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(re)sharpening picks

Discussion in 'Accessories [BG]' started by Hypocrite, Jun 19, 2019.

  1. Jun 19, 2019 #1
    Hypocrite

    Hypocrite

    Jun 3, 2009
    Aalborg , Denmark
    I've been using Dunlop T3's for a while now because I prefer the attack of a sharp pick, but they always go dull fairly quickly. I've tried filing them, carving with knives, cutting with scissors, and just end up breaking them.

    Turns out all you need to do to sharpen your picks is drag them across the carpet a couple of times! Not only does it resharpen sharp picks, but it sharpens normal rounded picks as well!

    So far I've only confirmed it works on Tortex, not Ultex or nylon.

    For reference, the two purple picks were completely normal, rounded picks. I dragged them across the carpet three times each side, and bam.
    20190619_160252.jpg
     
    Beej, lifer_ and Riff Ranger like this.
  2. Jun 19, 2019 #2
    Kriegs

    Kriegs

    Feb 14, 2018
    lifer_ and Monterey Bay-ss like this.
  3. Jun 19, 2019 #3
    Hypocrite

    Hypocrite

    Jun 3, 2009
    Aalborg , Denmark
    Kriegs likes this.
  4. Jun 19, 2019 #4
    zombywoof5050

    zombywoof5050

    Dec 20, 2001
    It's no wonder they wear so easily.
     
    Killed_by_Death likes this.
  5. Sep 21, 2020 #5
    ZedLepp

    ZedLepp

    May 12, 2013
    This is one of the main reasons why I use the Tortex picks. I also like the way they flex.
     
  6. Sep 21, 2020 #6
    JimmyM

    JimmyM Supporting Member

    Apr 11, 2005
    Apopka, FL
    Endorsing: Yamaha, Ampeg, Line 6, EMG
    I used to do that when I was using Fender picks, but I never tried it when I switched to Dunlop Max Grips, which are nylon. It actually does work on them, although you have to do it more than once.
     
  7. Sep 24, 2020 #7
    vindibona1

    vindibona1

    Apr 18, 2015
    Peoples Republic of Cook County Illinois
    I just use a fine grit finger nail file... But I should point out that I rarely if ever use picks on bass. Only guitar. I like to keep them silky smooth and often put speed bevels on them.
     
  8. Sep 25, 2020 #8
    MobileHolmes

    MobileHolmes I used to be BassoP

    Nov 4, 2006
    Iowa
    I'd guess that you could do it on your jeans too
     
  9. Sep 25, 2020 #9
    Seashore

    Seashore

    Jun 2, 2019
    I tried sharpening my picks years ago but it doesn't really work for me. If they're too short, it doesn't make a difference to me whether they're sharp or not. I do a lot of tremolo picking on guitar (orange Tortex) and I can easily go through two picks at a rehearsal or recording session. With bass I use thicker picks (yellow Tortex), tend to strike the strings flat rather than with the edge at an angle, and don't tremolo pick, and they last me a lot longer.