Hi All: I am the one who posted the original message in this string about the right hand and Oil of Tarter. The replies about the oil of tartar I was not surprised to find. I am still not sure what we think is Oil of Tarter is what Besard was talking about. Aside from that, it really was a separate issue in Varietie and was related to imparting flexibility to the hands and not a condition to the skin that made playing better. However when it comes to the washing of the hands in hot water and the sound the right hand produces afterwards, if this was not such a significant difference I would not have posted it.
I remember a couple of months ago there was a discussion here about loaded base strings, and why in some of the paintings these items seemed to be red. Several conclusions were that the strings were loaded with lead or arsenic. This of course brought up the obvious dangers of using such strings. It was mentioned that a couple of modern artists are of the habit of licking the fingers of their right hands, during a concert, to improve the sound. This would be dangerous to the player who uses such strings. I view this little tid bit of information as a conformation that others may have discovered this same issue and use licking the fingers as a working alternative to washing or soaking in water. The argument that I should adjust my technique to achieve this same sound, without the washing, is a rather shallow solution understanding that there is no way, direction, or angle of attack that will render this same sound, I have tried every thing; every possible way of striking, plucking, brushing, and pinching the strings has been examined with the exception of my toes, though some may accuse me of playing the Lute with them now. Nothing can match it. I am left with the conclusion that the remedy is in the skin of the hands and not the direction or method of articulation. I appreciate the efforts of all who have replied to my question and will try some of the alternatives mentioned. Vance Wood. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Serge-Andr� Comeau" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, October 24, 2003 9:51 PM Subject: Re: Right Hand Questions > I have also found the sound is better just after washing my hands. As a > substitute, I sometimes rub my finger tips back and forth on my corduroy > pants ( a rough nail file might work to...) > > Serge-Andr� > > >
