Talc Powder...on fretting hand

[historicus146]

Saw Keith Richards throw some talc on his fretting hand in a replay of the Stones at the MAX (2010)..

then I remembered an old Ray Flacke instructional video where he recommended the same...

I guess if you get your strings for free and someone else changes them out, why not?

Anyone subscribe to this? Just curious.

[Phat-o-Caster]

I keep a little bottle of baby powder on top of my amp and if things get to sticky I'll dust my left hand+ it's good if you want to shoot a little pool too. Never had any issues gunkin' up strings.

[dman]

Playing a gig during the hot and humid months, especially outdoors...yep, I use it all the time. It helps quite a bit. Just clean your strings with a little rubbing alcohol on a rag if you're concerned the talc will gunk them up. Actually, that's a good thing to do any time after playing.

[Del Pickup]

I seem to remember seeing Jeff Beck using talc on his hands on one of the Crossroads dvd's. I guess these gigs in the US in mid summer can get a bit sweaty!

[dman]

Originally Posted by Del Pickup

I seem to remember seeing Jeff Beck using talc on his hands on one of the Crossroads dvd's.

He also gave some to Bill Murray while they were backstage. Not sure why....maybe it helped keep his punchlines from sticking.

[Axis29]

The other guitar player in my band uses it all the time. I've never noticed his strings being funky or anything. Seems to work fine.

[craigs63]

I have an Ashbory bass (with the silicone strings), and keep a talcum bag (available at bowling alley pro shops) for the fretting hand (well, if it had frets).

[ddewerd]

I occasionally use it, but only on the palm (for the back of the neck) and never on my fingers. I guess I want my hand to slide but my fingers to stick

Cheers,
Doug

[Codger]

I lived in the tropics for a spell and use to do this. Actually, I preferred Ammens Powder. Anyway, it was great in those conditions. Never had trouble with strings. +1 to the rubbing alcohol comment, but I also used Fast Fret. Between the two it kept the guitar in good shape. If it's sweaty, the powder actually cleans and buffs up the guitar nicely. If the poster of the Beach Guitar" thread isn't following this, we should move this over there.

[jmiles]

Frank Zappa used it all the time too.

[Mjark]

I'm not a sweaty guy.

[Pajama]

Both Beck and Ray Flacke use talc on their fretting hands. I wouldn't want powder all over my guitar, but hey, that's me.

PJ