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tdignon - Posted - 02/14/2007: 20:01:42
Being that I work as a dishwasher my fingers get pretty banged up from time to time. Today my middle finger was throbbing especially bad so I put on a big bandaid that covered most of the finger. It's provided an effect that I really like, it sounds more 'clawhammery,' especially during the ditty stroke. I think it might be that my finger in this bandaid can only remain in two positions-- straight, or claw, which keeps me from falling into old habits (namely moving with my finger or wrist and no my arm.) Or it might be the texture of the bandaid?
Has anyone had a similiar experience? Do you think it would be smart to continue doing this even after my finger has healed?
Thanks, Terry
RWPark - Posted - 03/05/2007: 12:53:56
I've seen Ken Perlman put scotch tape on his middle fingernail to prevent wear and tear...Hey, if bandaids work for you...why not.
Rich
I prefer to resonate internally.
oldwoodchuckb - Posted - 03/05/2007: 19:49:24
I used to scrape the skin off the first joint of my frailing fingers at festivals (right behind the nail), so I started carrying Johnson & Johnson medical bandage tape around with me. Usually I would remember it before I started bleeding.
I also found a tonal change that I wasn't expecting but don't recal it as being any improvement on my bare-knuckle sound. I think I will give it a try tonight - might be fun.
I've never found that scotch tape over the nail lasted long enough to be of any value, but I know several players (including Ken) who find it quite worthwhile. I go for a plastic fingerpick. I don't like the tone it gives me but my nails are in a constant state of degeneration these days.
The Whiskey Before Breakfast variations and a few tunes in "F" tuning are now available on the web at:
http://home.thegrid.net/~fjbrad/id20.html
tdignon - Posted - 03/05/2007: 22:26:38
I've since taken off the bandage since it became uncomfortable my skin got all white and gummy (yuck.) I also realized that it would be impractical to keep one on for the rest of my frailing days, presumably at least 40 years!
I bought the alaska pik the other day. It seems pretty neat as far as fingerpicks go though takes a bit of getting used to.
Would like to try that scotch tape nail cover soon,
Terry
INFP47 - Posted - 03/07/2007: 17:23:18
I seem to be blessed with strong fingernails but occasionally I will get a crack on the tip of my long middle fingernail. I started keeping the fingernail shorter than I had (not past the end of the finger) and I found I really like the more plunky sound I'm getting. I guess the very hard long nail was giving me a brighter tone.
I don't much like the feel of a finger pick for clawhammer.
Tim
