My callous is too hard.

[blankstare77]

My index finger is fine but my middle finger has a callous that is just too hard. It doesn't make the string sing very much.

How do I solve this problem?

[John Wentzien]

emery board. I file mine down all the time. Makes less string noise also.

[theshadow2001]

Also ease up on your the amount of force used to pluck. Use a light touch. It sounds better in my opinion. The fact you have uneven callouses means your playing harder/more with that finger it might be something to look at as well.

[blankstare77]

Originally Posted by theshadow2001

Also ease up on your the amount of force used to pluck. Use a light touch. It sounds better in my opinion. The fact you have uneven callouses means your playing harder/more with that finger it might be something to look at as well.

Well, it didn't happen that way:

I was in the band room when I saw the double bass; I just HAD to try it. I started playing only with mostly my middle finger because it seemed to pluck the string a lot better. In the end my middle finger got a beating.

Both fingers got blisters that later turned to callouses (thanks for the popping advice).

[Grinky]

Originally Posted by John Wentzien

emery board. I file mine down all the time. Makes less string noise also.

That's quite funny, the way you said it. Hmmm if your callouses are just from playing the double bass once, it should go away soon. I thought you were referring to callouses that develop over a longgg time after repeating 'moltings'. Those, you may want to file down.