• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

I need a 12 step program for my Finger Ease addiction

#81
John B jr said:
I her ya on the 66s. I installed a set last week replacing some Elixier pre-lubed rounds and the windings felt much coarser. String noise; Ack! I've never used the liquid products other than the ones that spew from my facial pores.
Click to expand...

On a positive note, Rotosounds have about as coarse a feel as it gets. So if you're able to become comfortable playing 66s, you'll be able to play pretty much anything else without complaint. :laugh:
 
  • Like
Reactions: John B jr and Hi-End Basses
#82
alembic76407 said:
I find myself buying 3 cans of Finger Ease a month, is this a problem ?, when I get up on stage and can't find my Finger Ease, I panic.
should I seek help or just deal with it!!!
Click to expand...

I had a similar but kind of opposite issue. Back when I was using a pick I had trouble holding on to it (my hands perspire a lot when I play, just like the rest of me). Then I discovered this stuff. Worked great but soon I was addicted to it and if I left it home panic would set in knowing I had a long night of slippery picks ahead. Fortunately I changed to finger picking and was able to get off the stuff. :)

Untitled 1.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: BassCliff and Hi-End Basses
#85
I played a ukelele bass at my last gig. It was fun, but the rubbery strings were sticky to the point that it really affected my playing. I pulled out some string cleaner, and it was absolutely useless. Luckily, we were set up near a dart board and there was chalk nearby for keeping score. I was rubbing chalk on my fingers and on the strings of my bass all night.
 
#86
T_Bone_TL said:
Try a quart of automatic transmission fluid and a small brush - or move right on up to a bathtub full you can just drop the whole bass in every couple of songs. Naturally there's going to be the agonizing choice of which brand of ATF, but I don't want to start that discussion...

Of course, once you have the bathtub-full you may find that you just wanna leave the bass in the bathtub and play it fully immersed.
Click to expand...

Ok... now how the hell do I get it off to put it back in it's case?
 
#87
jive1 said:
I played a ukelele bass at my last gig. It was fun, but the rubbery strings were sticky to the point that it really affected my playing. I pulled out some string cleaner, and it was absolutely useless. Luckily, we were set up near a dart board and there was chalk nearby for keeping score. I was rubbing chalk on my fingers and on the strings of my bass all night.
Click to expand...


I don't want to de-rail this thread, but your post reminded me of this contraption---remember these?

Ashbory-azul.jpg




The silicone rubber strings required the use of baby powder on the fretting hand, especially if it was in a humid environment.
 
#88
ONYX said:
I don't want to de-rail this thread, but your post reminded me of this contraption---remember these?
View attachment 1140062

The silicone rubber strings required the use of baby powder on the fretting hand, especially if it was in a humid environment.
Click to expand...

Yes, I do. The uke bass has similar strings. I needed to powder up both hands, as the friction affected the plucking hand as well. Made me appreciate the 'slickness' of steel strings.
 
#89
JACink said:
Ok... now how the hell do I get it off to put it back in it's case?
Click to expand...
Close the lid on the bathtub...Or have a hundred or so shop towels handy in your gig bag.
0000358_red-shop-towels-100-pieces_360.jpg

I'd consider marking them up, embroidering an F clef and calling them bass towels, but doubt the sales would cover changing to a commercial user account, so I'll leave that opportunity open for some other person...
 
#90
Have you tried coated strings ?
Elixirs for example feel quite a bit slicker compared to normal roundwound strings to me.
In fact, once you get used to it, you need some time to adjust when you switch back to "regular" strings.
 
#91
jive1 said:
I played a ukelele bass at my last gig. It was fun, but the rubbery strings were sticky to the point that it really affected my playing. I pulled out some string cleaner, and it was absolutely useless. Luckily, we were set up near a dart board and there was chalk nearby for keeping score. I was rubbing chalk on my fingers and on the strings of my bass all night.
Click to expand...

Same with Black Beauties. They look great against a maple fretboard (black markers optional) but you have to be careful when you dig in finger style 'cause the will grab your fingers and pluck you a fraction of a beat behind. Sliding on them actually burns! So I got those, the 66s and some phosphor bronze Elixers on my acoustic to contend with. I try not to swap too often but you know, TOAN!
 
#92
John B jr said:
Same with Black Beauties. They look great against a maple fretboard (black markers optional) but you have to be careful when you dig in finger style 'cause the will grab your fingers and pluck you a fraction of a beat behind. Sliding on them actually burns! So I got those, the 66s and some phosphor bronze Elixers on my acoustic to contend with. I try not to swap too often but you know, TOAN!
Click to expand...

Funny, look what I got today. I used them for years on guitar and never really noticed them slowing me down, I played around with them on my bass a little today and they sound very nice after 18 months on Chromes.

I guess time will tell how I get on with them. The Chromes are sitting there just waiting for a chance to go back to work.

IMG_3435.JPG
 
#93
John B jr said:
Same with Black Beauties. They look great against a maple fretboard (black markers optional) but you have to be careful when you dig in finger style 'cause the will grab your fingers and pluck you a fraction of a beat behind. Sliding on them actually burns! So I got those, the 66s and some phosphor bronze Elixers on my acoustic to contend with. I try not to swap too often but you know, TOAN!
Click to expand...
I have use Black Beauties, Red Devils, Silver Stars, etc. for years. They are my go to string, and I don't feel any stickiness what-so-ever. The reason why I like them is because they don't feel like a coated string.
 
  • Like
Reactions: John B jr
#98
they have almost outlawed Marlboros in Oklahoma, I'm glad I don't smoke, the state just added $1.50 tax on cigs which brings the tax to $3.00 a pack, that will make cigarettes about $7.00 a pack, I so thankful I'm only addicted to Finger Ease
 
#99
California just bumped the cig tax to $2.87 a pack. Don't smoke so I don't know what a pack costs but it's gotta be close to yours.

I'm glad to have avoided the finger ease addiction. Changing from rounds to flats did the trick for me.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back