Sticky!!

[SJan3]

Well, summer is upon us and I'm again reminded of STICKY NECK! That is my hands sweating a bit more and hampering my ability to get around on my instruments. Year after year I just deal with it and when things cool, I forget about it. But I'm mad as hell and I'm not gonna take it anymore! So, I'm looking for the collective wisdom of our community.
How do you combat STICKY NECK?

 

[fretlessbass]

I left CT and moved to southern AZ...

 

[Killing Floor]

I have a beer and the condensate is just like washing my hands! And I keep a cloth at my amp so I can fist in in a hurry if I need.

 

[lug]

Fried chicken

 

[PrairieThunder13]

If glossy bothers you, take some real fine (my vote is 2000 grit, but some like it rougher - no coarser than 1000 grit in my books) 3M brand wet/dry sandpaper and wetsand the lacquer till its a little rougher for you. That seems to cut down on resistance for folks that arent into gloss. Whatever you do, do NOT burn all the way through the finish and oil the bare wood like the scott's bass lessons guy does, at least not if you live anywhere with seasons - that's just begging for stability issues. Also no steel wool - i find that it can leave marks you won't enjoy from a less uniform abrasive surface leading to a more varied scratch pattern. Just my experience, but the fine grit gentle wetsand method is the safest if you're smart with it. If you're not comfortable, have a pro do it, or just dont! (Legal: i take no responsibility for any damage incurred to the instrument)

 

[SJan3]

If glossy bothers you, take some real fine (my vote is 2000 grit, but some like it rougher - no coarser than 1000 grit in my books) 3M brand wet/dry sandpaper and wetsand the lacquer till its a little rougher for you. That seems to cut down on resistance for folks that arent into gloss. Whatever you do, do NOT burn all the way through the finish and oil the bare wood like the scott's bass lessons guy does, at least not if you live anywhere with seasons - that's just begging for stability issues. Also no steel wool - i find that it can leave marks you won't enjoy from a less uniform abrasive surface leading to a more varied scratch pattern. Just my experience, but the fine grit gentle wetsand method is the safest if you're smart with it. If you're not comfortable, have a pro do it, or just dont! (Legal: i take no responsibility for any damage incurred to the instrument)

Yes, I got the 2000 grit sandpaper. Gonna give it a go. This particular bass is 17 years old and has a very glossy neck finish, likely moreso from all the playing but I'm there.
Today's the day or I too am moving to Arizona!

 

[SJan3]

Any other ideas for living the neck before I take sandpaper to it??

 

[MrLenny1]

Neck Ease IIRC.
Spray on lube. Strings and back of neck.
I hate outdoor gigs.

 

[Mili]

I always use cotton glove. I play snooker too and nothing feels better than slipping polished wood on your fingers!

 

[Bruce Johnson]

Nano-Wax. Many different brands available, online or at autoparts stores. Squirt a bit on a cloth and wipe on the back of the neck. It'll be smooth and slippery for weeks.

Here's an example on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-One-83...id=1623094241&sprefix=nano+wax,aps,486&sr=8-2

 

[seedokebass]

I had friends use the Fast Fret spray on the back of the neck in the past. They liked it, I did not. My basses are satin finish or some kind of oil finish so it hasn't been an issue even on sweaty stages. Maybe keep a towel nearby to wipe it off?

 

[Slevage]

It doesn’t bother me because only my thumb touches the back of the neck— never my palm. My thumb pressure is minimal (even on upright).

I played with guitarists that palmed their neck. One used finger ease— not sure if that product is still available. The other guy used baby powder.

 

[P. Aaron]

I gently use a scotch brite pad on my Dimension and Precision V when the necks gloss up…i mean gently to burnish off the gloss.

Onstage during hot/humid days with multiple set gigs, I use a bottle of water to rinse my hands and towel them dry. If you’re up there for one set, it’s a bit easier to manage dry hands. YMMV.

 

[jthisdell]

I took the gloss off of my P all the way to wood and oiled it 45 years ago, the neck is as stable as they come. I last adjusted it almost 40 years ago.

 

[Peteyboy]

Mike Trout uses a rosin bag.

I could watch that all day...

 

[MattZilla]

My gig instruments’ necks get sanded, stained, and “tung” oiled.

glossy necks are for air conditioned jam/recording sessions only.

 

[Chain_Lightning]

LMAF ...
lol

 

[Chain_Lightning]

... on the Mike Trout vid

 

[Clark Westfield]

Green and Grey Scotchbrite knocks the gloss down very nicely.

Think it’s around 1000 grit.

I use Fast Fret lube on the strings AND the back of the neck on sticky days.

It’s always on my amp during a gig.

 

[Ostie]

A little bit of baby powder or corn starch on your hand before the set works wonders.