My calluses are extremely soft and frigid each morning when I get out of the shower and they're only REALLY hard again the next morning just before. Do you guys have any tips on hardening them or on avoiding the effect water and shampoo seem to have?

One time I was using Purple Power degreaser and it made my calluses harder. It seems to dry the skin out and it made the skin dry. I'd use it just on the fingertips.

The old school trick is isopropyl alcohol, but it will only dry out your calluses faster, not make them thicker or harder. Unfortunately, the only way to do that is to play acoustic guitar (unless you play A LOT of electric). In weeks where I'm playing a little less than normal I pick up my Collings and will run through maybe 20 or so bluegrass fiddle tunes for 15 minutes or so. That usually is good for mainenance, but it took a lot of playing to get them in the first place, and there weren't any tricks or shortcuts.

+ 1 on playing acoustic guitar

Well, you could wear Latex gloves into the shower. Or, soak your fingertips in salt water. The salt water will toughen them. It's what they put on those steaming hot towels that they place on a Boxer's face. For Boxers, it helps to keep them from getting cut so easily.
However, anything you do to toughen your calluses will eventually make your hands dry. And your skin will start to crack and possibly be screwed up permanently.
So, I'd try the gloves, and some attention to how long your hands get wet. Also, you're very young (in the grand scheme of a whole lifetime), so I'd just tough it out. You'll get a little older, and your skin, etc. will change some more.

And maybe, finish every shower or handwashing, with cold water. That will help to close the pores up.

I wouldn't do anything except avoid too much prolonged soaking in water, and too much hot water.

Plus, you can play more often. Not for extended periods of time. Just little 5 to 10 minute spurts. Enough to help your hands get more accustomed to the activities.

Think long term, as you are going to be playing for (hopefully) MANY years to come. Short, repeated practice sessions, and taking the responsibility of real warm-ups and cooling down periods, is a key ingredient to longevity. IMO Please take care of yourself, Buddy. I want to be listening to your latest CDs, while I'm stinking up a Nursing Home, someday!

quote:

Originally posted by Swain:Please take care of yourself, Buddy. I want to be listening to your latest CDs, while I'm stinking up a Nursing Home, someday!

I will man, I will. First one's mix is gonna be ready October 1st, I'll make sure all of you get to hear it

I'm going to get some latex gloves

quote:

I'm going to get some latex gloves Wink

When you hear the snap of latex gloves being put on, it's usually a very, very bad sign.


"Being Swedish, I refuse to discuss hockey with a Canadian"-Nanook

quote:

Originally posted by jaydee:
When you hear the snap of latex gloves being put on, it's usually a very, very bad sign.

LOL

quote:

Originally posted by jaydee:
"Being Swedish, I refuse to discuss hockey with a Canadian"-Nanook

LOL

quote:

Originally posted by jaydee:

quote:

I'm going to get some latex gloves Wink

When you hear the snap of latex gloves being put on, it's usually a very, very bad sign.


"Being Swedish, I refuse to discuss hockey with a Canadian"-Nanook

That sound could scare away yer bass player!!
I was going to suggest finger condoms...they make 'em...I think they are to protect finger casts and stuff...also good for the woefully unendowed...um, I'll bet...not that I'd know mind you...Magnum's for me baby ( ) yeah,...whatever)
Like the man said...I don't know who, some guy...put on yer big girl panties and play that thing!"

Honestly, I can't think of a better suggestion than playing loads of acoustic guitar. Calluses and blisters... the only way to truly get a handle on it is through bunches of sweaty and aggressive live work, in my opinion and experience. I've done 19 acoustic-electric live sets over the past two weeks; picking up an electric guitar at this point in time would feel like playing a toy with rubber bands for strings.