Excellent question, Dick, and one that _should_ come up from time to
time.
This drives me up the wall, too. I blame it on nerves. ...and
temperature. Dress warmly. It's initially helpful to run your hands
under warm water but it really doesn't take the chill out of nervously
constricting blood vessels and it's not always possible. Those loose-
fitting, wonderful-looking shirts --or any other thin material (esp.
synthetics)-- never work for me if it further misdirects blood flow.
Make sure your torso is comfortable and maybe even on the warm side.
If your cotton teeshirt or other warmy underneath shows and you don't
like it, cut a slit from the neck down as necessary and make it your
dedicated lute under-tee. Wear two if necessary and then your fancy
schmancy shirt. Thick cotton socks and comfy shoes are always my first
choice as well because toes mimic hands.
Deportment. If it all possible don't balance on one foot w/ the legs
crossed. Both feet flat and stable creates a stronger structure and
doesn't add to your body's subconscious sense of uncertainty. Moving
to a strap helped me immeasurably. The lute is difficult enough to
hold convincingly without having to stay stock still for a loooooong
nervous moment. Now I can enjoy a straight back, breath naturally,
hold the lute as comfortably as a good beer, see comfortably (head not
cocked) and engage my listeners (should I be so lucky) --even
ocassionally tap my foot without the lute bobbing up and down. And
stand when necessary.
About synthetics, I honestly don't understand the mechanics but if my
skin is rebelling against polyester/acrylic/etc anywhere, some part of
my skin, somewhere, will sweat. The system's first choice, it seems,
are those nervous fingers.
And what Ed Martin wrote ;^)
Sean
On Nov 13, 2011, at 7:53 AM, Dick Brook wrote:
Hi Netters
I'm interested in any remedies for cold finger tips, which I
invariably get when I play a gig in a cold room.
Very frustrating-fingerless gloves? chemicals?, Holding a cup of tea
an hour before?
Any suggestion appreciated.
Dick Brook
richa...@ptd.net
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