Tech: Guitar Calice/Callus

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar Calice/Callus
From: maple_leaf_boy
Date: 20 Feb 11 - 05:50 PM

I saw that post. Guests should be required to register before they
post, so we know who posts what.
I forgot about this thread, it's been a long time.

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar Calice/Callus
From: olddude
Date: 20 Feb 11 - 04:00 PM

I am sorry you are so upset guest, I never used this but I have several friends who said there is a product called NUSKIN ... It is a glue like substance you get at the drug store for paper cuts and the like. I guess it works really well and is flexible enough to keep the soreness in the fingers down. It is like a band-aid type of glue that is suppose to look and feel like skin. I hope that helps

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar Calice/Callus
From: Cluin
Date: 02 Dec 08 - 05:35 PM

Yeah, know I fret too hard. I was told that over 25 years ago when I mentioned to an older guitarist that I noticed my guitar played out of tune even though the open strings were in tune. The action was a bit high, but not overly so. I tried to ease up on my clamp, and I did some, but I guess not enough.

And yes I have that same trouble, Tangledwood. Sometimes the edge of the callus grabs the string and sounds it open as I pull my finger off it too. Very annoying.

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar Calice/Callus
From: Will Fly
Date: 02 Dec 08 - 05:31 PM

There's always a trade-off, isn't there, between using a high action/getting a greater projection/having to press harder - and using an easy action/getting reduction in projection/not having to press harder?

I loved the projection, tone and volume from a recently-acquired new guitar. It was slightly higher in action than I had been used to and, for a little while, was tempted to lower it slightly. However, I didn't want to lose the qualities which had attracted me to the guitar in the first place - so I kept the action... pressed harder... got used to it... and developed some bigger callouses!

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar Calice/Callus
From: Tangledwood
Date: 02 Dec 08 - 05:26 PM

Thanks Dick and Don, I had the guitar set up last week; it's paying dividends already.

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar Calice/Callus
From: Don Firth
Date: 02 Dec 08 - 05:21 PM

dick greenhaus has hit on an important matter. Most guitar players mash down on the strings a whole lot harder than they need to, or should. Try keeping your hand light. Press only hard enough to get a clear tone.

I hate to suggest it because most folkies have a canniption at the mere idea, but it helps a great deal to practice scales while concentrating on keeping your finger pressure light. After you do it for awhile, you'll find that your left hand is a lot freer and faster.

This assumes a guitar with an action that has been set up properly, which is another issue that sometimes needs attention.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar Calice/Callus
From: Tangledwood
Date: 02 Dec 08 - 05:08 PM

"A problem I have is that a lot of playing makes my calluses to develop grooves where the string fits"

Got the same problem here. The trouble is if the string isn't perfectly centered when I fret it, it will slip into the groove producing the note at an unwanted time. Maybe Polyfilla will work.

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar Calice/Callus
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 02 Dec 08 - 04:26 PM

Place your fingertips as close to the fret as you can without muffling the sound. Don't press too hard. Technique may take some time, but it lasts longer than calluses.

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar Calice/Callus
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 02 Dec 08 - 02:27 PM

Is there a trick

Surgical spirit.
Rub it on the fingertips.
Don't drink it (except as a last resort).

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar Calice/Callus
From: Cluin
Date: 02 Dec 08 - 01:40 PM

A problem I have is that a lot of playing makes my calluses to develop grooves where the string fits. This deadens the string no matter how hard I fret. I have to take an emory board to my fingertips and grind tha calluses off.

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar Calice/Callus
From: Will Fly
Date: 02 Dec 08 - 03:45 AM

After an evening session, the callouses on my fingers will sometimes peel off - to reveal the callouses underneath! There's probably 3 or 4 layers under there, but I've never got down far enough to find out...

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar Calice/Callus
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 02 Dec 08 - 03:33 AM

My fingers hurt and I blame Richard Bridge and the Cat being offline.   Spent all Sunday morning practising the mandolin RB loaned me because the Cat was down. Then all yesterday afternoon, cause now I am hooked. Skin on two finger tips already peeling.

Don't know if I will play today as my current viral infection has now moved to my ears and I can't hear very well. Nah!!! I will play.

When I was in high school and learning guitar, I built up my calluses by rubbing my finger tips across rough bricks. I often sat on the front porch to play so bricks were handy.

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar Calice/Callus
From: Cluin
Date: 01 Dec 08 - 11:23 PM

It's not that bad, RB.

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar Calice/Callus
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 01 Dec 08 - 11:12 PM

In England, it's "callous".

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar Calice/Callus
From: Don Firth
Date: 01 Dec 08 - 10:50 PM

Yeah, I know, kat. Sometimes I pick up a dictionary to look up a word and then start moseying. Then, two hours later. . . .

Word freaks! Sheesh!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar Calice
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Dec 08 - 09:26 PM

Don't worry about the spelling. I like new ways to spell "werds" and often look them up to see if a different spelling may have existed before. The online dictionary referred me to "chalice" which came from ME one version of which was "calis." I know, Don, nowt to do with fingers, but it's still fun to look!**bg**

Has anyway tried playing with vet wrap around each fingertip? My vet told me to wrap it round my cat's claws when giving him meds. It's just a thought. It might make a kind of neat gripping pick. On the other hand, it is best if one keeps at it and develops their own calluses. Or is it calli?:-)

All the best,

kat

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar Calice
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 01 Dec 08 - 07:34 PM

I'd have to echo the "practice" advice on this one. There's no better way to build calluses than the old fashioned one. But that doesn't mean you have to punish yourself, either. If you haven't played in awhile, you'll want new strings anyway, so think about going to a lighter string gauge - even extra lights. (John Pearse, may he rest in peace, recently developed "slightly light" strings, which are a good bet if you don't want to go that far. You can still find them in better music stores.)

Checking the setup on the guitar is a good bet too.

Dan

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar Calice
From: Don Firth
Date: 01 Dec 08 - 07:13 PM

< pedant alert! >

Umm . . . it's spelled "callus."

< alert off >

The best way to go about it is to practice for brief periods several times a day. After a day or two, increase the practice gradually until you can play for long periods without your fingers bursting into flame.

And the fact that you're practicing is good, too.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar Calice
From: bobad
Date: 01 Dec 08 - 06:58 PM

I thought you were swearing at your guitar, mlb.

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar Calice
From: Leadfingers
Date: 01 Dec 08 - 06:52 PM

Its the old story of the Middle Aged Lady who got off a train at Grand Central Station and asked the porter "How do I get to Carnegie Hall ?"   -- Answer ? " Practice , lady , Practice !"

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar Calice
From: Bert
Date: 01 Dec 08 - 06:41 PM

Try starting with ground wound or flat wound electric guitar strings. They'll soften the tone of an acoustic a bit but will save your fingertips and cut down on finger noise as well.

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar Calice
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 01 Dec 08 - 06:36 PM

On occasion I've used bits of elastoplast in an emergency, but it doesn't work too well. Maybe Elastoplast Spray Plaster or some equivalent would work better.

But basically the thing to do is to work at toughening up the fingers. Practice until it starts hurting and then rest a bit. And then do the same again. It doesn't take too long before the fingers toughen up, but it can't be rushed.

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar Calice
From: Melissa
Date: 01 Dec 08 - 05:53 PM

I've heard of using glue or nail polish..but both seem like they'd get sharp edges.

There is some stuff that is sort of fake skin (pharmacy/bandage section) and I've heard of people using that with good results. I think it would stay flexible.

When I thought I'd rather try a product than wait for natural toughness, I asked around and was told that quilters use iodine to toughen the tips of their fingers.

It doesn't take long to build callouses the old fashioned way..

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar Calice
From: Will Fly
Date: 01 Dec 08 - 05:46 PM

I personally wouldn't use glue for such a purpose. To start playing again after a long lay off is to start from new. Gentle, regular practice is my recommendation - plus checking that the guitar action is reasonable, i.e. not too high. Patience is also a requirement! :-)

Subject: Tech: Guitar Calice
From: maple_leaf_boy
Date: 01 Dec 08 - 05:42 PM

For someone who hasn't played acoustic in a long while, and started
again recently: Is there a trick to use until they re-develop their
calices? I've heard tell of using glue on the fingers to keep them
from getting sore.
It's for someone who is playing a gig, but has to be acoustic.