In late January 2026, we first reported that a collaboration between US-based company ToneSlabs and Prucha Banjos from the Czech Republic had produced a new thumbpick. Now available for purchase on the ToneSlabs website, I received my pre-order this week and had a chance to take it for a spin.
I first heard about the new thumbpicks from friends who had attended the annual Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA) convention in Nashville, Tennessee. David Welch and Frank Solivan of ToneSlabs had taken a few examples of their thumbpicks to show off at the indoor festival, with the promise that their new products would be available and on the retail market soon. They are made by attaching a blade made by ToneSlabs to a stainless steel band that wraps around the thumb.
Upon hearing good news from a few musician friends who were on site to see and try the new thumbpicks, I quickly submitted a pre-order. I had placed the order on Wednesday, January 28 and received the pick this past Tuesday, April 7.
Although two models were available to pre-order, I chose the “Crowe Claw” model instead of the more abbreviated tip “Earl Stubbs.” The “Crowe Claw” is shaped like a brand new plastic National thumbpick that would’ve been available to players decades ago. The “Earl Stubbs” is manufactured to replicate one of those picks that has been filed or worn down due to extensive use. Thumbpicks that were known to have been previously used by famous banjo players like Earl Scruggs and Sonny Osborne were examined and used to create the “Earl Stubbs.”
First off, the stainless steel band is very comfortable. The inside has been sandblasted and that seems to keep the thumbpick from sliding around, or worse yet, trying to turn on your thumb. Furthermore, the folks at Prucha who make the bands have figured out how to get the band to apply the right amount of pressure without feeling like it is squeezing too tight. The blade of the pick is made of Torlon material from ToneSlabs and is riveted to the band.
The blade has an extremely smooth bevel and glides across the strings effortlessly. It produces a very smooth, even tone with plenty of volume and note separation. There seems to be no pick noise whatsoever!
Best of all, the “Crowe Claw” feels like an old familiar friend as soon as you put it on. There’s no wear-in period or awkwardness like other picks I’ve used in the past. If you like the Nationals of yesteryear, or are simply searching for a comfortable pick to use, be sure to check it out. I doubt you’ll be disappointed.
The picks are available for purchase directly from ToneSlabs, listed on their website.
