thanks Mark for your appreciation, and thanks for being the head librarian for this project. I get a whole lot of value from the Cafe community. It’s nice that I had the opportunity to express my gratitude in a useful way. And, with this last one, I also got some education on the myriad of things that people have used to make picks (it’s been a really long time since my chemistry classes!). Plus, I learned how to mail a box to England.

Now, if we only could get a couple of “mandolin samplers” to complement our picks!

[NexusPT]

You’re added to the list. Waiting for more responses and will post updated lists soon.

Hi Mark,

I've noticed Bill, like me, is in Portugal. I'd like to be added to the list and I'm unsure if geographic proximity plays a role or not, but thought it was worth mentioning.

[Dobronaut]

Can't wait! Though even the reduction down to 90 picks is a little daunting! Playtime soon.

[Mark Gunter]

NexusPT, you’re added to the list. Geographic proximity definitely helps, as we all know the cost of postage can get pretty high sometimes, but for this project, distance has never been a barrier. While the picks are “in the wild” each holder of the sampler must be responsible for sending it on to the next person on the list, regardless of location.

That said, the next receiver and the current holder are always welcome to work out between themselves a splitting of the postage cost. We’re typically a friendly and reasonable bunch of folks around here.

Ultimately, it’s the current holder’s responsibility to see to it that the sampler keeps moving. Thus, the need for a working phone number. If a problem arises or help is needed just keep us informed.

[Mando&Me]

NexusPT, you’re added to the list. Geographic proximity definitely helps, as we all know the cost of postage can get pretty high sometimes, but for this project, distance has never been a barrier. While the picks are “in the wild” each holder of the sampler must be responsible for sending it on to the next person on the list, regardless of location.

That said, the next receiver and the current holder are always welcome to work out between themselves a splitting of the postage cost. We’re typically a friendly and reasonable bunch of folks around here.

Ultimately, it’s the current holder’s responsibility to see to it that the sampler keeps moving. Thus, the need for a working phone number. If a problem arises or help is needed just keep us informed.

Mark, hi. I live in the States, but I just wanted to thank you for including our friends in Europe in the Traveling Pick Sampler. That is so thoughtful of you and the other participants. Music unites all of us.

Thanks Again,
M & M

[Anglocelt]

Hi Mark, I am in England and would like to be added to the list. Please let me know how to enrol.

Cheers, Kevin

[Mark Gunter]

You just enrolled yourself, Kevin. I’ll post an updated list soon

[Denis Kearns]

So cool that we are getting so much response from our mandolin compatriots in Europe. Will be interesting to see how long Sampler #2 vacations before having to return to the US (if only we could be so lucky!). The two samplers are only slightly different in composition, so either one will give folks a good sense of how different pick materials sound and what brand options are available.

“If you never did, you should. These things are fun and fun is good “.
- Dr. Seuss

[NexusPT]

NexusPT, you’re added to the list. Geographic proximity definitely helps, as we all know the cost of postage can get pretty high sometimes, but for this project, distance has never been a barrier. While the picks are “in the wild” each holder of the sampler must be responsible for sending it on to the next person on the list, regardless of location.

That said, the next receiver and the current holder are always welcome to work out between themselves a splitting of the postage cost. We’re typically a friendly and reasonable bunch of folks around here.

Ultimately, it’s the current holder’s responsibility to see to it that the sampler keeps moving. Thus, the need for a working phone number. If a problem arises or help is needed just keep us informed.

Thanks for the explanation - being new to the forum makes it hard to find all the info in older threads because of the thread sizes!
Regarding the phone number, how and to whom should I send it exactly? To the previous sampler holder?

I'm excited to eventually sample new picks, I already have two mains I use for different purposes (thinner tortex sounds brighter on my mando and feel somehow easier/more precise but thicker primetones with the beveled edges make it easier for speedier songs aka fiddle tunes and also for tremolos).

I'm really enjoying folk's attitudes and helpfulness around here

[Mark Gunter]

When your turn comes around you should send the info to the current holder and copy me please.

[Dobronaut]

Just to let you all know that The Travelling Pick Sampler has arrived safely with me in the UK. Denis had made a beautiful package, and I have to admire the patience and skill that has gone in to the packaging of the individual tins and labelling. The real work starts tonight when I try a few picks out and try not to get them all mixed up! Martin Beer, you're next on the list, could you please send me a pm with your address and phone number?

[Mark Gunter]

UPDATED LISTS

SAMPLER #1 - NORTH AMERICA

Jesse Appelman
Joshua Ryan
Ellis Page
Mando&Me
EMPeterson
Rick Jones

SAMPLER #2 - UK & EUROPE

Dobronaut
Martin Beer
BillWilliams
NexusPT
Anglocelt



Please let me know if I have overlooked anyone, or if your name appears on the wrong list!

HAPPY PICKING!

[Jesse Appelman]

Just got back from a trip to find Sampler #1 in the mailbox. Looking forward to spending a few weeks experimenting before sending it along to the next person on the list.