Double Bass SWEATY PALMS and FINGERS???

[Bob McAlister]

Ok, I'm going crazy....I think. Does anybody else have a problem with sweaty palms and fingers while they're playing? It's driving me nuts. I'm pretty sure it must be caused by nerves, but my technique goes straight down the toilet. My fingers feel like 'spongy rubber'. Has anyone else had this problem, and if so, what's your solution to it? Thanks in advance. 6tzguy

 

[Steven Ayres]

In certain situations and weather conditions my fingers become not wet but less dry, which causes a feeling of excess friction on the strings. When that happens I apply a little clay-based baby powder to my fingers. I like Burt's Bees. (I avoid talc on the theory that it may work its way into the string windings and cause problems.)

 

[Bob McAlister]

Thx for your input!

 

[Groove Doctor]

Applying anti-perspirant to sweaty feet works incredible well for many hours. I haven't tried it on hands though, but it is one option to consider.

A cool pack to the palms will help temporarily. Might not last a whole set but could delay the onset of sweating. Does holding a cold drink in your hands help reduce it?

 

[sean_on_bass]

I tend to sweat quite a bit. Usually i just have a clean rag sitting around to wipe down my hands/strings after each tune. I've seen some guitar players use baby powder on their hands and back of the neck to keep dry. Experiment at your own risk!

 

[Paulabass]

Yup, it's the season. At sweat'n'swat gigs I usually play an old Fender bass with no finish left on the neck, I bring a clean towel to wipe both my hands and my neck every couple of songs, and I have one of those little turbo fans that blasts me with cooler air.

 

[Paulabass]

I tend to sweat quite a bit. Usually i just have a clean rag sitting around to wipe down my hands/strings after each tune. I've seen some guitar players use baby powder on their hands and back of the neck to keep dry. Experiment at your own risk!

Baby powder nowadays is scented cornstarch. You can try supermarket cornstarch that doesn't smell like a unicorn.

 

[sean_on_bass]

I'm old school, i want that straight talcum.

 

[Paulabass]

I'm old school, i want that straight talcum.

Talcum powder doesn't exist any more, as it's carcenogenic. Everything sold as talcum now is just cornstarch and perfume.

 

[Fredrik E. Nilsen]

I use the opposite solution: I always use a tiny amount of hand lotion (the thick, fat type) when I practice and when I play. Then I always get the same feel. (Wash your hands first, and remember to wipe your strings often).

 

[carreon0517]

I always have a hand towel to wipe the sweat since I have no idea how to permanently get rid of the excessive palm sweating.

 

[Wulfensteiner]

Ground up chalk works great.