After a gap of several years, I've started playing my 5 string banjo again, clawhammer this time. I love the music, but playing has taken its toll on my finger nail, which is now thin and worn.
Wearing a pick feels clumsy, so I'm thinking of going to a nail technician to have an acrylic nail done. Any advice on pros and cons of this?
Thanks.
8 Comments |
 | daveteague says:
3/5/2014 4:21:36 AM
Been there, got the T shirt! I eventually went to nail studios. I put up with the jibes from the lads, but having an acrylic nail permanently fixed to my nail made the real one underneath very weak. Think about it, it can't breathe. So, I've come up with, what I think is acceptable, I've fitted a good quality set of nylon strings. You really can't notice the difference sound wise, it's a bit plunckier, but isn't that what you want for old time? Works for me.
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| daveteague says:
3/5/2014 4:23:10 AM
Another option is to put Sellotape over your picking nail. It can be removed after every session. Ken Perlman uses that method
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 | Ianinuk says:
3/5/2014 4:24:58 AM
A lot of the Americans seem to like this approach, I've never done it myself. Personally I'd advocate learning to use either index or middle finger, then when one gets worn, use the other. I've found they do get stronger over time though so it's less of an issue. Regarding picks, they are clumsy at first but if you persevere it gets better. I find the Fred Kelly delrin ones to be best.
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 | Dibbo says:
3/5/2014 4:38:39 AM
Hello,
Many thanks for your responses.
I've tried the sellotape method. Ken Perlman says he tucks the tape under his finger nail. I have no finger nail left to tuck tape under, but I have had some success just taping across the top of the nail. I have a second banjo on long term loan from a friend that's fitted with nylon strings. Yes, it is nice and plunky, but I find the strings a bit slack for executing POs. Perhaps it's my technique!
I have also tried playing with my middle finger but my nails must be feeble because they get worn down too quickly for the index nail to regrow. I have a delrin pick, so will give it another go.
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| Dibbo says:
3/5/2014 4:41:43 AM
Hello,
Many thanks for your responses.
I've tried the sellotape method. Ken Perlman says he tucks the tape under his finger nail. I have no finger nail left to tuck tape under, but I have had some success just taping across the top of the nail. I have a second banjo on long term loan from a friend that's fitted with nylon strings. Yes, it is nice and plunky, but I find the strings a bit slack for executing POs. Perhaps it's my technique!
I have also tried playing with my middle finger but my nails must be feeble because they get worn down too quickly for the index nail to regrow. I have a delrin pick, so will give it another go.
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| Dibbo says:
3/5/2014 4:42:21 AM
Hello,
Many thanks for your responses.
I've tried the sellotape method. Ken Perlman says he tucks the tape under his finger nail. I have no finger nail left to tuck tape under, but I have had some success just taping across the top of the nail. I have a second banjo on long term loan from a friend that's fitted with nylon strings. Yes, it is nice and plunky, but I find the strings a bit slack for executing POs. Perhaps it's my technique!
I have also tried playing with my middle finger but my nails must be feeble because they get worn down too quickly for the index nail to regrow. I have a delrin pick, so will give it another go.
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 | Neil Rennie says:
3/5/2014 4:42:58 AM
Hey have a look on YouTube their are a couple of James Taylor blogs on how he strengthens his nails I hope this is a help to you
Neil
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| Dibbo says:
3/5/2014 4:44:53 AM
Thanks, Rennie.
And, oops, didn't mean to post a reply multiple times.
I am pants at technology.
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