Every month I try to send all the renters of Lute Society of America lutes a little info on some topic. The one I am doing a bit of research on now is the practice of wetting right hand thumb, index, and middle fingers before playing the lute. I am sure this has been a past topic and am sure there are lots of opinions out there about this. That is, actually, why I am asking for your thoughts. Some lutenists "fog" their fingers, some wet them, some wet them and rub their fingers against their nose to collect oil, some use lotion or mineral oil or Vaseline, some do other things, some do nothing and play with dry fingers. Can you offer me any history about any of these practices, any information, pros/cons, advantages/disadvantages, issues of string type (gut, Nylgut, nylon, etc.)? I am not taking a position on the issue...I am just gathering information and whatever you can share is appreciated. Thanks, Michael Grant
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