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Save my fingernail

P

playswhatpays

Jan 24, 2012
71
0
Fargo, ND
#1
Hello everyone,

I tried searching, and couldn't find anything. My band is playing a 7 hour outdoor gig next Saturday next week during our local marathon, and this will be after a full night gig on Thursday. I bet the runners think they're the only ones doing a marathon...

Anyways, my index fingernail starts pulling back from the under nail skin after long gig weekends and such; and I'm, well, really concerned about this particular weekend.

Does anyone have any tips or tricks to deal with this? I was thinking about superglue, but that seems kind of sketchy and I don't want to ruin my feel/touch.
 
#2
AFAIK, superglue was actually invented for use on wounds in the battlefield. I've seen it used in real life too, with no ill effects, so I'd be inclined to try it out.

I've used medical tape on my fingers before and didn't find it so awkward as to make me play badly - its got a low adhesive and is pretty pliable.

Also, why is your fingernail bending back? Maybe its too long? Maybe you could try playing more with the pad of your fingertip and less with the nail? You could also try using a pick during some parts of this marathon gig, just to give your fingertips a rest.
 
#3
Thanks HEAVYfunk, I can't get away with using a pick because (it's sin :rollno:) I play in coincidentally a Soul and Funk band, do a lot of slapping and most of the lines are way too fast and crazy for pick use. I keep my nails short, so that's not the issue.

I do play and hit the strings hard, but my technique after playing semi pro for so long (17 y) is way to ingrained to try to change. Plus the type of music allows me to play improv within structure, so I really don't want to be thinking about anything.

Maybe a really careful superglue application is the answer.

Thanks for the help!
 
#8
superHEAVYfunk said:
If this is the case, then I definitely recommended taping up yr index finger, if you decide not to go the superglue route.
Click to expand...

Thanks man! I think after the help I'm going to superglue it for the Thursday gig and see how it goes. It's a swanky gig at a place that pays good money, so my gut says leave it alone but I need a good test run for Saturday. As long as the glue doesn't get on my finger pad there should be no ill effects I would think. I'll get some medical tape as a backup.

Thanks again for the advice!
 
#9
Super glues is great and hold no issues, but get the correct one and apply a few layers between the nail and the nail bed....even use a brush on applicator and apply like nail polish, and a little between the nail/nail bed area

Cyanoacrylate is the generic name for a family of fast-acting adhesives with industrial, medical and household uses.
They include methyl 2-cyanoacrylate, ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate (commonly sold under trade names like "Super Glue" and "Krazy Glue"), n-butyl cyanoacrylate and 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (used in medical, veterinary and first aid applications). Octyl cyanoacrylate was developed to address toxicity concerns and to reduce skin irritation and allergic response. Cyanoacrylate adhesives are sometimes known as instant glues. The abbreviation "CA" is commonly used for industrial grades.

Apply in thin layers, dampen between layers as these glues work on fusing water molecules together, that is why the bond skin so well....and so fast. If you want use a bit of spit, or just dip the finger in water after each application and just blow it dry.
 
#13
I don't know if this applies, but I have noticed that flats are easier on my fingers than roundwounds. My calluses are almost gone now since switching to flats. Problem is that the flats that I have don't have the zing that I want when slapping, so I'm switching back.
 
#14
Woodstockz said:
I don't know if this applies, but I have noticed that flats are easier on my fingers than roundwounds. My calluses are almost gone now since switching to flats. Problem is that the flats that I have don't have the zing that I want when slapping, so I'm switching back.
Click to expand...

It doesn't really apply, since the trouble isn't the strings, so much as his playing technique.

But on the topic of flats for slapping, I find it works well for me. I tend to usually have the tone rolled off on fingerstyle tunes and then just roll it up when I need the treble for slap.
 
#15
Although playswhatpays never came back, I'd just like to let anyone who comes across this thread know that this trick indeed works. I did it last night because I was having a similar problem with my index finger due to some very drunken bass playing a couple days before. I used this stuff:


*edit: pic isn't showing up (I'm using mobile), so here's the deets: I used a cheapo superglue called "adhaero" that contained ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate. No irritation and no pain. I guess it'll just wear off as my nail grows out.
 

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