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I have been learning the basics of flamenco over the past year or so and have been building basic technical skills. But as I increase my skills, I have been playing harder and now damaging my nails. I can’t seem to keep a decent set of nails for more than a week before I get a major tear.
I am using much of the advice available here on the forum re nail care. I use glue on my nails, regularly reapplying with a brush. I also use vaseline when playing. I have ordered a set of guitarplayernails and will test these when i recieve them.
But i have been wondering about the effect of string tension on nail damage; a topic i havent seen addressed on the forum. I currently use high tension strings on my guitar (Savarez 540J). I prefer the feel of high tension strings on my classical and love the tone. i have adopted them for my flamenco playing.
Do higher tension strings have more wear and tear on nails? Should I consider lower tension strings specifcally to reduce damage to my nails?
Posts: 15725
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC
RE: String tension & nail damage? (in reply to TrickyFish)
Aside from the nails what is the state of the GLUE after you play? Is the glue wearing off first? Glue should last the whole week and if playing wears it down you can apply more. But sometimes the glue goes bad if you don’t store it in a ziplock plastic bag or air tight container. This results in the glue wearing off very easily while playing. If that is the case you must trash it and buy a fresh bottle and keep it stored like food.
RE: String tension & nail damage? (in reply to TrickyFish)
Problem solved
I bought a fresh batch of glue today and it is working beautifully.
The new glue provided a hard and smooth coating that protected my nails well. I didnt feel like i needed to use vaseline. None of the new glue chipped off while playing.
I can feel the difference between fresh glue and old glue after application. The new glue is much smoother, whereas the old glue had a textured feel to it.
Looks like i will be buying regular, small batches of glue.
Posts: 15725
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC
RE: String tension & nail damage? (in reply to TrickyFish)
quote:
ORIGINAL: TrickyFish
Problem solved
I bought a fresh batch of glue today and it is working beautifully.
The new glue provided a hard and smooth coating that protected my nails well. I didnt feel like i needed to use vaseline. None of the new glue chipped off while playing.
I can feel the difference between fresh glue and old glue after application. The new glue is much smoother, whereas the old glue had a textured feel to it.
Looks like i will be buying regular, small batches of glue.
Thanks again.
Yes it is cheap enough that once it stops working right, just trash the stuff. And don’t buy in bulk because it goes bad sitting on the shelf. I can keep a nice fresh bottle going for months if I properly seal it in a ziplock bag. I wish they put “born on date” on the package like they do with food. Beer and Manzanilla should be treated likewise.
RE: String tension & nail damage? (in reply to TrickyFish)
I’ve noticed some of the more premium brand superglue formulations have an extended life. Not their most basic label, but they might have a bottle/tube that is a little more than their base. I like DAP Rapidfuse. But loctite and Gorilla glue do well too. They have additional additives.
For a while I was using Kiss nail glue (not the flexible version). But since the pandemic the quality has dropped from the bottles I’ve got.
RE: String tension & nail damage? (in reply to TrickyFish)
I like the feel of Vaseline on my fingertips and sometimes even use a little when playing with classical technique. Especially when my hands are cold. It’s forgiving.
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