Here’s a new one I bet.

[USAJO]

Probably 40+ years ago I was working on a machine we called “The Sonic Welder”. It was a machine that was used to melt two pieces of plastic together by rapid vibration and pressure.

Well I melted the end of my index finger and part of my middle finger. I was told I needed grafts but then another Dr said let’s just see how it goes if we just leave it alone.

So I have no finger print in the melted area and the area is harder.

The point. When I pluck with my index finger it has a completely different sound and it’s driving me crazy. I’ve thought of using a pick exclusively so there would be a consistent sound but I like playing without a pick much more.

I played bass for years several years ago and don’t remember this being an issue.

In the picture the whiter area is melted flesh.

any suggestions?

 

[Yonni]

Tony Iommi style rubber finger tips?

Tony Iommi and the Accident that Created Heavy Metal.

 

[MuseChaser]

Play/practice exclusively with your middle finger for a while (weeks) so it develops a similar callous/hard spot?

 

[USAJO]

Tony Iommi style rubber finger tips?

Tony Iommi and the Accident that Created Heavy Metal.

Whoa. I’m going to look into that! Thanks

 

[Lobster11]

I played bass for years several years ago and don’t remember this being an issue.

I take it from this that you've been away from playing for several years and are just getting back to it? If so, my guess is that back then you figured out a way to compensate -- perhaps unconsciously -- and probably can do so again with practice. So maybe just patience.

Personally, I would just play with a pick all the time -- but that's from someone who likes playing with and without a pick equally.

 

[USAJO]

Play/practice exclusively with your middle finger for a while (weeks) so it develops a similar callous/hard spot?

I’m kinda trying to use my middle finger more for sure. Not sure a callous will match burnt flesh but i’m gonna give it a go,

 

[michael_t]

The point. When I pluck with my index finger it has a completely different sound and it’s driving me crazy. I’ve thought of using a pick exclusively so there would be a consistent sound but I like playing without a pick much more.

Some bass players only needed the index finger. Have you heard of James Jamerson and The Hook?

 

[albertus]

maybe the gloves for playing could do the trick. there are quite threads around
this is one https://www.talkbass.com/threads/bass-playing-glove-whats-the-deal.1610311/

 

[Parzival]

Melt your other finger to match it. Problem solved.

 

[XLunacy]

Could be that the melted finger will (re)develop a callous overtime, that will produce a tone that more closely matches the other finger (which would explain why you don't remember this being an issue in the past), so the solution is simply to play more!

Other options that come to mind :

• Trying different strings (some could exacerbate the difference, some could reduce it)
  
• Adjusting plucking spot / pickup configuration / EQ to mitigate the difference (I guess it's mostly in the high end?)
• Softening the tip of the finger with a nail file or something similar
• Using that difference in tone to your advantage!

I'd probably try and combine some of these ideas until I'm happy with the result

 

[ThinCrappyTone2]

Probably 40+ years ago I was working on a machine we called “The Sonic Welder”. It was a machine that was used to melt two pieces of plastic together by rapid vibration and pressure.

Well I melted the end of my index finger and part of my middle finger. I was told I needed grafts but then another Dr said let’s just see how it goes if we just leave it alone.

So I have no finger print in the melted area and the area is harder.
The point. When I pluck with my index finger it has a completely different sound and it’s driving me crazy. I’ve thought of using a pick exclusively so there would be a consistent sound but I like playing without a pick much more.

I played bass for years several years ago and don’t remember this being an issue.

In the picture the whiter area is melted flesh.

any suggestions?

Can you melt the others so the tone is consistent?

 

[Rabidhamster]

Cover your fingertips w dots of superglue now they all sound hard

 

[Barticus]

Learn to use your thumb, can be used like a pick as well. There was an entire thread on this just recently.

 

[Ostie]

Some bass players only needed the index finger. Have you heard of James Jamerson and The Hook?

Yeah, Jamerson only needed one.

 

[Ralph Manak]

+1 for using thumb. Adapt from index and middle to thumb and middle, or thumb and middle and ring—essentially a variation on the technique Matthew Garrison and others developed. And, you may find a way to assign a muting role to the index finger, or use it for an effect, accents... .

 

[FullumMusic]

Oof. That doesn't sound fun.

You could develop a style where you use only one plucking finger at a time. I know "proper technique" purists will say you need to alternate, but you don't. It's a good and useful technique with a lot of benefits to alternate... and Jamerson played with one finger. It's perfectly reasonable to do it. I've also noticed i've been playing with one finger more often, or gotten really loose with my alternating so that i can use my non plucking finger to help mute the other strings.

Alternately, you could wrap both fingers in rock climbing finger tape. I use it to wrap fingers after injuries or to cover blisters, etc. (And i use it for climbing.) It's strong, durable, and flexible, and if you learn to wrap really well, you don't loose much sensitivity and can feel the articulations still. With both fingers wrapped, they'll both pluck with a similar tone. And this particular brand sticks more to itself than to your skin, so i think it breathes better, stays on better (if wrapped correctly) and then comes off better or you can easily cut it off.

I always have rock climbing finger tape in my gig bag.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Probably 40+ years ago I was working on a machine we called “The Sonic Welder”. It was a machine that was used to melt two pieces of plastic together by rapid vibration and pressure.

Well I melted the end of my index finger and part of my middle finger. I was told I needed grafts but then another Dr said let’s just see how it goes if we just leave it alone.

So I have no finger print in the melted area and the area is harder.

The point. When I pluck with my index finger it has a completely different sound and it’s driving me crazy. I’ve thought of using a pick exclusively so there would be a consistent sound but I like playing without a pick much more.

I played bass for years several years ago and don’t remember this being an issue.

In the picture the whiter area is melted flesh.

any suggestions?

I’m thinking this is more of the technique issue assuming there is no pain. If the surface is hard and you are getting a clack sound, it may eventually soften up which is a good reason to play more. If it is softer, you may need to give it some time to toughen up.

 

[Stylee Mousse]

You have choices. One is to play, play play until your middle finger hardens up. Or you could play one finger (if the music allows). Or you could play middle and ring.

all these will work, with practice. Django, Iommi managed with many times worse and um, did ok!

 

[BigJohnAZ]

Some bass players only needed the index finger. Have you heard of James Jamerson and The Hook?

Geddy Lee as well, until he developed his "flamenco" style towards the end of his career.

 

[Drop1]

Probably 40+ years ago I was working on a machine we called “The Sonic Welder”. It was a machine that was used to melt two pieces of plastic together by rapid vibration and pressure.

Well I melted the end of my index finger and part of my middle finger. I was told I needed grafts but then another Dr said let’s just see how it goes if we just leave it alone.

So I have no finger print in the melted area and the area is harder.

The point. When I pluck with my index finger it has a completely different sound and it’s driving me crazy. I’ve thought of using a pick exclusively so there would be a consistent sound but I like playing without a pick much more.

I played bass for years several years ago and don’t remember this being an issue.

In the picture the whiter area is melted flesh.

any suggestions?

That's, that's not uncommon (the sound part). People's 2 fingers usually sound a little different.
Firstly, a narrower finger tip naturally sounds brighter than a fatter one.
Then whichever finger you use the most develops a harder callus.
Then there is finger length which changes your attack angle on the strings.

These are common issues.

My index sounds more like a pic than my middle finger. I'll sometimes take a nail file and file off the upper layer of callus. That helps.

Something else that really helps it to pull your finger into you thumb as you move through the string. Make sure both fingers are snapping to your thumb and try to use as little of your fatter finger as possible. This helps even things out.
I haven't found any permanent solution for the uneven sound. Ive just learned to use it to my benefit. Accenting notes is a good example.

Certain lines I will play with only 1 finger because I want that snap on every note or ghost note. Other lines , especially faster lines it's not as noticeable.

Good luck.