Let's Go To The Letters...

 

Well, e-mails.

I ordered some guitar picks of a different style: they have "a wing" on them, presumably to allow for a better grip on them.  Old hands, a bit of arthritis; looking for a solution to ease my grip.

I have discussed picks here over the years.  In my younger years, I bought guitar picks by the box or "fist-ful."  It used to be Wabash Blue.  For decades.  I needed them by the fist-ful because I dropped them or broke them.  They were cheap.

Over time, I moved up in pick thickness.  And in the last 10 years or so, I discovered "boutique" picks: made by hand, beveled, and out of "space age" materials... they don't break or wear out.  And, I don't lose them, because they are expensive.  How expensive?  Thanks for asking - $20 to $35.  Sometimes I get 'em on sale.  A few of them were given to me in exchange for marketing ideas.  I pretty much have a particular pick (shape, size, material) that I like best with each of my guitars.  I keep each one on the guitar strings...

 

What does any of this have to do with e-mails?  Good question.  The guy that owns the company that makes the picks I just ordered sent me an e-mail, asking what my preference is for size and shape.  And also asked what my grip is like and how do I hold the pick in relation to the strings?  He suggested I send him a photo or two.

I had to get a guitar down and look at my grip and the pick in relation to the strings.  Never thought about it before.  I had Joan take a couple photos...

 I guess I would describe my grip as "thumb parallel to the strings."  But, really, is there any other way?  Or maybe I've just been doing this so long that I can't imagine any other way?

So, I sent the photos to my new friend, Marc.  We'll see what he has to say about this.  Oh, and the picks... 

 

Those black bits on the edges are raised, allowing for a better grip.  Probably.  We'll see.

You said, "E-mails"... as in plural.  On any typical day, I get a couple dozen e-mails, not including spam.  Another one that caught my eye was from Shady Ray's - the company that makes sun glasses.  Did you know that today was "National Sun Glasses Day"?  Me, neither.  How did I miss that?  Seems I just barely got my Juneteenth Day cards out and now I find I missed getting Happy Sunglasses Day cards out.  ;-)

 I'm beginning to suspect that this may be a made-up holiday being promoted by "Big Sunglasses" just to sell more sunglasses to a gullible public.  (tongue firmly inserted in cheek)  For the record, I am not in dire need for more sunglasses... but, I do like the selection offered by Shady Ray's.  I'm also beginning to think that Ray isn't necessarily "shady," but that reference might be in regards for what the sunglasses do for your eyes.  Hmmmmm.

Other e-mails were from my close friends at Lectric (the ebike company), Emerald (the carbon fiber guitar makers), and various other businesses who have concerns for my interests.  I appreciate that they are thinking about me.  And taking the time to send me personal notes.  ;-)