how to harden fingertips again

[lydia]

I have let my fingertips soften from not playing for some time, What is the best way to harden my fingertips (ie form calluses again)? PS I have been a harpist for 80 years!

[Gregg Bailey]

What better way to create calluses than by playing?

I will say, I have a little 14-string right-triangle “Troubadour” harp device made by Niebisch and Tree Harps of Germany which is strung in pedal-gauge nylon (1B to 3C) and is meant for keeping the fingertips hard while traveling. It’s nothing more than a foldable frame, strings, and tuning pins, as there’s no soundbox. It’s amazing how effective it is for creating calluses by forcing each hand to play such high-pitched, high-tension strings, as you can really only play it one-handed while the other hand holds the frame.

I’ll be curious to see what advice others have on this topic!

-Gregg

[Gregg Bailey]

When I allow my calluses to even somewhat disappear, I do find it difficult to keep from going through the awful blister phase, as I end up wanting to push through the burning sensation on my fingertips that SHOULD be the sign to stop for the day!

-Gregg

[lydia]

Thank you!
I may need to take it very slowly….. learning my lesson for neglecting practice sessions!
I knew better!

[balfour-knight]

Hi Lydia and Gregg!

That’s good advice about starting back and gradually letting your fingers get used to playing again. Keyboardists have no problem with this like harpists do. If I miss playing the harp for even 3 or 4 days, my fingers can tell the difference. Also, since I take my Dusty FH36S lever harp on vacations and family trips, I only play it for the duration of the trip, being away from my pedal harp at home. Upon returning home, I immediately start playing the pedal harp again, to re-toughen my calluses. It is mainly the larger bass wires on the pedal harp that bother me, as I utilize the full range down to 7C as I play. Those wires are large gauge and have pedal tension, that’s for sure!

Aloe Vera gel is a soothing natural ointment to apply to your hands after marathon playing. I use it at night to give my fingers plenty of time to heal.

Happy Harping!
Balfour

[Saul Davis Zlatkovski]

I use oils, but only at night. As water and soap soften the skin, I theorize that oil reinforces it. As Nivea no longer makes their oily liquid lotion, I would recommend Bag Balm, as it contains lanolin. You could also use very fine sandpaper to stimulate the development of callouses, but playing is the main thing, just increase by five minutes a day.

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