Lost Plectrum

Subject: Lost Plectrum
From: GUEST,Andrew
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 07:10 AM

I was at a folk club last year, can't remember which one or where it was, but I was the bloke who played an acoustic guitar. I have only now just realised that I must have dropped my plectrum there, because I can't find it and I've searched high and low. Does anybody know if a plectrum was handed in at their club? I can't remember what colour it was. I don't really want to have to fork out the money for a new one, so I would be grateful if people in could check out the dusty corners of their clubs and down the back of the upholtery for my plectrum.

Cheers

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: open mike
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 07:30 AM

shake your guitar..maybe it's in there...good luck getting it out...

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Brian Peters
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 07:33 AM

There are special elves that steal plectrums, same as for biro pens. I doubt you'll see your old friend again.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: GUEST,Tom Bliss
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 07:39 AM

There is also a special elf who swaps the buttons on my concertina around while I'm playing it.

I found a plectrum at a folk club once. I'd return it to you but I've lost it.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Paul Reade
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 07:41 AM

You could write a tune or song about it - after all Beethoven did something similar once with Rage Over a Lost Penny

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: theleveller
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 07:44 AM

It'll be in your waistcoat pocket. It's always in your waistcoat pocket.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 07:57 AM

It's what that little pocket inside the right front pocket on your jeans is for.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: MikeL2
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 08:01 AM

hi

I found a plectrum but I sold it on Ebay.

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: treewind
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 08:07 AM

Down the back of your sofa, of course.
Failing that, it will turn up the day you buy a new one.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 08:17 AM

You must have played the famous "Faded Memories Folk Club" located on 457 Nowhere Close im Alzheim DSIS...

Hope you`ll be able to recover it before your next gig which will take place in about another year, am I right?

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Hamish
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 08:52 AM

I have an infallible method for avoiding this problem. Buy a pack of twelve (plectrums, of course. Don't be silly). Since I did that, I've never needed them.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: GUEST,Uncle Rumpo
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 09:10 AM

I usually find long lost plectrums several months later
wedged tightly under the fluff and sticky oozing debris
between the folds of flab concealing my belly button..

I suggest that should be the first place any other lardy middle aged or older
guitar players should look
for small missing musical equipment items.

..or check the folds of fat under what used to be your buttocks
in case you sat on it....

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Mr Red
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 09:13 AM

pay for them by credit card, and you can use the credit card instead in the interim while they are arriving in the post.

As a non guitarist I have a collection of collected plectrums, here take your pick.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Cap't Bob
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 09:19 AM

Remove the front panel on your clothes dryer and check inside. It takes a while however when all else fails that where I usually find mine.
Cap't Bob

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 09:34 AM

Plectrums?
or plectra?

Nigel
Tongue firmly in cheek!

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Darowyn
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 09:41 AM

Hamish is right. That method works, and the more plectra/plectrums (depends whether you are Greek or not) you buy, the fewer you lose.
I once bought six at a bargain price at an auction, and then discovered I'd bought six dozen.
Now that I have 72 of them, I'm confident that even my Grandsons will always have one, even on to the third and fourth generation.
I wonder if there'll still be guitars in those days...
They'll still be arguing about the definition of folk for sure!
Cheers,
Dave
PS If you are Clive Gregson, and lost your plectrum at Biddulph. I've got it- taped inside the "Mischief" LP sleeve.
D

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Bernard
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 09:51 AM

Aah... 'the bloke who played an acoustic guitar'... that narrows it down a bit... but the plectrum I found was multicoloured, so it couldn't have been that one!

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Raggytash
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 10:02 AM

It's a well known fact that lost plectrums transmogrify into wire coat hangers, I've bought dozens of plectrums over the years and lost most, I've never bought a wire hanger and have dozens of the damned things, maybe there's a wizard or which somewhere who can reverse the process

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Raggytash
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 10:03 AM

Which ??? That should read WITCH

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: matt milton
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 10:05 AM

I stole it from you. I had coveted it jealously from the moment you entered the club. I bided my time, waiting until you'd finished performing, had a few drinks and let your guard down then, quick as a flash, lifted it from the headstock where you'd left it wedged between the top two strings.

You can have it back for 500 quid.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 10:17 AM

It was a tortoiseshell plectrum wasn't it?
I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to come in and help us with our enquiries.
Tortoises are an endangered species, and consequently possession of plectra or picks made from tortoiseshell is illegal.

So please turn yourself in and save us the trouble of having to come over here.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: GUEST,Ian Gill
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 11:13 AM

Learn to fingerpick but don't play in any of the sessions around the Black Country or you'll be counting your fingers on the way home...

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 11:18 AM

I think I've got it, I've got fecking hundreds of 'em, people give me them, even total strangers stop me in the street and say ' I've found this it must be yours '

So send me your address Andrew and I'll send you one, or a cheque for 40 pence to buy a new one.

Dave H

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 11:35 AM

I found it, Andrew. It was in the gravel of the parking lot of a Mexican restaurant on Interstate 70 east of Kansas City. I'm sorry to say that it was badly scratched and a little warped by the time I found it.

We don't call it a plectrum, we call it a pick. (Plural is picks or picki.)

I happened to be talking to a truckful of women friends at the time. I gave it to the driver and said, "If you get stopped in Raytown, this will see you through." She accepted it with a smile.

I don't know why I specifically mentioned Raytown. The same would apply in any town in Kansas or Missouri.

The bad news is that you are simply going to have to buy another pick.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Zen
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 11:39 AM

Here's a good way of ensuring you never lose one again (tax and shipping not included).

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Ebbie
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 11:43 AM

hahahhahah What a way to start a good day.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: theleveller
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 11:44 AM

I've got a lovely little pink one. Mrsleveller sometimes plays with it as well.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Acorn4
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 12:31 PM

The Law of Plectrums

Whatever colour your plectrum is, the carpet on which you drop it will be the same colour -this includes bright orange!

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Ebbie
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 12:42 PM

I once had a tortoiseshell plectrum. I felt guilty about it-and I suspect led to my losing it. Within three weeks it was gone. It is possible, of course that I had nothing to do with its disappearance; it may have taken that long for the tortoise to get out of sight.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: GUEST,Songbob
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 12:45 PM

"It's a well known fact that lost plectrums transmogrify into wire coat hangers, I've bought dozens of plectrums over the years and lost most, I've never bought a wire hanger and have dozens of the damned things, maybe there's a wizard or which somewhere who can reverse the process."

I remember a sci-fi short story where the next step in the process took place -- a couple of guys who made bicycles discovered a bike they hadn't made among their inventory, and realized that the mass of coat-hangers they used to have had been reduced. They replaced the hangers and within a fortnight or so had yet another bicycle. They turned this into a business plan, and ascribed it to alien life of some sort.

My problem with plectra (flat-picks) is that I use different kinds for different instruments. Basic Fender mediums for guitars, but bone or tortoise-shell for mandolins. I don't like tortoise for guitar, and ditto using plastic on mandos. I prefer brightly-colored plastic for guitars, too, so they show up on most floors, but tortoise-shell is tortoise-shell, so I'm very careful when I have one of the mandolins out, as I really don't want to lose one of the "real" ones.

The ban on real tortoise-shell is a ban on selling them, so I can keep and use the few I have (bought at the Des Moines Music Shop in 1964!) but can't replace broken or lost ones. I do have some buffalo-horn or bone ones (from Viet Nam via eBay), but tortoise is the shiznit for that kind of pick.

Bob

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 01:56 PM

I went across the folk club,
And Andrew was a sleep?
I put it to you.
I went across the folk club.
and Andrew was asleep.
I went across the folk club ,
Andrew was asleep.
I nicked his pick,
He was in trouble deep. (Well for strumming anyway.

It takes a worried Man.
Too nick poor Andrews Pick.
It takes a worried man
to nick poor Andrews pick.
It takes a worried man.
Too nick poor Andrews pick
The culprits a Pick in hand.
And Andrews one pick short........ and sick,.

Twenty one nicked picks
lying in my tin.
twenty one nicked picks laying in my tin.
Twenty one nicked picks lying in my tin
and on each pick are the initials of my name.

Asked the judge what would be my time.
I asked the judge what would be my time
I asked the judge what would be my time.
a shovel and a pick?
on the rocky mountain high.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: GUEST,Bardan
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 02:13 PM

Are there any physicists/engineers out there who can explain why plectra go into guitars and even mandolins so easily and are still so hard to remove again? Is there some strange force of attraction at work?

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 02:16 PM

It depends on how badly your playing sucks, Bardan. I usually lose one into my guitar every time I play.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 02:28 PM

Whatever you do, when you're fiddling about in your pocket, DO NOT say "I'm looking for my pick"!

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 02:36 PM

I bet is was a female plectra and it was in heat... The girl ones are highly attracted to

the male of the species

Note the bright attractive colours not to mention the .... eerrrr equimpment.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: GUEST,Andrew
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 02:47 PM

Thanks for your help. my wife has promised me a new one for my birthday. By the way the wire coat hangers make good harmonica holders or even microphone holders.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Cool Beans
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 03:50 PM

I knew a guy once who couldn't find his plectrum with both hands and a flashlight.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: open mike
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 04:00 PM

here is one solution
http://www.amazon.com/Profile-Digital-Holder-AMS-PT-500-SL/dp/B001JVLH6K

don't get this one if you lose 'em
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Golden-Touch-14k-Gold-Pick?sku=110211

this one is a bit more reasonable
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Golden-Touch-Sterling-Silver-Pick?sku=110210

this is the best solution yet
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Dunlop-Ergo-Pickholder?sku=420187

or this
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Planet-Waves-Pick-Holder-with-LED-Light?sku=425314

or this (if you can find a pick to put in it)
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Dunlop-Microphone-Stand-Pick-Holder?sku=429002

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Betsy
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 04:42 PM

Maybe Sir Paul McCartney was going through the same problem when he wrote Hey Jude

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: John Hardly
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 04:51 PM

Check table 17. I think it's wedged under the Southwest leg, leveling the table.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: paula t
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 04:54 PM

Andrew,
As a mum, I'm well experienced in the field of lost small objects. Having worked my way up from Barbie shoes and Barbie coathangers, through Polly Pocket figures and, in recent years, school bus passes, I'm now qualified to speak about this .I recently graduated to thumbpicks and the occasional plectrum - with an additional, "short notice , someone must have moved it," qualification ("I need it now and I'm sure I put it away!").

Try washing all your pairs of jeans. I can guarantee that as soon as you take them out of the tumble dryer you'll find them in a pocket.....along with your lost tissues, raffle tickets, ten pound notes................

Failing that, ask the Capo Fairy (often found in our house),Sock Fairy, the TV Remote Fairy or the Unable To Switch Lights Off Fairy . They are found in most homes and I think they co-habit.


Let this be a lesson to you! Put them in a safe place in the future.
I'm sure that the Lakeland store MUST have a special plastic container (plectrum shaped of course) to keep plectrums in. You'll probably find them on the shelves with their famous banana shaped banana cases and digestive biscuit cases (which hold 2 biscuits, so I'm told).

Hope this is helpful,

Paula

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 06:01 PM

...actually plectrums, rather like paper clips, drawing pins and biros, are in public ownership and travel round from owner to owner as the need arises...sometimes they stay with one individual who treats them well and invite others to join them. Sometimes they are feel neglected or ill used and thus wander on to someone else. Clearly Andrew, if you have lost a plectrum, it has simply wandered off to find a better home....

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Tangledwood
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 06:57 PM

Basic Fender mediums for guitars, but bone or tortoise-shell for mandolins.

Please consider your fellow musicians. Tortoises serve a much higher purpose than being disembled for use as picks. Reference

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Tig
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 06:57 PM

Take heart Andrew - it may come back yet!

The Badger played at The Globe, Guisborough when he was at uni and lost one of his plecs. 30 years later we returned to the pub to help out and whilst cleaning behind the pipes in the lounge what should turn up but a lonely little plectrum.

He couldn't swear it was his but it was the sort he'd always used by choice! :-)

I also do a line of 'Glow in the Dark' plectrum jewellery (on chains, earrings or bracelets) for those who have a habit of dropping plecs in dark places. They really DO glow a greeny colour and are medium weight. PM me if you want to know more.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Tangledwood
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 07:01 PM

Disembled? ahem . . . try disassembled.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Don Firth
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 07:20 PM

Didn't Stephen King write a novel about this?

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 07:41 PM

Here is my answer to making things visible:

hot hot hot!

A small piece, applied to an item, makes it visible and distinctively mine.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 08:12 PM

Wheres this thread going?
what a Palaver,
Everyones getting rather picky.

"Plectrum was a Roman Emperor? Plectrum The 111rd

Ye Ignorant pups ?
Did they not teach you nothing at School,
Your school teacher was a Ass and your head master was a mule. and your dinner lady was a More-lock from H.g. Wells
"The time Machine. I was a More-lock once?

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Declan
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 09:04 PM

I agree with Richard about the pocket in the jeans.

I call it my pick pocket.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Rusty Dobro
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 06:21 AM

I take my little chums along to the vet and have them micro chipped. Then, whatever part of the country they may roam to, I can always go and collect them. (Floods of happy tears on those occasions, as you can imagine!)

I have individual names for every single one of 'em, but all the same: 'Gibson medium'. They seem to know which one I'm talking to, though.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 06:28 AM

Good one, Declan!

Rusty, I can see where micro-chipping and cross-country trips to retrieve lost picks could get a little expensive. But we all know that if a certain pick is a favorite, then it's worth it.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 12:38 PM

Andrew, I'm telling you this before Art Thieme jumps in...
There was a folk group called the Teddy Bears, who after they had finished a gig noticed that there plectrums had all vanished.

They searched high and low, but no luck.
Someone, possibly the bartender, suggested that they had been stolen.

So - that was the day the Teddy Bears had their picks nicked....

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Darowyn
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 01:19 PM

We've got a tortoiseshell cat.
Is that protected too?
Even if not, it would still be a brave man or woman who tried to make her into a plectrum!
Cheers
Dave

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 01:38 PM

Oh God, I am so ashamed.
I used 'there' instead of "their".
What was I thinking?
Forgive me. Forgive me.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Don Firth
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 01:38 PM

Most guys either have, or are looking for, a wife or girl friend.

But a guitarist has his pick.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: gnu
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 02:52 PM

Is that because they know how to strum?

Yes, I understand that, but couldn't resist.

Many moons ago, I was at a backwoods (I am talkin 30 miles from electricity) gravel pit up ta Kent County, New Brunswick, Canada. Musta bin 30 geetars and mandies. No pick and nobody had a spare. Since I had a Ford pickup truck, I had a pair of tin snips in the tool box and made a pick from a Frisbee. Worked okay. And, it was a "Glow-in-the-Dark" Frisbee, so the stoners were really impressed.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: gnu
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 03:00 PM

Thread drift... re getting a pick out of a guitar or...

In August 2007, Beer (Adrien) stopped over at my place whilst on vacation and played my Seagull, which had gathered dust for some three years (wrist injury) and was in still in perfect tune. A while later, I picked it up to try to play a wee bit. Odd noise. After several shakes, out fell the moisture absorbing silica packet which had been inside that guitar since the day I had bought it about five years before. I had a good laugh over that!

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Paul Reade
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 03:59 PM

Surprising what ends up in guitars.

I remember an occasion with two friends - one playing the guitar, the other eating fish and chips. "Chuck us a chip" said the guitarist. The chip eater obliged, but the guitarist missed the catch and the chip fell into the sound hole. We had a hell of a job getting it out and his guitar smelled of vinegar for several days!

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Betsy
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 07:59 PM

Great thread - everyone is being pleasant and trying to put a nice slant on it .

Maybe I'm going to try singing "Oh Geordie's lost his plectrum, Oh Geordie's lost his plectrum ...........
Guddonya

Cheers Betsy

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Tootler
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 08:42 PM

I found it but as I don't play guitar, I used it in one of those supermarket trolleys that need a pound coin to release them. I keep it in my pocket so I can use it again as I really resent having a pound coin out of circulation while I am in the supermarket.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Genie
Date: 19 Mar 10 - 02:51 PM

"Plectrum? Damn near killed 'im!"

Actually the correct plural (to refer to all the little buggers that get lost and hang out together under the sofa cushions) is "plectra."
I know.   I saw it a crossword puzzle just the other day.

Seamus, kudos (which, BTW, is singular) to you on penning such a groan-worthy Bears parody!

Andrew, I think I have found your lost plectrum.   I'll be glad to send it back to you free (you just pay shipping and handling of $7.95) if you can provide a full description (notarized, of course).

But, hey.   When I do use a flat pick, I prefer the Herco ones, which are like a thumb pick with a wide flat picking surface.   When they're not in use, I clip them onto my earlobes. If they go with my outfit, they make nice accessories.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Les from Hull
Date: 19 Mar 10 - 03:02 PM

There's a guy in Nigeria says he's found it. Now if you'll just send him your bank details...

Seriously, have you never considered a pick holder. I've not lost a pick since I've had one.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: gnu
Date: 19 Mar 10 - 03:10 PM

Hiring pick holders... do they work by the hour or by the gig? Meals? Drinks? Travel? How do I know I am hiring a pro?... have they a professional society so I can verify their membership and standing?

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Raggytash
Date: 19 Mar 10 - 06:12 PM

!!!! Sorted !!!!! Learn to fingerpick !!!! You'll never need a plectrum again

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: GUEST,crazy little woman
Date: 19 Mar 10 - 10:45 PM

I thought I'd found it for you, Andrew, but it was a left-handed pick. Do you play left-handed by any chance?

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: GUEST,andrew
Date: 20 Mar 10 - 04:36 AM

It may have been a leftie adapted for right hand use!

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Tangledwood
Date: 20 Mar 10 - 04:56 AM

I found it but as I don't play guitar, I used it in one of those supermarket trolleys that need a pound coin to release them. I keep it in my pocket so I can use it again as I really resent having a pound coin out of circulation while I am in the supermarket.

Great idea! Can you recommend a type? I hear those Blue Chip picks are pretty good.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 20 Mar 10 - 08:02 AM

re Gnu's post

There is a society

Plectrum
Institute o
Conservators &
Keepers

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 20 Mar 10 - 08:07 PM

If it was one of those big triangular ones shaped like a taco... I'm sorry but I was really hungry and it was a genuine mistake... not too bad with the chilli sauce...

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Tootler
Date: 21 Mar 10 - 01:12 PM

I found it but as I don't play guitar, I used it in one of those supermarket trolleys that need a pound coin to release them. I keep it in my pocket so I can use it again as I really resent having a pound coin out of circulation while I am in the supermarket.

Great idea! Can you recommend a type? I hear those Blue Chip picks are pretty good.

I mostly get mine from charity stalls in the supermarket entrance. Mind you they usually charge a pound or two for them which kind of defeats the object and they're not much use to guitarists being round and metallic.

The blue chip ones I use for playing the stock market.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: eddie1
Date: 21 Mar 10 - 01:26 PM

There has been a couple of references to the small pocket inside the pocket of your jeans.
Am I the only owner of a selection of very clean, rather warped, thumbpicks found in jeans after they come out of the washing machine (or very warped after they come out of the tumble dryer)?

Eddie

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: GUEST,johnp
Date: 22 Mar 10 - 07:32 AM

Eddie try metal thumbpicks they may sound crap but cope really well in the washing machine. John

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Little Hawk
Date: 22 Mar 10 - 11:11 PM

Andrew, I think I may have bought your plectrum recently on Ebay. The bidding was fierce and I didn't think I was going to get it, but I used a sniper service, put in a ridiculously high bid, and just barely managed to get it for $1,733.18 cents!

I then had it sent from the UK and insured for the full amount, but the f*cking customs people sent it BACK to the bloke in England who sold it to me!!! They claimed it was lacking a return address. This is, of course, impossible and totally idiotic, because how the hell COULD they have sent it back to him if it didn't have a return address?????

Idiots.

So...he sent it to me again in the care of an overseas agent I hired who brought it across personally, chained to his wrist. He was held up for sometime by Canada Customs, but eventually got clearance and met me at a pre-arranged location where I paid his fee and finally got my hands on the plectrum, which now had cost me $5,718.33!

What a thrill it was. I played with that plectrum for weeks and everyone remarked on how wonderful it sounded. Then something terrible happened! Someone stole the plectrum out of my hotel room while I was having dinner. The show that followed was a disaster. I just couldn't play properly without my $5,718.33 plectrum. I was in a state of deep depression and have been ever since.

I will not rest until I recover it, but I fear that it may in fact be YOUR plectrum, and if it is, then I am honor bound to return it.

I expect that many sleepless nights may lie ahead for both of us before this unfortunate matter is resolved.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Genie
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 12:11 AM

Bob, I'm pretty sure some of the wayward plectra also transmogrify into plastic grocery bags. Those little buggers seem to multiply exponentially even more rapidly than rabbits or wire coat hangers.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: eddie1
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 02:22 AM

Thank you for your advice Johnp but I also have a small collection of rusty metal thumbpicks. I am considerinf having them welded together artistically and then auctioning them off on e-Bay!

Eddie

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Little Hawk
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 05:47 PM

Make sure you have a hefty reserve price in place. You wouldn't want to get a farthing less than they are worth.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Tangledwood
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 06:54 PM

"I also have a small collection of rusty metal thumbpicks. I am considerinf having them welded together artistically and then auctioning them off on e-Bay!"

I'm going to collect those speckled brown ones and make a tortoise.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: GUEST,Tattie Bogle
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 08:46 PM

I have a collection of my son's plectra found in various places around the house, so for his Christmas present I gave him a South Park "Son of a bitch" plectrum. (OK I said it!)

Oh and don't put your plectrum in supermarket trolleys in Makro, as they transfer all your purchased goods into another trolley as you go through checkout, so you end up with the trolley with no plectrum in it!

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: GUEST,Andrew
Date: 27 Nov 11 - 02:29 PM

My mate Pat Ormsby has lost his plectrum - and it was bright orange!!!

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 27 Nov 11 - 02:45 PM

I lost the plot in a folk club..If you find it just let it slip quietly into obscurity.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 28 Nov 11 - 05:00 AM

I lost the plot many years ago, Tim. Never did find it again, and I'm well past caring now!

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 28 Nov 11 - 05:29 AM

Found a grey Dunlop one (plectrum, not a plot!) on a chair in The Bull at Ditchling last night but Will Fly claimed it. I think he was lying!

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: GUEST,Andrew
Date: 28 Nov 11 - 09:15 AM

Sounds like mine. A left haded grey plectrum altered for right handed usage? If you are at the Seven Stars tonight you can collect your reward!

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 28 Nov 11 - 09:32 AM

Not as daft as it sounds Andrew - my BlueChip picks are designated 'Right Handed' due to the alignment of the bevelling on the bevelled edges, 'Left Handed' BlueChips are bevelled differently to the 'Right Handed' ones.

Subject: RE: Lost Plectrum
From: Tootler
Date: 28 Nov 11 - 04:17 PM

I am now the proud owner of a grey felt ukulele plectrum which I never use. You can have that if you want.