Landis Finger Picks

Melody Freeman · Post by **Melody Freeman** » 2 Dec 2024 9:20 am

Hi, I have emailed Landis Studios and I have not heard back from them. Also, I have called the number for Landis Studios and it is discontinued. Does anyone know if the Landis Finger Picks are still being made? I was interested in some finger picks that have a hemispherical blade to cover whatever angle is being played. Thank you!

Larry Allen · Post by **Larry Allen** » 2 Dec 2024 11:55 am

Aloha Melody, having tried ALL the picks since the 50’s I have found these ACRIs to be the most comfortable ..I use their SS for steel and Brass for Chet guitars and Dobro also no pick noise…Larry

Melody Freeman · Post by **Melody Freeman** » 2 Dec 2024 6:08 pm

Larry, thank you for the information!

Larry Allen · Post by **Larry Allen** » 2 Dec 2024 6:26 pm

I get them from Banjop Ben..$13/pair.. different sizes and materials, very comfortable, don’t come off ..

Melody Freeman · Post by **Melody Freeman** » 2 Dec 2024 6:29 pm

Ok, thanks Larry!

Bill Sinclair · Post by **Bill Sinclair** » 3 Dec 2024 7:44 am

Melody Freeman wrote: Does anyone know if the Landis Finger Picks are still being made?

Looks like he was posting on his Facebook page as recently as September. Hope everything's okay. Love my Landis picks!

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 3 Dec 2024 8:23 am

I see FB posts from late November. His website is up and running.

https://www.landisstudios.com/finger-picks

Melody Freeman · Post by **Melody Freeman** » 3 Dec 2024 9:27 pm

Thank you Bill and Richard. I went to Facebook and was able to get in contact with him. I’m thinking about purchasing the finger picks. Bill, what are the things that you like about the them?

Tom Jordan · Post by **Tom Jordan** » 4 Dec 2024 6:15 am

Melody,

I have been using the hemispherical picks for about two years now and really like them. They are heavier than the usual picks and that takes a small amount of time to get used to but give them a chance because the sound is good.

It took some back and forth with some "round jeweler long nose pliers" to get the shape right but I haven't had to to change them once adjusted. The jeweler pliers leave no marks on the silver.

The thumb pick is finally shaped (I have a weird shaped thumb?) but I must get my thumb wet for it to "stick" If I put it on dry it wont stay in place. Good excuse to keep a full shot glass at the steel

I keep a nylon thumb pick handy as a backup.

Tom

Scott Swartz · Post by **Scott Swartz** » 4 Dec 2024 6:49 am

I agree they are heavier, its noticeable if you switch back and forth but after a couple minutes I do not notice that at all.

What I do notice is the fatter tone from the mass and hemisphercal shape creating a wide contact point on the string.

My pick blades are relatively straight and extended with the 45 degree or high hand angle to the strings ala Emmons or as Jeff Newman taught, and and I think they are especially applicable for that situation.

With extended blades the string strike to me is more like what is called a free stroke in classical guitar speak, whereas if the picks are bent close to the fingertip that is more like a rest stroke, which is a more downward strike. Point being the free stroke tone is assisted by the mass and design of these picks, or thats my theory.

The gripper teeth really works to hold them on also.

Melody Freeman · Post by **Melody Freeman** » 4 Dec 2024 9:34 am

Tom Jordan and Scott Swartz, I appreciate the info! Does the weight of the finger picks tend to slow a person’s speed of playing notes fast? Do the finger picks have a warm tone? Do they make pick noise? Thank you so much!

Tom Jordan · Post by **Tom Jordan** » 4 Dec 2024 7:33 pm

Melody,

After a few hours of playing with them you'll forget all about wearing them; they don't slow you down at all.

As to the question on whether or not they make noise is pretty subjective. I can't really tell if they make more noise than other picks or not. That takes practice to pick quietly ( and volume

) If I was hearing unreasonable pick noises coming from my guitar I would check for a microphonic pick up

Get the picks.

Tom

Scott Swartz · Post by **Scott Swartz** » 5 Dec 2024 6:51 am

I find no difference in playing speed it just feels a bit different for a few minutes.

Pick noise seems to be a bit better to me due to the mass and reliable contact area from the hemispherical design. On Dunlops I was always bending a similar hemispherical shape, I bought several specially shaped pliers to do this but Landis can do this accurately with a press. I do still have to bend some overall blade angle on the Landis picks to get them exactly how I want them to contact the string, and really that should be done with any pick I would say.

If I switch back and forth the tone is fatter with the Landis picks, I recently forgot to pack them for a gig and used the backup Dunlops in my steel seat, and had to lower the treble on my amp a bit. Also I would say there seems to be more fundamental vs overtones in the Landis tone to me, likely due to the contact area.

Possibly the fact the teeth hold them so securely on your fingertips could be part of the tone also. They definitely do not move.

Melody Freeman · Post by **Melody Freeman** » 7 Dec 2024 3:03 pm

Tom and Scott, thank you so much for the info! I just ordered the Landis Finger Picks and will be looking forward to trying those out!

Joseph Lazo · Post by **Joseph Lazo** » 18 Dec 2024 5:35 pm

I wasn't aware of Landis picks until seeing this thread. The hemispheric design seems like it would address one of my biggest issues with fingerpicks.

I'm so used to playing "guitar" with my fingers, and having my fingers angled about 45-degrees on the strings, that forcing myself to play steel with my hand at a right angle to the strings feels next to impossible. Would the hemispheric design allow me to position my hand/fingers at a 45 degree angle?

I looked at the Landis page and only see fancy design picks. Anyone know if you can order picks without the cool engraving?

EDIT: OK, took another look and I guess the most basic pick is the "Classic" with the gripper teeth. Not sure I'd get along with those, though.

Melody Freeman · Post by **Melody Freeman** » 18 Dec 2024 6:30 pm

Joseph, I haven’t received my Landis Finger Picks yet. They are supposed to arrive next week. There are several blade choices for the Landis Picks. The Landis blade are the ones that are hemispheric. Yes, you can get them without having your initials engraved on them.

Melody Freeman · Post by **Melody Freeman** » 25 Dec 2024 7:51 pm

I received my new Landis Finger Picks. They produce a warm tone, and I really like them! The “gripper teeth” on the finger picks help, as they stay put. I’m going to order a Landis Thumb Pick.

Jeffery Mercer · Post by **Jeffery Mercer** » 28 Dec 2024 12:09 pm

(Re-phrased my question) Does anyone have some positive thoughts or testimonies they can share of the quality and or ease of use concerning the Landis Finger Picks? If so, Would you Please share…
I’ve heard they are a very thick fingerpick…and was wondering about the sound one gets by using them?
Thanks,
Jeffery from Cleveland

Bill Sinclair · Post by **Bill Sinclair** » 29 Dec 2024 10:26 am

Jeffery Mercer wrote:Does anyone else think that Landis Finger Picks are actually more of a Novelty than anything else?
They are a very thick fingerpick…
Thanks,
Jeffery from Cleveland

Sounds like they're just not the right pick for you and I'm sure there are others that would share your opinion. But no, I wouldn't call them a novelty. The finger grip design is the best I've encountered and the thickness doesn't put me off. As far as the "novelty" aspect, they do happen to be very attractive!

Tom Jordan · Post by **Tom Jordan** » 29 Dec 2024 3:54 pm

I would replace mine if lost. I play out frequently and realy enjoy the Landis picks. They stay on my fingers well, too.

Tom Jordan

Tony Rankin · Post by **Tony Rankin** » 4 Jan 2025 1:39 pm

I too am trying to reach him.

Jeffery Mercer · Post by **Jeffery Mercer** » 4 Jan 2025 2:13 pm

I’m definitely going to purchase a set! I did not mean any dis-respect, I actually wanted to hear some testimonials from ppl. Who’ve tried them! I think there beautiful picks though.
Thanks guys for your testimony!
Jeffery

Larry Dering · Post by **Larry Dering** » 4 Jan 2025 9:07 pm

I have a set of his fingerpicks and seldom use them. I can play them after a bit but the band size is much smaller than my Dunlop or Nationals. That makes it feel odd to my hands. As far as tone, not much difference.

David Ball · Post by **David Ball** » 7 Jan 2025 1:52 pm

I've had a couple of his wrap around thumb picks for a long time and really like them. I've been using Hoffmeyer fingerpicks which I also love.

I got a set of Landis fingerpicks in today's mail. I got the "Landis" shaped blades. They're a little bit harder than regular metal picks to shape--the metal is thicker and is very stiff, but once you get em to shape, they stay there.

So far, I'm very happy with them. I don't know that I notice a lot of difference in tone between them and the Hoffmeyers I've been using, but there is noticeably less pick noise--the main thing I was hoping to accomplish with them. They definitely stay put, and I don't have to wear them at an angle to accomodate my picking grip which is a definite plus. And they are quite attractive!

Dave

Melody Freeman · Post by **Melody Freeman** » 19 Apr 2025 9:21 am

Hi! I bought some Landis Picks in December, and I just love them! I wanted to order some spares, but when I go to order them, they are available, but then they are out of stock if you try to use the engraved option. Also, it doesn’t have the option of having the finger picks sized. The thumb picks can be sized though. He had cut the finger picks to the size for me without the overlap on the finger picks, and that is more important to me than the engraving option. I’ve tried calling and his number is discontinued, I have emailed him plus I have filled out his email option in his website, and I have messaged him. The only reply I got from him is to order from the online store. Is he doing ok? Anyone have any advice?

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