SWEATY PALMS and FINGERS

Bob McAlister

Bob McAlister

6tzguy
Supporting Member
Aug 22, 2004
1,225
1,165
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Orange County, Ca.
#1
Ok, I'm going crazy (er)....I think. Does anybody else have a problem with sweaty palms and fingers while they're playing? It's driving me nuts. I'm pretty sure it must be caused by nerves, but my technique goes straight down the toilet. My fingers feel like 'sticky spongy rubber'. Has anyone else had this problem, and if so, what's your solution to it? Thanks in advance. 6tzguy
 
#2
WOW! I feel for you. I occasionally have to use some sweat bands or bandanas tied around my wrists if it gets really hot and humid but otherwise no problems like that. Do you use any kind of lotions? If i put stuff on my hands they get sticky and turn my strings black so i avoid using anything but soap and water.
 
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#3
6tzguy said:
Ok, I'm going crazy (er)....I think. Does anybody else have a problem with sweaty palms and fingers while they're playing? It's driving me nuts. I'm pretty sure it must be caused by nerves, but my technique goes straight down the toilet. My fingers feel like 'sticky spongy rubber'. Has anyone else had this problem, and if so, what's your solution to it? Thanks in advance. 6tzguy
Click to expand...

Invest in something like this and keep it on you, it might help keep you cool and not sweat so much
 
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#5
I'm with you on this issue. When the humidity is bad, my hand sweats and it's hard to slide my hand on the neck of my Steinberger bass. My hand tends to stick on the back of the neck.
 
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#7
6tzguy said:
Ok, I'm going crazy (er)....I think. Does anybody else have a problem with sweaty palms and fingers while they're playing? It's driving me nuts. I'm pretty sure it must be caused by nerves, but my technique goes straight down the toilet. My fingers feel like 'sticky spongy rubber'. Has anyone else had this problem, and if so, what's your solution to it? Thanks in advance. 6tzguy
Click to expand...
Wear a glove. Scott Bass plays fine with one.
 
#9
Does your neck have a satin or gloss finish? I find that gloss necks tend to 'stick' more. If you don't want to do something for your hands, maybe look into something to make your neck satin (if it isn't already). There should be some ways that are fairly easy on the finish but make the neck smooth to play.
 
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#10
Neck is satin, so no sticking on the back of the bass neck. (even with sweaty palms) No it's the pads on my fingers-both hands that's the real big problem. I will try corn starch or maybe the corn liquor would settle my nerves and the sweating would stop. Ha, ha. I'll Google Scott bass in order to see what his condition is and what kind of glove he uses, can't picture my gardening gloves feeling quite right....ha, ha, Tolerence EJ, my hair is still there at 67 yrs, but I cut it by 20" in 1975, so alas no blowing long hair. :meh:
 
#12
Can't say that I've had this problem, except maybe once when we were playing outdoors on a very hot and humid day and everybody was sweating.

Anyway, you might consider trying some different strings. I don't know which particular kinds would make the problem better or worse; maybe others have suggestions. This probably won't solve the problem entirely, but it might help.
 
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#13
6tzguy said:
Ok, I'm going crazy (er)....I think. Does anybody else have a problem with sweaty palms and fingers while they're playing? It's driving me nuts. I'm pretty sure it must be caused by nerves, but my technique goes straight down the toilet. My fingers feel like 'sticky spongy rubber'. Has anyone else had this problem, and if so, what's your solution to it? Thanks in advance. 6tzguy
Click to expand...
You're not getting anywhere near my instruments.
 
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#15
Scott has focal dystonia in his hands. He seems to mostly wear the thin stretchy gloves like you would wear when it is cold, he's said that the compression somehow helps the symptoms of his dystonia.
 
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#20
Subbed....
Want to see what solutions are suggested. My sweat destroys strings and I need to figure a way to minimize the damage. Just played a series of shows in Alabama and Mississippi where the temp was 90ish and really high humidity. I was sweating like a pig. Thank goodness for coated strings and fast fret.
 
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