Avoid developing calluses when playing bass

[DrkOn]

Hello
I have been planing on getting a bass. I have never owned one, and, to be honest, I am a little worried. You see, due to the nature of what I do, I cannot allow myself to grow calluses, so I was wondering if there is a way I can avoid them. I know calluses are caused by friction, and a good way to prevent them is by wearing gloves, but wouldn't that affect my bass playing? Any recommendation you have would be greatly appreciated.

[Kwesi]

Now that's an interesting question. I know some bass players wear gloves or wrap tpe around the fingers of their plucking hand. I guess you could do that for both hands? Or you could play with a pick and tape up the fingering hand?

[BurningSkies]

I've been playing for over 20 years...and have no calluses. If you do, you're probably playing too hard.

[Aspidites]

Originally Posted by DrkOn

Hello
I have been planing on getting a bass. I have never owned one, and, to be honest, I am a little worried. You see, due to the nature of what I do, I cannot allow myself to grow calluses, so I was wondering if there is a way I can avoid them. I know calluses are caused by friction, and a good way to prevent them is by wearing gloves, but wouldn't that affect my bass playing? Any recommendation you have would be greatly appreciated.

I have been playing for 20+ years and have never developed calluses. I lotion daily but I also have a very light touch.

[fourstringburn]

I'm no expert on this but I thought you had to give up some skin to get some tone.

Bass players shouldn't get the same type of callouses like guitar players because those small guitar strings literally cut into your finger tips. I can't imagine everybody in the beginning practicing their bass didn't have sore finger tips at first. Then over time your finger tips harden up some and the soreness fades. Wouldn't these be callouses even though your finger tips look reasonably healthy

[Kwesi]

Originally Posted by BurningSkies

I've been playing for over 20 years...and have no calluses. If you do, you're probably playing too hard.

Doubtful, it's a pretty natural thing to develop calluses playing bass. They don't have to super thick layers of skin but I know more bass players with them than without them, many with a far lighter touch than I.

[cg123]

When I switched to flatwounds for two months, my calluses disappeared entirely. I generally play with a gentle touch anyway, but if you absolutely can't have any calluses I would try lightly tickling some flats.

[Need2KnowBasses]

I think using a pick will be your best option. If you don't like the tone of a standard pick try Wedgie rubber picks. To me the tone I get from a rubber pick is almost like a perfect medium between a normal pick and using my fingers.

[IncX]

no calluses for me after a year of playing bass

it only happens when you are starting, stop too soon, and then start again. if you play regularly, it won't appear anymore, at least in my experience

[KeithAlanK]

Pick, flatwound strings, and a light touch = no callouses.
Also, don't play too long at one sitting or every day, to give your fingertips a rest and a chance to stay "normal".

[vivifiction]

Use flatwound strings. they are considerably less rough on your fingertips

[cataract]

I'm kinda curious- why can't you have any calluses?

[Aspidites]

Originally Posted by cataract

I'm kinda curious- why can't you have any calluses?

Possibly a massage therapist.

[JohnMCA72]

Simple solution: Don't play.

But why???????

Do you have any idea what bass callouses can do to a G-spot?????

[mdogs]

Just when you think you have heard everything...no callouses = no playing!!!!

[TwinBass]

Originally Posted by BurningSkies

I've been playing for over 20 years...and have no calluses. If you do, you're probably playing too hard.

What he said.

[wave rider]

Originally Posted by cataract

I'm kinda curious- why can't you have any calluses?

Originally Posted by Aspidites

Possibly a massage therapist.

Safe cracker?

I've got a little bit of callus on the "hook" plucking finger and a touch on my left finger tips from fretting/fretlessing.

Shovels, digging bars, picks (the real kind...), and other manual tools gave me "honest to goodness" calluses... I worked with a rancher in west New Mexico whose calluses were so thick that he could string barb wire fences without gloves.

Basses are lightweights in the callus world.

=wr=

[levis76]

Could be a surgeon of some type. Maybe brain or neuro. They have to keep a soft touch.

To the OP, use Palmolive to wash your dishes. Keeps the skin soft, it really does.

[fourstringburn]

Do you have any idea what bass callouses can do to a G-spot?????

Brilliant!

[Swin]

wrap your strings with this....