Allan C.- Thanks for the link,good thread. As Rick Fielding observed in that thread, a proper instrument set up is more important than having thick calluses.

I agree. My calluses are usually thin, but I have never told myself, "I wish I had thicker calluses so I wouldn't have to fix this guitar". I get along just fine without massive calluses, even when playing bass.

Calluses are dead skin cells. They come and go, but are always replaced by living cells. I suppose that the dehydrating effect of alcohol, saltwater etc would reduce the natural osmotic moisturizing of these dead cells, but to me that seems extreme, is very temporary, and not nearly as effective as just playing regularly.

I don't see the need for big, thick calluses, at least for my style of playing. My calluses seem to come and go as needed. This is probably the most thought I've ever given to calluses. My fingertips have never split or bled, but maybe I just have lucky skin. Thanks, BlueJay