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slackkeymike
Lokahi
440 Posts |
 Posted - 01/31/2008 : 7:43:36 PM
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My Guitarplayer "picks" showed up today. Talk about a kit! I hope I don't look like Frankenstein (or Howard Hughes)when I am done with my first attempt!
Progress report this weekend... With pictures!
Mike |
Aloha, Mike |
Edited by - slackkeymike on 01/31/2008 7:59:42 PM |
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RWD
`Olu`olu
USA
850 Posts |
Posted - 02/01/2008 : 08:11:17 AM
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Mike
Here are some tips...
After two good installations you are porbably going to like them. You will need to get a rotary nail file ($25). It is necessary to taper your real nail back (under the plastic) so that it does not hit the string before the plastic ones. You will get a click if it does.
Besides smoothing the nail this will be an occational maitainance as you real one grows out.
Be sure to not allow a gap at the leading edge of your real nail when gluing. If it raises in the back it can be filed way but the front is important. |
Bob |
Edited by - RWD on 02/01/2008 08:12:38 AM |
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cmdrpiffle
`Olu`olu
USA
553 Posts |
Posted - 02/01/2008 : 08:35:01 AM
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1st attempt yesterday with just a thumb nail. Not impressed so far. My strings ate thru it in about 30 seconds. I wasn't all that neat applying it, and will certainly try a full 5 finger setup this weekend.
Damn! that superglue they supply is the real deal. I remember in the mid 70's they used to have an advert showing some guy putting a drop on a hardhat and suspending himself.....this stuff will do it. I know they altered the over the counter formula (grocery store stuff) due to the problems, and that the more powerful formula were always available, but this is the first time I've ever actually used it. I've used 'superglue' to put on my nails for years, spilling it pretty much everywhere. No big deal. This stuff is way different. I spilled a drop and glued two fingers together. I ended up having to cut the glue between the fingers with a sharp knife, lost a little skin. I'll certainly be more careful tomorrow.
That said, I think this actually has some real promise. I'm going to do it up right and see what I think. BTW, I wasn't playing any nahenahe soft stuff, I was slamming out 'Dark is the night (cold is the ground) in D on my National Style O, and the thumbnail died a quick death.
Cheers! |
my Poodle is smarter than your honor student |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 02/01/2008 : 10:02:17 AM
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Piffle - I hope you are eggagerating about cutting between your fingers. Not knowing you, I am not sure whether you are telling the truth or not. Just remember acetone, nail polish remover r Williams Electric Shave will be a good solvent for super glue.
Please do not cut any more of your skin. Makes it even more hard for finger picking.
Bob - re clicking -- so that is the reason for the clicking sound that was on another post! |
Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
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cmdrpiffle
`Olu`olu
USA
553 Posts |
Posted - 02/01/2008 : 1:10:45 PM
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I promise I'll never tell a lie, most of the time. I did use a knife to cut between my fingers. It shaved a bit of skin and didn't hurt too much. I didn't have any acetone, and I'm a blade man, so the 'lectric shave was right out!
What I left out was the fact that I opened the bottle of glue (sealed closed tip under the cap) with my teeth, as I usually do. It stuck my top tooth to my lip for a few seconds when I bit the tip off. I should have noticed that it was stronger then the stuff I usually use. Not to be bothered, I then proceded to glue my fingers together after wiping off excess glue from my nail because I poured straight from the bottle and didn't use the supplied syrette. I really amuse myself sometimes.
That said, I'm one who regularly applies plain super glue to the tips of my fingers, (pads). This is especially helpful when playing for long periods of time. Cuts down on the wear and tear of the skin.
Cheers! |
my Poodle is smarter than your honor student |
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cmdrpiffle
`Olu`olu
USA
553 Posts |
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cmdrpiffle
`Olu`olu
USA
553 Posts |
Posted - 02/01/2008 : 2:30:06 PM
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JOHN!!! Aloha !
I did consider it, but why add to my misery? Would'a made for a real awkard call to 911.
Mike |
my Poodle is smarter than your honor student |
Edited by - cmdrpiffle on 02/01/2008 2:30:34 PM |
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wdf
Ha`aha`a
USA
1153 Posts |
Posted - 02/01/2008 : 3:37:51 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by John
I'm glad you didn't go to the restroom right then Pif.
(What's with the potty-jokes 'round here lately?)
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Dusty |
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slackkeymike
Lokahi
440 Posts |
Posted - 02/01/2008 : 8:46:39 PM
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Holy Carp Piffle! Please don't pick your nose while you are doing this! ROFLMAO!!!!!!
I have not made the attempt yet... found a nice bottle of Pinot Noir, thought it best I wait till the effects wear off.
Mike |
Aloha, Mike |
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slackkeymike
Lokahi
440 Posts |
Posted - 02/03/2008 : 08:39:19 AM
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My first attempt was a disaster. Glued everything to everything. Nail polish remover works...soak your finger in it.
My wife graciously offered for the second attempt. You would be surprised at how long you "think" they should be and how long they really should be.
This is a two person job.
Mike |
Aloha, Mike |
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javeiro
Lokahi
USA
459 Posts |
Posted - 02/03/2008 : 11:35:39 AM
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Wow! This sure has been an interesting and entertaining thread! All of these solutions sure seem like they would take a lot of time and effort, not to mention money. I'm really happy that my own nails are serving me well without any problems.....good genes (thanks Mom & Dad) I guess.
For what it's worth, I recently attended a Taylor workshop with Wayne Johnson (a really awesome guitarist) and the nail question came up. He said that he had tried everything and has had his acrylic nails done regularly for many years now. |
Aloha,
John A. |
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slackkeymike
Lokahi
440 Posts |
Posted - 02/03/2008 : 2:22:20 PM
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| Well, I got 3 on, thumb & first two fingers. Sounds is a bit tinny, hollow. I did not put the fiber glass meshh on yet. Maybe that will help. |
Aloha, Mike |
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slackkeymike
Lokahi
440 Posts |
Posted - 02/03/2008 : 3:55:18 PM
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Lemme tell ya. That fiber glass mesh is a must do. More than doubles the stiffness of the nails. I extended the mesh a bit over the joint where the fake nail and real nail is.
Not pretty, but effective
Mike |
Aloha, Mike |
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Trev
Lokahi
United Kingdom
265 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2008 : 03:22:19 AM
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Y'see this is why I've been to a nail bar. Me and superglue would be a recipe for disaster, as I think I mentioned either earlier or in another 'nail' thread, and as for trying to fettle the nails of my right hand whilst using my (even more clumsy) left hand - well it'd take me hours, which I haven't got. And they wouldn't be so well applied. If I go to a nail bar they'll do a much better job and only take half an hour.
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slackkeymike
Lokahi
440 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2008 : 5:26:09 PM
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A nail bar? Do they serve draft?
OK, here is the secret for guitar player nails. Ya gotta use the fiberglass mesh (filled with the supplied super glue). I finally figured out how to do all this myself (without getting glued to myself). That glue is something else!!! Not like the stuff you buy at wal-mart. Trust me!
Anyways, once the first layer of mesh is dried (about 20 seconds!) file it down smooth. Shape the nails. Go test it out to see if there are any hang points. Then repair. Then, add one more layer of fiberglass mesh and glue. File/sand down to smooth. Make the mesh layer a bit bigger than the last one (go farther back on the nail. When you sqirt that glue onto the mesh, it soaks in and spreads out smooth. Add more once you think there is enough! Watch it spread out again forming a smoother layer. Hope you bought the "dryer" spray, it really works.
Talk about a BRIGHT LOUD sound!!!
PS: I do not try to cut the mesh too close for a fit. I just lay an oversized piece down and glue it. The excess is easy to clip/file off.
I do not think a third layer would be necessary unless you notice that you are tearing them up.
Mike |
Aloha, Mike |
Edited by - slackkeymike on 02/04/2008 5:30:23 PM |
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