Vaseline?

WayneS · #1 11-03-2007, 08:42 AM

I put Rotosound flats on my P bass. They're the Steve Harris sig. strings and I love the sound. However, they are wreaking havoc on my fingers where I'm not used to them yet I guess.

Anyway, I played a 4 hour show last night and have another 4 hour show tonight. After last night, I have a very painful callus/blister on my middle plucking finger. I am concerned about playing tonight.

I have to have something to lubricate my fingers for tonight. Has anybody ever tried vaseline? Or are there any other suggestions?

Thanks!

Vengoropatubus · #2 11-03-2007, 08:46 AM

New Skin!
http://www.newskinproducts.com/
You can find it or similar products at various places. I've heard maybe Menard's and/or Fleet Farm carry it, and I suppose hardware stores might too.

WayneS · #3 11-03-2007, 08:49 AM

I know about new skin. I need a lubricant right now though.

Rumble Bee · #4 11-03-2007, 08:56 AM

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I know about new skin. I need a lubricant right now though.

Man did you ever leave yourself wide open on this one.

Vengoropatubus · #5 11-03-2007, 08:57 AM

Someone keeps telling me that Jaco would eat really greasy chicken before he went on stage to lube up his fingers, but I'm not sure that's actually true. It seems like it'd wreck your strings.

WayneS · #6 11-03-2007, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rumble Bee

HTML Code:

I know about new skin. I need a lubricant right now though.

Man did you ever leave yourself wide open on this one.

Heh, I did didn't I!

Rumble Bee · #7 11-03-2007, 09:02 AM

Hey, I got on your band myspace page.... me likey!! Good band.

DeepBass9 · #8 11-03-2007, 09:06 AM

Look up info on Harris...he lubed his fingers before every show.

I have some Dr. Stringfellow string cleaner/lube and I think it makes a big difference. Only thing is you'll probably need to apply throughout the evening, as it's kind of thin and wears off probably after an hour-hour & a half of practice, so what's that translate to...30 mins performance time? It's got a nice lemony-citrus smell, too. Sure other sting cleaners would help, too.

I noticed a BIG difference using it....

bassman blue · #9 11-03-2007, 09:19 AM

GHS Fast Fret works well on flats, is easy to apply. Just keep it in a zip lock bag between gigs so it doesn't dry out....

Jazz Ad · #10 11-03-2007, 09:25 AM

Get nickel wound strings rather than steel.

Rufus · #11 11-03-2007, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WayneS

I put Rotosound flats on my P bass. They're the Steve Harris sig. strings and I love the sound. However, they are wreaking havoc on my fingers where I'm not used to them yet I guess.

Anyway, I played a 4 hour show last night and have another 4 hour show tonight. After last night, I have a very painful callus/blister on my middle plucking finger. I am concerned about playing tonight.

I have to have something to lubricate my fingers for tonight. Has anybody ever tried vaseline? Or are there any other suggestions?

Thanks!

Get you a bottle of isopropyl rubbing alcohol and rub the alcohol into your fingertips. Repeat the step every few minutes for a couple of hours and the soreness will be gone tonight when you play.
Rufus
Official Ampeg Clubmember #70

Intune · #12 11-03-2007, 09:51 AM

Welcome to the painful world of Roto

But FLATS? What the hell were you using before, velvet strings?

SS roundwounds will flay you alive.

You're not going to like what I'm gonna say but... Nothing works 100%. I've tried tape & everything else. I don't envy you tonight bro, 4 sets, it's gonna be bad. The first couple of songs are going to take you to a lovely pain threshold and then you'll be alright (to a certain degree) pain-wise but your fingers won't. Bring a towel. Don't look down. Sorry. Then the second set starts...

Don't soak them in ice water between sets, just softens your skin. Try as much as possible to use other fingers, thumb instead of the most damaged one(s). See, good training!

Me personally, I wouldn't drink drink tonight & I'd be calling my buddies for some perco... Nevermind, that's just me.

Pop or no-pop? This hasn't been done as much as p vs j but it's up there. I pop from the side with a sterile needle. The top by the nail is too sensitive & the bottom just gets the inevitable rip going sooner. Gotta luv those Rotos. (Brought to you by S&M inc.)

Good luck!

WayneS · #13 11-03-2007, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rumble Bee

Hey, I got on your band myspace page.... me likey!! Good band.

Thanks! However, all of the recordings that you hear on myspace are with a different bassist. I'm much better than he is!

Thanks for all of the replies.

SLaPiNFuNK · #14 11-04-2007, 01:27 AM

almond oil...

bullshark · #15 11-04-2007, 04:44 AM

Use a pick? I mean, 'till the finger heals up; I know I would certainly bring a few of those compressed felt ones just in case.

damianerskine · #16 11-05-2007, 02:19 PM

Nickel wound strings will help. also, as your sweating on stage you are making your own lubricant! Just wipe your forehead or the top of your nose quickly and you'll be set foe another tune or two.

Baryonyx · #17 11-05-2007, 04:06 PM

I had Steve Harris Rotos on my first fretless. They are still the stiffest, most uncomfortable sounding flats I've ever tried. But apart from TI flats, they're the best sounding imo.

Dave Grossman · #18 11-05-2007, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WayneS

I know about new skin. I need a lubricant right now though.

I knew a guy who used to rub his nose with his finger tips, presumably to use the oil from his skin as a lube.

- Dave

Jazz Ad · #19 11-05-2007, 08:36 PM

That's what I always did. I thought it was an universal trick.

JimmyM · #20 11-05-2007, 09:25 PM

Yuck! Nose grease! Blecch!!

The good news is that the more you do it, the easier it gets on your fingers. You'll develop calluses and then you'll be fine, more than likely. I would use Fast Fret on your strings if you're looking for a lube, though. It will kill your strings sooner than leaving them alone, but it's much slower killing the strings than other lubes.