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Posts: 134
Joined: Jul. 12 2003
From: Livermore, CA USA
RE: Vaseline pro and contra's? (in reply to gerundino63)
quote:
ORIGINAL: gerundino63
Hi All!
On the quest to be a better flamenco guitarist, I have tried a lot of things, some suited me, others not.
The thing I never tried ( yet) is vaseline.
I saw Paco de lucia use it ( on his fingers though... .) So I like to know what your oppinion is about that.
ever used it? tell me
Never used it, Why not?
TIA Peter.
Peter, I keep a small tube of it in my guitar case. It doesn't take a lot, a little dab will do ya . It helps especially after just washing my hands as there's no skin oil left. I haven't gone the Paco route where you squeeze a dab of it in the crevice of the guitar neck and upper bout. Does tend to leave a lot of fingerprints on the guitar. Skin oil off of the forehead or side of the nose works just as good, especially on those hot muggy days
Posts: 15725
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC
RE: Vaseline pro and contra's? (in reply to gerundino63)
Pros- You get a better grip on the string, no catching on the skin, the string slides right into the nail so you have a good plant. I find if my fingers are cold or very dry, and I can't feel the strings to make a good arpeggio, the grease really makes the difference. Helps picado a little too, but it is really noticeable w/ tirandos.
Cons-if you sweat when you perform, then it turns your fingers and strings all black and nasty. It kills the bass strings really quick too. I have only used it a few times for this reason. I prefer to be warmed up before playing.
RE: Vaseline pro and contra's? (in reply to Guest)
All kinds of musicians carry vaseline with them...you need it for how much they pay you! Unless your a rock star! Oh...and sometimes it comes in handy for the dancers...but, yeah, vaseline it good stuff, if it's used right! :>0
Posts: 8
Joined: Feb. 19 2005
From: California. Expat Liverpool
RE: Vaseline pro and contra's? (in reply to gerundino63)
Hi all, Guillermo Rios, who was my teacher and who travelled on the road with Sabicas, told me that he (Sabicas) massaged olive oil into his hands daily. While I think of it, I'll nip around to the store for some and maybe some oil soak just in case I overdo it. Harry .
RE: Vaseline pro and contra's? (in reply to gerundino63)
Speaking of Guillermo Rios, he was here (Winnipeg, Canada) a year or two ago and performed a Misa Flamenca with a choir and our resident top dancers (and a couple from Toronto). It was magical.
Picture a grand old train station from the early 1900's converted to a auditorium with a very high ceiling and massive marble columns. Done in a similar architectural style as New York's Central station. Now shut all the lights off and light the place with only candle operas and tea lights (hundreds of them) while the choir wears black and blends into the background but their voices echo all around you. Guillermo's artistry was incredible and he worked fantastically well with the dancers (who all wore deep red dresses). It was simply ethereal.
RE: Vaseline pro and contra's? (in reply to gerundino63)
Jamey, When you used the word magic, when you saw Guillermo Rios performing. I realized that I have never heard the word as much as when people see and hear him perform. I was his pupil for seven or eight years and we became good friends. After our lesson he would sometimes play all kinds of different pieces and it was amazing how extensive his knowledge and talents are. Harry.
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.) So I like to know what your oppinion is about that. 
. It helps especially after just washing my hands as there's no skin oil left. I haven't gone the Paco route where you squeeze a dab of it in the crevice of the guitar neck and upper bout. Does tend to leave a lot of fingerprints on the guitar. Skin oil off of the forehead or side of the nose works just as good, especially on those hot muggy days 
.
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