Protecting top from killer thumb

jeff_nc · #1 09-20-2010, 10:51 AM

I've just purchased a beautiful old Wunderlich bass and want to keep it as purty as possible. The problem is that I have a bad habit of whacking the top with my thumb when aggressively playing old-time or bluegrass music. On my old plywood bass I wore out a spot about 1/8" deep. I just saw Missy Raines play last weekend and I feel better seeing that she's done the same thing to hers.

So I'm working on my technique, but in the meantime, I'm wondering if there are any clear films I can apply to the top in that area that won't ruin the finish?

Alternatively, I could put a big rubber crutch tip on my thumb, but I'm sensitive to ridicule.

thanks

jeff

Rickett Customs · #2 09-20-2010, 10:54 AM

I know a bluegrass guy that uses the white bandage tape on his thumb, when he's playing for that use.

Eric Hochberg · #3 09-20-2010, 10:57 AM

How about a little extra clear coat of some kind in that spot?

Big B. · #4 09-20-2010, 11:03 AM

Or maybe a stick on rubber pad of some sort. Might keep your thumb from getting beat up.

Paul Warburton · #5 09-20-2010, 11:43 AM

Funny, I just posted this old pic I took of Milt Hinton and Ray Brown in one of my Facebook albums. Ray's bass was a fine old Sylvestre French bass worth alotta bread. The pic doesn't show all of it, down towards the E side by the fingerboard you can see raw wood where Ray would rake his fingernails on the top when he's do one of those drops of his. He took the bass in for some adjustments and the luthier touched up those raw scrapes for him free if charge. Ray got very pissed.....
I wouldn't worry about it or do Eric's thing. Old English Scratch Cover from yer supermarket does wonders on scratches too unless you have a very light colored bass.
BTW, this was taken at a Gibson Jazz Party here in Denver that we did together for several years over the labor day week-end. There were usually 6 or 7 bassists and we always did an all bass feature.

Cody Sisk · #6 09-20-2010, 12:42 PM

Chee Yun came into the shop once toting her Strad and was looking for a clear mylar tape that they use to line the inner c bouts to protect them from bow damage. I didn't have anything like that on hand but I assume if it can be used on a Strad, it should work fine on your bass.

james condino · #7 09-20-2010, 12:47 PM

Mylar tape on a Strad....

Check the guitar suppliers for a low tack, flexible self adhesive removable clear pickguard. They are common and fairly inexpensive. I don't know the brand name, but they are common on classical guitars.

j.

Paul Warburton · #8 09-20-2010, 12:52 PM

Don't they have that no-sticky mylar stuff now that just gloms on to any surface without the stickum on the back?
I gotta a pair of briefs last week with that stuff on them.
Unfortunately, the crotch size is way too big for it to cover that whole area.........

robobass · #9 09-20-2010, 12:56 PM

So it is clear that this is a problem not for only slappers but jazzers as well. I've also seen basses used by jazzers with serious marks which seem to come from the right thumbnail. Unfortunately, I really doubt there is any kind of adhesive which can be left on a bass top long-term without messing up the finish. What about tying on a protective patch (leather, denim, etc.) with shoestrings through the F-holes and around the heel? If done nicely it wouldn't look so bad, and far and away a better idea than playing with medical tape on your thumb.

robobass · #10 09-20-2010, 01:26 PM

There were several posts while I was writing, but I still question whether there is any kind of "tac" which wouldn't leave a mark if left on for any length of time. Of course it might be better to have a dull spot to polish out later on than to have deep dents to deal with. Willie Nelson's Martin, anyone?

Jake deVilliers · #11 09-20-2010, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by james condino

Mylar tape on a Strad....

Check the guitar suppliers for a low tack, flexible self adhesive removable clear pickguard. They are common and fairly inexpensive. I don't know the brand name, but they are common on classical guitars.

j.

I get my clear pickguard material from Luthier's Mercantile. With heat, lighter fluid and care, it can be removed from a guitar/mandolin top, so I don't see why you couldn't safely remove it from a DB.

You might try using the static cling keyboard covers - I have one that I use to protect instrument finishes temporarily when I'm working on delicate instruments.

forester · #12 09-20-2010, 06:36 PM

3M

*in the meantime..self adhesive 60 grit. apply it to the thigh of your jeans twice,then to the bass, it will change your technique pronto.