Upcoming Gig, Callouses Gone. Tricks?

[Altitude]

Hey team -

I have a 3-set gig next weekend. First one like that in about a year and my callouses are gone.

I’ve done this in the past - I’ll get through the gig but it gets pretty painful around the third set. I don’t have enough time to shed adequately to build new callouses.

Any tricks? Nu-skin maybe? Super glue?

 

[Spidey2112]

Easy... finger condoms.

Side benefit is you got your groupies covered, as well.

You're welcome.

 

[mike buzzetti]

get a pair of fabric gloves DONE !

 

[MrLenny1]

Super glue
A pick.

 

[chris_b]

Don't hit the strings so hard. I haven't had callouses on my fingers in 40 years. I turn up the volume and play with a light touch.

 

[RedMoses]

Liquid Bandage! Always keep it in your kit.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I've been in this situation recently. Just play as much as you can in the lead up, even if it's only 30 minutes a day. After about 3.5 hours of playing time at the gig(s), my fingers were sore, but thankfully no blisters.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I have used Krazy Glue on fingertip cuts in the past with success. I always have a mini-tube in my gig bag just incase.

 

[moon-bass]

Super glue is my go to as well.

 

[pbass74]

Liquid Bandage! Always keep it in your kit.

My dad told me about Newskin (All-in-One New-Skin® Liquid Bandage) many decades ago. His high school sports teams used it. I have some on hand at home and it's great when you need it. You can re-apply it between sets if it works for you. I've never used it for playing bass, though.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Hey team -

I have a 3-set gig next weekend. First one like that in about a year and my callouses are gone.

I’ve done this in the past - I’ll get through the gig but it gets pretty painful around the third set. I don’t have enough time to shed adequately to build new callouses.

Any tricks? Nu-skin maybe? Super glue?

Lighten up on your technique and or pace yourself. Also, you aren’t being paid by the note. I like the advice about 30 minutes of vigorous practice in preparation. Best wishes.

 

[Bass Ameg]

For fingering hand: flatwounds.
For picking hand: a pick.

 

[devnulljp]

Hey team -

I have a 3-set gig next weekend. First one like that in about a year and my callouses are gone.

I’ve done this in the past - I’ll get through the gig but it gets pretty painful around the third set. I don’t have enough time to shed adequately to build new callouses.

Any tricks? Nu-skin maybe? Super glue?

This is a great thread as I'm sure a lot of us are in the same boat. First couple of gigs after the hiatus of the last couple of years were uncomfortable. I had a couple of blisters the day after, which hasn't happened for decades. Just really no playing for a couple of years. I turned my amp up and played a lot softer than I usually do, and that helped a bit to get through the night. Tried newskin years ago on a cut finger but it just peeled right off. I never thought of super glue, bet that would have helped.
But good news, it's come back quite quickly and fingers are starting to toughen up.

 

[Cave Puppy]

Turn up your amp and play softer.

 

[Altitude]

Hey, thanks for all the coaching on technique, but that wasn't my question. I'm 51 years old, have been playing bass for 37 years and have a jazz minor in college. I probably wouldn't hit an internet forum for advice on whether I should be playing hard enough to develop callouses - I've got that.

Others - I have a bottle of New Skin coming. I've used it in the past for cuts but never used it preemptively to prevent friction on tender fingers. We'll see how it goes.

 

[Shindig]

Here's a trick I learned years ago. Lightly sand the tips of your plucking fingers.
Fine sandpaper (around 180 or 220) works great. Only takes a few strokes. Could also use an emery board.
The blisters are caused by heat as the tiny ridges on your finger tips rub across the string. Those same ridges are the dark lines you see in a finger-print. "Lightly" sand for just a few seconds.

 

[TNCreature]

I've been playing for 40 years and have never had calouses. It's not a requirement..

 

[P-Belly Evans]

Grit your teeth, play harder, embrace the pain and bleed all over the bass. Trust me, you will be a massive hit with everyone. Plus, no-one will try to nick your gear coz 1. you have proved you are rock hard and 2. nobody wants to risk contracting a surprise...

 

[QweziRider]

What @chris_b said. Let the amp do the work.

 

[Michael Stanley 2112]

Emery board