Problem with sweaty hand and guitar playing

**blackcat** · 11-23-2016, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by rob taft

Jeff Beck is a bit more than a dipper (see photo). He uses it for anti friction purposes which is more problematic during more humid weather.. The problem with talcum powder is that it will build up in the wound strings. Not a problem for Jeff because I imagine his tech is changing strings prior or during each show. I'm blessed with dry hands that apparently have a neutral chemistry because I never wipe my strings and they never corrode. They loose their ability to stay in tune before they get any tarnish.

The best advice in my opinion was given above. i.e. stock additional sets of the offending strings and wipe after use.

Of course, we are told that it is talcum powder! In fact it is. The guy I played alongside at a blues jam here in SW France two weeks ago turned out to have been his guitar tech for six years and it came up in conversation.
Not a problem with flatwounds of course( clogging ).

**Jabberwocky** · 11-23-2016, 12:22 PM

Liquid Gym Chalk Amazon.com : Mosher Mountain Gear Liquid Chalk; Super Grip formula for Rock Climbing, Bouldering, Weightlifting, Crossfit or Gymnastics : Sports & Outdoors . Smear it on your fingertips and let it dry.

**feet** · 11-23-2016, 01:23 PM

i got a few of these from amazon a while ago, but i never really got into the habit of using them. it kinda works, though. at least to help your hand slide along the back of the neck. its a little easier and safer to transport than a bottle of talc. or just do a search on google or amazon for "talc bag".

Super Slide-Rite Talc Bag

**rob taft** · 11-23-2016, 02:32 PM

Originally Posted by blackcat

Of course, we are told that it is talcum powder! In fact it is. The guy I played alongside at a blues jam here in SW France two weeks ago turned out to have been his guitar tech for six years and it came up in conversation.
Not a problem with flatwounds of course( clogging ).

Geez, I agree, I never said that it wasn't. When I saw him play a few years ago I was just struck by the amount of it that was tossed around during a show.

**Doctor Jeff** · 11-23-2016, 07:15 PM

Originally Posted by blackcat

Of course, we are told that it is talcum powder!

Could be the cocaine...

**Doctor Jeff** · 11-23-2016, 07:18 PM

Back OT I use Fast Fret frequently when the strings get a bit oxidized. It's just mineral oil. I think it extends the playability of the strings.

FWIW I'm probably an exception but I am in the category of "only change strings on alternate leap years" or when absolutely necessary. In part that's because, despite what you may hear, there isn't a huge amount of humidity in the midwest compared to other parts of the world.