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slackkeymike
Lokahi
440 Posts |
 Posted - 01/20/2008 : 08:20:05 AM
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By that I mean finger nails. I cant grow a nail, period. I bite them unconsciously. I like Alaska picks, but I have to "glue" them on. Anyways, finger picks make my fingers go to sleep. I am thinking about having my right three fingers and thumb (nails) covered in acrylic. I know we've been over this before... opinions?
Mike
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Aloha, Mike |
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Reid
Ha`aha`a
Andorra
1526 Posts |
Posted - 01/20/2008 : 08:38:02 AM
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Rots your nails, but don't let me stop you. Besides, acrylic tastes bad when your habit reasserts itself :-)
...Reid |
Edited by - Reid on 01/20/2008 08:39:26 AM |
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slackkeymike
Lokahi
440 Posts |
Posted - 01/20/2008 : 08:57:56 AM
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Well, what my wife told me was that your nails end up thin because they file them down for the acrylic base.
Mike |
Aloha, Mike |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 01/20/2008 : 09:05:52 AM
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| Also you must be very careful about where you have them done. There are many folks who have contracted infections from less than clean tools and equipment that was not properly sanitized and sterilized after each client. Also, the harsh chemicals involved in forming and ahering the nails have often causes either contact dermatitis or respiratory problems due to fumes of the chemicals/solvents. You will also need periodic maintenance. |
Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
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Bing
Lokahi
USA
100 Posts |
Posted - 01/20/2008 : 10:07:21 AM
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I tried them and not only did they ruin my nails but I hated the sound. The acrylic is too hard and makes a clicking sound. I found "Guitarplayernails.com" and I love them. It takes a few times to get the application down. At least you don't have to go to the beauty salon through the back door so that your friends don't see you.
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Bing |
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RWD
`Olu`olu
USA
850 Posts |
Posted - 01/20/2008 : 6:23:32 PM
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Listen to Bing!
I dont think they are being widely used by amateurs yet but it is just a matter of time. |
Bob |
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Trev
Lokahi
United Kingdom
265 Posts |
Posted - 01/21/2008 : 03:12:15 AM
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I've had acrylic nails done about three or four times. I have got really weak nails, and as a result have never really got to grips with proper fingerpicking, because every time I try and learn it, I've got no nails left after two days.
The acrylics were a revalation - I got them done at various salons, and am very happy with all of them. Yes, there is an inevitable look of confusion on the faces of the staff when a long haired beardy type in a motorcyle jacket walks in, and another when you explain you just want the one hand doing, but I reckon it's worth it. You get a reduced rate for only having one hand done, and they last until they grow out, which in my case was about a month.
Here's my observations on the theme:
1)If I put them on myself, I will be doing it one handed, and using my more awkward left hand.
2)The people in the nail bar do it all day for a job, so are quicker and more dextrous than I will ever be.
3)They don't get super glue all over the place- my experiences with super glue are that I get it on every available surface within a nine yard radius, with the single exception of the thing I actually want to stick to something.
4) Your nails are thinned down before they apply them, yes. However, this is not a problem unless one falls off. Your new nail growth is exactly the same as ever.
5) They take a bit of getting used to, but far less than fingerpicks.
6) I learned more fingerpicking in a month with them on than I'd learnt in several years of not having them.
7)You've got no chance of biting your nails with those bad boys on!
I say give them a try - it's only a few bucks. Some people don't like them, some do. Everyone has to find their own path, but you won't know til you try.
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 01/21/2008 : 03:15:04 AM
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Icky. Think of all that di-methyl bad stuff.
PS: My sister got them one time for a wedding and had great trouble 1) pulling up her panty hose (poke a fingernail right through the panty hose) and 2) going to the loo (poked herself in the you-know-where).
But, as Trav says, may be worth a try. |
Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
Edited by - wcerto on 01/21/2008 03:17:01 AM |
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RWD
`Olu`olu
USA
850 Posts |
Posted - 01/21/2008 : 05:38:04 AM
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| Well Bing...what can I say? |
Bob |
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rendesvous1840
Ha`aha`a
USA
1055 Posts |
Posted - 01/21/2008 : 07:07:54 AM
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This subject comes up periodicaly on Banjo Hangout, as us clawhammer players pick downward with the back of a nail, usually index or middle finger. I break my nails at work regularly, so I ended up cutting down and reshaping a plastic fingerpick to replace the broken nail. It took some getting used to, and was never an ideal alternative. Then I learned to use alternative fingers, hoping one would be intact when the other wasn't. Neither of these will help for playing guitar, unless you decide to play clawhammer. Guitar players nails have been cited by several banjo players as the best solution they have found. I haven't tried them;but I may. For guitar, I just use a thumb pick and two finger picks.
Paul
http://www.guitarplayernails.com/ |
"A master banjo player isn't the person who can pick the most notes.It's the person who can touch the most hearts." Patrick Costello |
Edited by - rendesvous1840 on 01/21/2008 07:11:30 AM |
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RobO
Akahai
USA
97 Posts |
Posted - 01/21/2008 : 07:57:37 AM
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| I've been using acrylic nails full time for about the last year. I think they're great. I also shape them so that you really can't even tell I have them. They look just like a normal nail, and only about 1/8" long so are not noticeable at all, but are long enough to do the job. My problem is that my nails aren't thick or strong enough to stand up to steel strings. I'm also lucky that my natural nails haven't responded badly (no infections or any other problems). Except for the $12 every 2-3 weeks, no problems at all. I recommend it highly. |
a hui hou... Rob
"Lawe i ka ma'alea a ku'ono'ono"
Translation: Acquire skill and make it deep |
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Mika ele
Ha`aha`a
USA
1493 Posts |
Posted - 01/21/2008 : 11:30:25 AM
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Wanda, Wanda, Wanda
the mental pictures you create . .
sometimes is just . . . too much information |
E nana, e ho'olohe. E pa'a ka waha, e hana ka lima. |
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Trev
Lokahi
United Kingdom
265 Posts |
Posted - 01/22/2008 : 07:40:20 AM
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LOL Wanda - I haven't had any trouble with the pantyhose, luckily!
Like RobO says, you don't have to have them all that long in order to use them for guitar. |
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RWD
`Olu`olu
USA
850 Posts |
Posted - 01/22/2008 : 1:25:32 PM
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Yeah...I have also heard that lenght isn't everything but I think players with long ones will say that to keep from hurting your feelings.  |
Bob |
Edited by - RWD on 01/22/2008 1:26:05 PM |
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slackkeymike
Lokahi
440 Posts |
Posted - 01/23/2008 : 8:06:36 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by wcerto
Also you must be very careful about where you have them done. There are many folks who have contracted infections from less than clean tools and equipment that was not properly sanitized and sterilized after each client.
Well, my wife has not had to go to the hospital yet, so I am guessing her nailer is AOK. As for length, she has never complained!
You guys are a riot! Wanda... TMI, but it was fun.
Mike |
Aloha, Mike |
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slackkeymike
Lokahi
440 Posts |
Posted - 01/23/2008 : 8:07:49 PM
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Oh, Trev, what has super glue got to do with acrylics?
Mike |
Aloha, Mike |
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