Crossroads Music Company - Ultimate FingerPicks Gus' Music Orgonite pyramids

5
These finger picks are extremely comfortable and easy to use. They provide a greater degree of control over the strings of my auto harp than anything else I have ever used. The plastic nail at the end can be heated (hot water or hair dryer) and shaped to just the right angle for any player. Highly recommended for auto harp players, and for any other stringed instrument player out there.
Rex
5
I absolutely love your picks!! The 2nd gen med clear ones are perfect for picking my autoharp and I use the large 1st gen for my thumb.....heavenly. I never liked using picks b4 because they felt so unnatural and uncomfortable. With yours.....I won't play without them!! Thanks so much for being so innovative!! ~Maureen M., Seattle, WA; SEP2021 [Pictured: d'Aigle Autoharp; Cascade1...not necessarily what Maureen plays, yet ALSO from Washington State] Pete d'Aigle is a MASTER at his craft!
Autoharp: “I won’t play without them!!”
5
I’m enjoying very much Ultimate Fingerpick, I really love it. Somebody had to invent it!
Andrew
I have been trying to figure out a pick that works for me for a couple of years. I have tried the Alaska Pics, which I liked best because of their tone, but they don't stay on, partly because I don't keep long enough nails. So, I super-glued a piece of elastic to hold them on. I have used other picks that fit over my fingers and are easier to use and less likely to come off...but the tone is harsh. And, they only seemed to work for strumming, not picking...at least for me. I tried making my own by using a felt pick which I sewed onto another "over the finger pick" by drilling small holes in the pick. As you see, finding a pick that works for me has been hard. Then, I saw the "Ultimate Finger Pick" I ordered some of the Generation One which immediately passed up any others that I have tried. I did need to file them way down, since I wanted to be able to pick and strum without taking it off. However, I found that when I filed them that low, I would catch the rubbery part on my strings. Most people would be fine if they don't file them down too short. But, then I tried the Ultimate Finger Pick 2nd generation [nail design].

And, I can't believe it! I finally found the perfect pick. I am so happy and excited. It is flexible and is easy to use without any accommodations, although they still can be modified to specific desires if wanted. I just can't tell you how excited I am. I am so thankful to Gus for designing this amazing pick.

Vicki

Halfway, Oregon
Vicki is LOVIN’ the 2nd gen nail design!
5
Gus; Thanks for the finger picks and the thumb pick! I have been playing around with them and there is a learning curve. I'm sure it will take me a little more time as I am not that good a guitar player, but the 2nd generation [nail] is great, as I can plant my fingers on the strings, and the stretch material has a much better feel. I had already sanded the first generation [nail] but have not tried the acrylic yet... [as soon as we are able to get out and about]. ~Kim M.
Learning Curve: 06APR2020
End-user

Dear Gus, You are a God send! I have not had a fingernail on my right hand index finger since a childhood accident at age 4. At the age of 12, I was "cursed" with guitar talent and wanted to play fingerstyle guitar (classical, folk, etc.). For years I would make my own "fingernail" with various materials but it was always inadequate. Now at age 70 I find your invention! I am elated beyond belief. I can now play classical guitar with the fingernail sound! God bless you! I would love to talk to you about my experiences. I can't wait for the 2nd gen large size. At first knuckle my sizes are index: 10, middle: 9, ring: 8. Thank you so much. Mark S. G. from Utah. May-2021

You are a God-send!

5
Hello again Gus,

My package of picks arrived today. I decided that, before I trimmed them to where I think they should be, I would try them as is, right out of the package. I won't say it was a mistake, but for my playing they needed some trimming. Not a surprise, there's a generous amount of material to play with. I trimmed & filed both first and second gen picks to approximate where I like my fingernail to be.

My first impression is WOW... just as I'd hoped, there's none of that rattle that I spoke of, from when the pick hits the vibrating string, with the resonating chamber effect from between the pick and the nail. The first gen pick has a much more dramatic attack on the strings, which is more than I like, but I suspect trimming it to shape a bit better, and possibly thinning the leading edge to give it a bit of flexibility, may address that; it's been a long day, so this is a tomorrow project... if I get to it. The second gen pick is pretty darn near perfect as trimmed, so I'm not sure when I'll get around to doing any more work on the first gen pick...

Both the first gen pick in Large size, and the second gen pick in Medium size, fit my ring size 10&1/2 just fine... the extra elasticity in the second gen pick works as described, no slit needed. It's always good to find a web-based product that actually works as described, when you get it in your hands.

I do have to get used to them, but I expected that. The good news is that I can tell right from the start that they'll work. I'm going to become a rolling advertisement for The Ultimate Fingerpick...

THANK YOU!!!

Paul
Clawhammer-style banjo player, Paul K. OCT2020
Greg H. weighs-in: I've been using Gen-1 UFPs for years now and I just got one of the Gen-2 picks which I like very much. The Gen-2 pick helps a lot, where the hard nail part covers the whole front under the nail where it contacts the strings. I used to have issues with the Gen-1 where the rubber under the nail would bind in the strings sometimes. Thank you for your picks. I couldn't play without them.
Greg H. has been using the picks for years!
5
If you are a charango player who can’t grow decent nails, you need to try these out. I’ve tried every other alternative, and this is the only one that works for me and works really well. Try both sizes. Note the instructions on slitting them if neither fits perfectly.
Ernest Murphy
Dear Gus,
Just wanted to let you know that I am very glad you invented these picks. I’m teaching myself lap steel guitar, and these picks are perfect for me. I am primarily a pianist, so I guard my fingertips at all times against stress, callous formation, soreness. These picks are just perfect for that, and also allow me to use my fingers on the lap steel with the same directionality as I would use my fingers on the piano. This is speeding up the learning process for the lap steel for me...because I am used to using all my digits from piano playing, I am using 4 fingers (one thumb pick & 3 fingers), reserving my pinkie for balance.

~Paula

[caption id="attachment_4694" align="alignnone" width="205"] the new "beak technology" incorporates two types of finger pick designs into one[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4921" align="alignnone" width="321"] Proof sheet, showing thumb pick, and the two nail types and different over-mold materials[/caption]
Paula S. – California [Pianist learning lap steel] SEP-2021
Love the picks! Pretty sure I’m wearing them backwards, but it’s working for me.

I’ve tried just about everything out there. These are the most comfortable and best sounding by far. ~Joe L., Massachusetts
Joe L., from Massachusetts, 25APR2022
I received the package yesterday. All present and correct.

I've tried them on, but not yet had time to play the banjo.

They are exactly what I needed, better than I imagined. It feels like my dodgy finger is whole again.

The 2^nd generation finger picks are what do it for me. Best when worn with the pick uppermost, when a more positive, hook like contact with the string produces a crisper tone, with much more volume.

The 1^st generation type would need a little dressing of the blade to suit my finger configuration, but I am eager to work on that.

The thumb pick is also top-notch. I will replace the existing pick with one of a heavier gauge. This is just a personal preference, not a criticism of the product.

As far as finger fit is concerned, I may need to cut an expansion slit, especially in the middle finger sleeve, to comfortably accommodate my sausage like appendages.

Roderick B. ----- Thailand; SEP2022
Roderick B., from Thailand, weighs in!
Great product, works amazing....Can't wait for the new design! :)
Nadia
5
Gus,

I just got the Ultimate Thumb pick and a set of three Ultimate Finger Picks, and wanted to give you my impression of them in the way of a review. I have pretty much [tried] every thumb and finger pick available. I saw a YouTube video on your product and thought I needed to add it to my collection. I was really pleased by what a great product this is. It far exceeded my expectations. Here are some unbiased pros and cons:

Ultimate Thumb Pick

Pros: I inserted my favorite pick (Blue Chip TD 40) into the pick pouch of your Ultimate Thumb Pick and it fit perfectly. Your thumb pick sleeve fits snug but does not cut off blood circulation. I was able to strum chords and play lead with my fingers free, not holding the pick. I was pleasantly surprised to be able to strum chords with upstrokes, without the pick twisting or loosening on my thumb. Up and down picking patterns for lead were a breeze as well. Of the dozens and dozens of different thumb picks I own, this is now my favorite.

Cons: The thumb pick feels like it is a medium size and it is a little snug. Not terrible, but I think the Large size will fit me better when it becomes available. I will be playing the one I have until the Large is available, and then I will order several.

Ultimate Finger Pick

Pros: I have the Large Clear ones that are first generation [nail design]. They fit perfectly and are by far the most comfortable finger picks I have. They slide on, stay put, and then come off when gently pulled from the top [or "rolled off"] - perfect fit. They do not cut off the blood supply to your fingers either. The nail design is genius. It is positioned exactly like a fingernail and is perfect for anyone used to playing with their nails. There is also the added benefit of being able to do [downward strumming] with them. Another pro is that you can shape them how you like, though the shape they come in is very usable (I may not change the shape of mine). I can change from an open hand finger picking to a closed hand where I have a grip on the pick in the thumb pick. It is a very natural grip and I can feel the pick between my index finger and my thumb (unlike plastic or metal finger picks). It’s like holding my pick in a natural way while wearing thin rubber gloves - sounds funny, but works great. I can get a lot of pick dynamics this way.

Cons: Seriously - None. My only complaint is that I like the next generation nail design, but it is not available yet in Large. When it is available, I will be ordering several sets.

As a final note in this review, money doesn’t lie and these were so good that I immediately bought another set. I will be ordering several Ultimate Thumb Picks in Large as soon as they are available. I will also be ordering several sets of the second generation nail Ultimate Finger Picks, in Large, as soon as they are available. They were nice enough to include a 20% discount coupon code in the package with my first order. I like this product and I want to support the development of them, so I chose NOT to use it on my second order. I want to support this product and hope to see them have the funds to continue to grow.

Don L.
Extensive Review; Don L.; 18MAR2020
End-user
[Referring to the original design, with neutral over-mold]: These finger picks are extremely comfortable and easy to use. They provide a greater degree of control over the strings of my auto harp than anything else I have ever used. The plastic nail at the end can be heated (hot water or hair dryer) and shaped to just the right angle for any player. Highly recommended for Autoharp players, and for any other stringed instrument player out there. ~Rex
Great for Autoharp players!
Chuck from Florida writes about the thumb pick: Hey Gus; I wanted to take the time to thank you for this product I'm probably not your target customer but I am more than happy to reap the benefits
I have been a flat picker for closing in on 50 years But having lived a working man's life I've developed nerve damage and The muscles in my strumming hand Have lost some of their fine motor control Long story short The Pick slips out of my hand or rotates while I'm playing But not anymore ! Thank you for taking the time to think up this ingenious little invention... I will be ordering A few more because I don't want to be without One Thanks Chuck
Chuck from Florida; NOV-2019
Mr. Gustafson, I have received and used the fingerpick I ordered and also the thumb pick you so generously added and I just wanted to tell you how flat-out tickled I am with both! The metal picks were my nemesis when playing a gig. Your fingerpick not only stopped the hanging-up, it also performs better on rhythm strumming. I always used a speed-pick thumb pick and hadn't planned on changing, but [your] thumb pick works even better for the way I play. ---Bobby B., from Mississippi, April 2022
2nd generation + thumb pick
I wanted to let you all know the last pick you sent is holding up well and has not shown any signs of breaking down and turning to gel. You may not remember but you sent another pick for me to try with a new type of "fingernail" on it. That pick does not work for me. I tried to get used to it, but I always come back to the old style. I appreciate y'all for coming up with your design. It has opened up a whole new world of picking for me.
Alan J. prefers the original design
Hello Gus, thanks for the super fast shipping! this pick is awesome!... I was a flat pick rock n roll player but I had a brain aneurysm then month and a half coma 14 years ago I’ve tried a few thumb picks but they never worked for me either slip too much and/or fall off..I have a heavy hand but this pick is a GOD-send... I played an hour i couldn't do that scene i been disabled... next month i'll but a few more!... may GOD bless you for many more years. ~Thomas
Thomas V – 2019