John Balch Music ~ Original Clawhammer Banjo

	PING PONG PICKS:
	Both of my CDs, Carry On John and ~HOT~ Biscuit Jam were recorded using picks homemade from ping pong balls. I find that these sound great. They are amazingly durable. I have had favorites that lasted several years. Here are instructions for you to make your own… Step 1. Cut the ping pong ball in half along the seam. (Ball and Half) Step 2. Trace pattern on thin paper. (PickPatternSmall) (Paper Pattern) Step 3. Transfer pattern to ball half and cut with small scissors. (Paper Pattern) Step 4. Create a Master Pattern from one ball half. (Master Pattern) Step 5. Use the Master Pattern to trace outline for additional picks. (Trace) Step 6. Wrap the pick around your finger and secure with tape. (Pick 4) Step 7. Trim to the desired final shape with fingernail clippers and/or file. (Pick) Make several picks to allow for experimentation. Try modifying the final shape with fingernail clippers and files. Trim the pick just as you would your natural nail.
	ACRI PICKS: At a Banjo Workshop in Mountain View, AR, I observed Clarke Buehling playing clawhammer and minstrel stroke styles using a brass pick. Clarke revealed that he has long used modified ACRI picks. They sound great and work well with nylon or steel strings. I have now adopted this type of pick and am well pleased with the results. The ACRI pick was developed for dobro or steel guitar (Acri Unmodified). It is made of brass. The ACRI is a good bit heavier than a standard bluegrass banjo pick. It is also larger and more comfortable. Order ACRI picks from Zekes on the Square in Mountain View, AR if your local stores don’t supply them: http://www.zekesmusic.com/index.html The basic modifications are as follows:
	Step 1.	Shorten the blade to the desired length (Acri Compare). To do so, I simply grasp the point of the pick with ViceGrips pliers and cut with a hacksaw.
	Step 2.	Use extremely fine (600) grit sandpaper to polish the re-shaped tip to a very smooth surface and edge. (Acri Compare 2)
	Step 3.	Using pliers, flatten the back of the pick and shape the wings to fit comfortably when worn (backwards) for clawhammer. (Flatten)
	Step 4.	Adjust for comfort and fit. (Fit)

johndbalch@hotmail.com
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