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Chadtheguru - Posted - 10/04/2008: 05:51:18
I've used Fast Fret and a spray on called Finger Ease before. I'm not using anything right now because that's one of the things I need that I can't think of when I get to the music store.
What are you guys using?
deleuran - Posted - 10/04/2008: 06:38:47
I don't use anything. Never have. What good does it do?
I am very curious. Finger Ease and Fast Fret, sounds like it can improve ones playing.
But what can it do that some good old fashioned practice can't do?
Excuse if it is a stupid question, but I have actually never heard about it in the 45 years I have played the guitar.
Deleuran "Toons & tunes"
"Old time all the time"
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slowhand - Posted - 10/04/2008: 09:36:49
quote:
Originally posted by deleuran
I don't use anything. Never have. What good does it do?
I am very curious. Finger Ease and Fast Fret, sounds like it can improve ones playing.
But what can it do that some good old fashioned practice can't do?
Excuse if it is a stupid question, but I have actually never heard about it in the 45 years I have played the guitar.
Years ago I tried Fast Fret a few times, which IIRC was supposed to reduce finger noise and extend string life. It might have reduced finger noise but I don't think it helped the string life.
I think you nailed it, however. For all of the discussion about pick gauges and materials, strings, etc., I think the most important factor by far is the quantity and quality of one's practice time. That's true for me, at least.
Chadtheguru - Posted - 10/04/2008: 19:33:03
I've played more in the past 6 months than I have in the past ten years and I haven't used anything. Sometimes, though, I'll pick up my guitar and the strings are a little sticky, whether it's something with the strings or my fingers. It's nothing that a few minutes of playing won't cure, but it's still there and it's a little annoying. I used to use Fast Fret religiously, but really for no particular reason other than it made the strings slippery-er. I've been thinking about getting a little something for those few but annoying times when I have to work through the rough.
It's also fun to talk about "accessorizing" to see what everybody uses (if anything) and why. 
Besides, the capo thread interested me in exploring a Paige capo. I finally decided to get one and the Shubb is now in the little gig bag as a spare.
Edited by - Chadtheguru on 10/04/2008 19:34:35
deleuran - Posted - 10/05/2008: 07:41:33
I guess the "Stickyness" comes from the fingers. Everytime you play your fingers set off sweat and other "chemicals". It makes a chemical reaction with the metal in the strings, and speed up the development of rust.
I was once given a good advise to wipe off the strings thoroughly with a piece of cloth every time I had played and was about to put the instrument away.
I often forget, but I think it is a good thing to keep in mind.
I don't know what the sprays you mentioned does. As I said, I have never tried them. But maybe they are slowing down the rust process too. If so, a piece of cloth is a cheaper solution.
Deleuran "Toons & tunes"
"Old time all the time"
myspace.com/hungryjesper
myspace.com/hungryjoe
Stefan - Posted - 10/06/2008: 02:30:44
I think Fast Fret reduces some of the fingernoise and keeps the strings in good condition. I borrow some of it from our banjoplayer.
AllenShadd - Posted - 10/07/2008: 21:08:05
They serve a couple of purposes. It's really not a matter of strings rusting as much as the build up of oils and such (like dead skin) building up in the grooves of the wound strings. That build up prohibits strings from vibrating as much, causing them to sound dead or at least dull. It obviously isn't a factor with coated strings such as Elixirs or GHS Infinties. A wipe down with denatured alcohol after playing will also help. The sprays also help to reduce finger noise. I will add that if I haven't played regularly, they do tend to help reduce finger soreness. I don't use them much, but have on occasion, and have tried both Finger Ease and Fast Fret.
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