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Thread: Re-Shaping a Pick?

  1. #1

    Default Re-Shaping a Pick?

    I have a 1.5mm Hawksbill Tortoise pick that was given to me years ago. I really enjoy it's feel, look and sound. However, the edges are rounder than I like. I don't want to destroy the pick attempting to re-shape it. Anyone have any ideas on who I could contact about re-shaping the pick for me?

    Thanks!
    Randy

  2. #2
    Kelley Mandolins Skip Kelley's Avatar
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    Default Re: Re-Shaping a Pick?

    Randy, a pick is not too hard to shape. There’s fingernail sanding blocks that have various grits that work really well.

  3. #3
    Dave Berry
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    Default Re: Re-Shaping a Pick?

    I found this video was very helpful for simple instructions on how to bevel a pick.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwb067U2agQ
    Dave
    Gilchrist A3 #03539, Kimble A5 #122, Gibson A4 #65987
    https://linktr.ee/davidalanberry

  4. #4
    Bluegrass Mayhem marbelizer's Avatar
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    Default Re: Re-Shaping a Pick?

    I reshaped a tortoise shell pick using wet/dry carborundum sand paper in a shallow baking tray filled with about 1/2 inch of water.

    Use a pulling motion across the sand paper. I used 200 and 400 grit. Go higher if you want the edges really smooth. It's very easy to do no need to be intimidated. Take it slow and check your work as you go. If you do it yourself you'll get exactly the shape you want.

    I also used this method to reshape two Blue Chip picks to my liking.
    '95 Gibson F-5V
    2017 Collings MF5
    2017 Martin OOO-28
    2002 Martin D-18GE

  5. #5
    Adrian Minarovic
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    Default Re: Re-Shaping a Pick?

    There are much better synthetic materials for pick these days than dead body of the poor endangered tortoise...
    Adrian

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  7. #6

    Default Re: Re-Shaping a Pick?

    Before I started using Golden Gate picks I used re-shaped Ultex picks, easy to do but need a good polishing after shaping.

    Dave H
    Eastman 615 mandola
    2011 Weber Bitteroot A5
    2012 Weber Bitteroot F5
    Eastman MD 915V
    Gibson F9
    2016 Capek ' Bob ' standard scale tenor banjo
    Ibanez Artist 5 string
    2001 Paul Shippey oval hole

  8. #7

    Default Re: Re-Shaping a Pick?

    Quote Originally Posted by HoGo View Post
    There are much better synthetic materials for pick these days than dead body of the poor endangered tortoise...
    If this pick were made of banned hawksbill tortoise, I wouldn't use it.
    This pick was made of tortoise that died well over 100 years ago.

    Randy

  9. #8
    Fingers of Concrete ccravens's Avatar
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    Default Re: Re-Shaping a Pick?

    Without going into the "subject that shall not be named" I would join the advice of those who recommend that you do it yourself. I've done it many times for many picks of mine, mostly picks of the buffalo horn variety. A variety of grits will be helpful. High count grits to finish-polish.

    If you are reluctant to damage your pick, why not do a test run on something similar? Even if it is not horn material, assuming it is not plastic, you can get some experience before you try it on your #1. Then you'll always be able to do it yourself in the future.

    Go for it and good luck!!
    Chris Cravens

    Girouard A5
    Montana Flatiron A-Jr.
    Passernig Mandola
    Leo Posch D-18

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