Double Bass Sticky fingers or sticky strings ... and how to overcome?

[ctrlzjones]

I am not sure what is first, the string or the finger, but now in summertime (I can hardly remember how it was during winter), with more sweating involved, the 'gliding through the positions' is not as smooth as wanted.

The less open strings I use the stickier it gets. The the more #s or bs the worse it becomes. As learned, I keep my four fingers on the strings or close to at any moment and the longer I play the callouses are feeling more resistance on their ways up and down. After a while (like 2 hours) it turns into 'burning fingertips'.

Is this normal behaviour?
What could be done to avoid.

 

[Steven Ayres]

I've experienced this on occasion, and keep some baby powder on hand in case. I use Baby Bee Dusting Powder by Burt's Bees, which is primarily cornstarch, baking soda and clay.

 

[Jay Corwin]

When I'm sticking to the strings I run my fingers on my face or through my hair. I get pretty oily when I working up a good froth playing. I little bit of oil on the fingers in between songs does it for me.

I realize it sounds gross, but it's functional.

 

[Jay Bob]

I also do the baby powder thing. The first time I pulled out a baggie with some in it my bandmates got all excited!

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

I've experienced this on occasion, and keep some baby powder on hand in case. I use Baby Bee Dusting Powder by Burt's Bees, which is primarily cornstarch, baking soda and clay.

I've always wondered about the option of using talc. What happens when the humidity is more like KY humidity rather than AZ humidity (Think 162% humidity rather than 20%)?

 

[Michael Eisenman]

I've always wondered about the option of using talc. What happens when the humidity is more like KY humidity rather than AZ humidity (Think 162% humidity rather than 20%)?

Powdered silica gel?

 

[Michael Karn]

I am not sure what is first, the string or the finger, but now in summertime (I can hardly remember how it was during winter), with more sweating involved, the 'gliding through the positions' is not as smooth as wanted.

The less open strings I use the stickier it gets. The the more #s or bs the worse it becomes. As learned, I keep my four fingers on the strings or close to at any moment and the longer I play the callouses are feeling more resistance on their ways up and down. After a while (like 2 hours) it turns into 'burning fingertips'.

Is this normal behaviour?
What could be done to avoid.

I have the same issue, and hydration always works for me. Making sure i drink a little during the first set so i don't get too dried out, and then water and something small to eat on the break(s), like a banana or a Cliff bar

 

[robobass]

I'm embarrassed to say it, but I bring along some Fast-Fret when it's going to be really hot and humid.

 

[Steven Ayres]

I've always wondered about the option of using talc. What happens when the humidity is more like KY humidity rather than AZ humidity (Think 162% humidity rather than 20%)?

I lived in Harrodsburg a couple of decades ago, so I've experienced both. With talc I'd be concerned about it working its way into the fibers or windings and causing damage. It's super-fine, but it's still a kind of stone. I don't like the feel of it on my hands as well.

 

[Huy Nguyen]

For it usually has been about either technique or cleanliness. First off, if things feel gunky when it gets humid I make sure I clean up the bass well with a rag. I don't use anything else - just the clean cloth and wipe away any gunk that has built up.

Secondly, over the years I've found that improving my RH technique has been a generally foolproof approach. Clear, clean strokes, pushing my fingers through the string. Not only has it been easier to play with more economy, but it also means less blisters and less getting tripped by the string.

Using something like salycilic oil (nose grease), or just about anything else; I've found the fix is temporary and it actually gunks up more in the long run. I've even tried climbers chalk at one point.

YMMV

 

[Jloch86]

I used to keep a baby jarful of olive oil in my case for these situations

 

[tlc1976]

When I'm sticking to the strings I run my fingers on my face or through my hair. I get pretty oily when I working up a good froth playing. I little bit of oil on the fingers in between songs does it for me.

I realize it sounds gross, but it's functional.

When that happens I'll quick touch my fingers to my pants or shirt in the split second between notes or runs.

 

[sean_on_bass]

I sweat more than the average person, and Virginia is pretty damn humid during the summer. I usually have a clean rag with me to wipe down the strings throughout the gig, and wash my hands on set breaks. Baby powder may be a good option...have seen Robert Fripp use that on electric guitar.

 

[ctrlzjones]

When I'm sticking to the strings I run my fingers on my face or through my hair. I get pretty oily when I working up a good froth playing. I little bit of oil on the fingers in between songs does it for me.

I realize it sounds gross, but it's functional.

Nah, I'd call gross a whole set of other things ...

I tried that and it really worked, even if it seems to be somewhat counterintuitive ... I've been closer to think that the accumulating liquids when evaporating are creating the very same matter that causes the stickiness. But it is not.

Secondly, over the years I've found that improving my RH technique has been a generally foolproof approach. Clear, clean strokes, pushing my fingers through the string. Not only has it been easier to play with more economy, but it also means less blisters and less getting tripped by the string.

This is also very true. Having a good RH releases the (wrongly assumed) duties of the LH and plains the road allowing a better flow ...

I also prefer to stay away from strange substances like powder and oil.

Thank you. Very helpful.

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

When I'm sticking to the strings I run my fingers on my face or through my hair.

Skin oil is great for lubricating the right hand on the string! I learned this trick from a friend here 20 years ago. I'm not sure if it would work in high humidity or if that's another ball of ear wax, though.

 

[Carl Hillman]

Wiping, lots of wiping dry. Between every tune.

I always have a restaurant-napkin-sized linen cloth handy when I play.

If it's really humid or hot, I'll bring a (tastefully color-coordinated) bath towel to soak up the funk.

 

[sean_on_bass]

I am currently using a couple of undershirts as my rags....surprised the band hasn't told me to use something more visually appealing! Really creates that "dirty bedroom" feel on the stage that we all strive for.

 

[J. Montgomery]

I also go for the natural oils, through the hair or the side of the nose. Keeping the strings clean, and washing your hands before playing are helpful preventatives.

 

[Federighi]

I am not sure what is first, the string or the finger, but now in summertime (I can hardly remember how it was during winter), with more sweating involved, the 'gliding through the positions' is not as smooth as wanted.

The less open strings I use the stickier it gets. The the more #s or bs the worse it becomes. As learned, I keep my four fingers on the strings or close to at any moment and the longer I play the callouses are feeling more resistance on their ways up and down. After a while (like 2 hours) it turns into 'burning fingertips'.

Is this normal behaviour?
What could be done to avoid.

OP. Wash hands before playing. Use shop towel to clean the strings and fingerboard when done.

 

[Turn Em Loose]

...that's another ball of ear wax, though.

Now THAT'S gross.