Applying rosin to the side of right index finger?

[Anonymatt]

I used to use this "gorilla snot" stuff to keep a better grip on guitar picks. I dunno, everyone tries stuff like that for a while, but then you end up feeling like it's not necessary.

Using a product to combat dry skin, especially after a shower or during the winter time is a good idea, though.

I used to have a silicone-stringed DeArmond bass. It was impossible to play without baby powder. I gave the thing up pretty quick.

[Jack Clark]

Originally Posted by Anonymatt

Using a product to combat dry skin, especially after a shower or during the winter time is a good idea, though.

I've had good luck rubbing a little Bag Balm into practice-sore fingers, letting it work during the night. Seems to prevent cracking and splitting and does not adversely affect my callouses, which seem to stay firm but flexible.

[hdiddy]

btw: Using climbers chalk works better than rosin. Definitely dries up that hand sweat/oils.

[Anonymatt]

Originally Posted by Jack Clark

I've had good luck rubbing a little Bag Balm into practice-sore fingers, letting it work during the night. Seems to prevent cracking and splitting and does not adversely affect my callouses, which seem to stay firm but flexible.

I use the Burt's Bees lip balm they sell all over the place if I want to practice straight out of the shower.

[ninnlangel]

Originally Posted by Jack Clark

Yes, years of dedicated experience has to be the real answer. Putting stuff on our fingers might appear to be a quick fix (although it really isn't) for us frustrated amateurs who don't play nearly so much.

Tell that to George Mraz!

[Jason Sypher]

I recently found out that applying peanut butter to my fingers allows me to play way behind the beat especially when I'm licking my fingers between measures (it's delicious). Coconut oil is best for a more island feels as in tunes like St. Thomas. It's smells tropical and the whole band experiences a virtual sea breeze like lift in the groove. I got into some really nasty funk the other night and found heated Astroglide is just what I needed to take that groove to another level. The audience seemed to appreciate it almost more than I did.

[hdiddy]

That's the proper use of astroglide: only when you're banging out the rhythm.

[ninnlangel]

Originally Posted by Jason Sypher

I recently found out that applying peanut butter to my fingers allows me to play way behind the beat especially when I'm licking my fingers between measures (it's delicious). Coconut oil is best for a more island feels as in tunes like St. Thomas. It's smells tropical and the whole band experiences a virtual sea breeze like lift in the groove. I got into some really nasty funk the other night and found heated Astroglide is just what I needed to take that groove to another level. The audience seemed to appreciate it almost more than I did.

You've made your point amply clear. No need for being disrespectful. Not everyone's skin reacts the same way, and for some people, it can make a big difference. Nobody's trying to force you to start using anything. There are plenty of great sounding pros who will get something greasy on their skin to play, and plenty who don't. To each their own.

[drurb]

Originally Posted by ninnlangel

You've made your point amply clear. No need for being disrespectful. Not everyone's skin reacts the same way, and for some people, it can make a big difference. Nobody's trying to force you to start using anything. There are plenty of great sounding pros who will get something greasy on their skin to play, and plenty who don't. To each their own.

A humorous dissent, such as Jason's, is hardly disrespectful. FWIW, I don't believe there are, relatively speaking, many pros who use substances on their fingers in order to enhance their sound and/or timing. Indeed, if one's skin callouses atypically or there are other issues related to discomfort, then some substance may help and make sense. That really wasn't the point of the initial inquiry by the OP. I'm with Jason and others in that I'd say that, barring abnormalities, one would do best to play the DB with one's bare hands. Of course, anyone is free to do as he/she wishes but, IMO, unnecessary crutches are best avoided.

[Jason Sypher]

I mean no harm here. And I really am just kidding. Why would anyone really care what anyone else does. I do believe that the practice described will cause more problems than it's worth. I guess I've been looking for a place to put a lube joke...cheers.

[ninnlangel]

Originally Posted by drurb

A humorous dissent, such as Jason's, is hardly disrespectful. FWIW, I don't believe there are, relatively speaking, many pros who use substances on their fingers in order to enhance their sound and/or timing. Indeed, if one's skin callouses atypically or there are other issues related to discomfort, then some substance may help and make sense. That really wasn't the point of the initial inquiry by the OP. I'm with Jason and others in that I'd say that, barring abnormalities, one would do best to play the DB with one's bare hands. Of course, anyone is free to do as he/she wishes but, IMO, unnecessary crutches are best avoided.

Sure, you're right, there was nothing disrespectful here, I just felt that the OP was being bashed maybe a little excessively...

[ninnlangel]

Originally Posted by Jason Sypher

I mean no harm here. And I really am just kidding. Why would anyone really care what anyone else does. I do believe that the practice described will cause more problems than it's worth. I guess I've been looking for a place to put a lube joke...cheers.

I forgot to say : excellent lube joke!

[ChuckCorbisiero]

Originally Posted by ninnlangel

I forgot to say : excellent lube joke!

+1

[hdiddy]

I'm sure the OP realizes that there is diminished returns in what he's asking. You can put crap on your fingers but as soon as it wears off/away in the middle of a tune, you're back to the same old problems.

[JeffKissell]

Jack,
Taking care of your skin and your hands is the longer term "fix." Not letting them get too dry or letting your callouses crack is an ongoing deal, not just at playing time. Keeping your strings clean and dry also helps.
-Jeff

... it's a slippery slope trying to insert lube jokes firmly and repeatedly into this forum...

[Jack Clark]

Originally Posted by hdiddy

I'm sure the OP realizes that there is diminished returns in what he's asking. You can put crap on your fingers but as soon as it wears off/away in the middle of a tune, you're back to the same old problems.

Yep, you're right, I do. As I indicated above, I'm certain the real solution to this is years of dedicated practice and play. That has to be the pro answer. But as a struggling amateur, I just accidently got some rosin on my strings where I pizz them, and noticed an improvement in my time, i.e., my fingers seemed to come off the strings more consistently. Not the solution, but I thought it was interesting, and I wondered if there were people intentionally putting substances on their strings and/or fingers. No substitute for dedicated practice.

[Jack Clark]

Originally Posted by JeffKissell

Jack,
Taking care of your skin and your hands is the longer term "fix." Not letting them get too dry or letting your callouses crack is an ongoing deal, not just at playing time. Keeping your strings clean and dry also helps.
-Jeff

... it's a slippery slope trying to insert lube jokes firmly into this forum repeatedly...

Yeah, and that's why I've been using Bag Balm on my fingers at night. I never have a problem with cracking or splitting any more, and I live in a climate with cold, dry winters and hot, dry summers. And I do wipe my strings down after use with a microfiber cloth.

[Anonymatt]

Maybe this experience with the rosin will help to "inform" your fingers about the kind of touch/grip they need on the string.

[mr mastodon]

Originally Posted by Jason Sypher

I recently found out that applying peanut butter to my fingers allows me to play way behind the beat especially when I'm licking my fingers between measures (it's delicious). Coconut oil is best for a more island feels as in tunes like St. Thomas. It's smells tropical and the whole band experiences a virtual sea breeze like lift in the groove. I got into some really nasty funk the other night and found heated Astroglide is just what I needed to take that groove to another level. The audience seemed to appreciate it almost more than I did.

what made this thirteen times more hilarious was not even half an hour ago i happened upon a video of you playing "st. thomas" on youtube while looking for different slap bass material. out of total coincidence i clicked on this thread and saw this, read the username and about pissed my pants. i was wondering how your right hand was moving so efficiently. now i know it was the coconut oil ... and maybe just a little bit of that astroglide.