Sticky Neck

[Bobby Brite]

I just bought a custom made mando and was wondering if I should get the laquer taken off the neck so that it will play faster. I hate my hand sticking. Maybe theres some other solutions. Thanks, Bobby

[Keith Wallen]

Having the finish off the neck is really nice to play on but if you don't want to take it off a little baby powder works great. I also use baby powder in the summer when its really hot and your hand starts to stick to the neck.

[MandoCowboy]

The baby powder approach for sticky necks, sweaty hands,etc, works really nice,.....however, I found that the stuff got all over everything and it was not convenient to carry around. I experimented a little and found a way to liquify the powdery susbtance and put it in a little bottle that fits in my mandolin case. I squirt a dime's worth on my fretting hand a swirl it around abit, drys in 60 seconds to powder again (the drying action cools hot sweaty hands as well), works great and stays where it's supposed to. If anyone's interested in this product please e-mail me for the details. MandoCowboy88@Hotmail.com

MandoCowboy

[Martin Jonas]

Simon Mayor has a section on sticky necks in his "Mastering the Mandolin" book. Basically, he thinks that if have problems shifting along the neck, you're not holding the mandolin right. There should be no weight bearing of the neck on your left hand and a gap between the neck and the arch between your thumb and forefinger. The weight should be supported either by your lap (when sitting down) or a strap. He is rather sarcastic about attempting to lubricate your hand instead...

Martin

[Michael H Geimer]

The finsish was removed from the back of my Bitterroot. I love the nice dry feel, but dont' so much care for the shocking bald spot, though it's not visible to the audience.

In the end, I think I agree with martinjonas in that it shouldn't really be an issue with the right technique. But then, everyone is different, right?

- Benig

[Coy Wylie]

Will a "bald spot" on the neck lessen the resale value of the instrument?

[Michael H Geimer]

Probably. But, then I bought it used after the mod was done. I think it really depends, though, as some people do like it. I don't really think I'd have too much trouble selling mine ... but I have no such plans.

I get different reactions to the look of mine. The non-musicians can't believe I paid so much for something with a cosmetic 'defect'. The players I know all say, 'Don't ya' just love the feel the bare wood!' YMMV

Any dealers have experience with stripped necks?

[DarthWoody]

FWIW, I took a small eyedrop dispenser, rinsed it out and let it dry, and filled it with talcum. #It fits in my instrument case. #I also sliced off part of the nozzle to increase the flow. #Here in South Florida we have about 8 months each year where your hand sticks. #One day I may have excellent hand position and this issue may "evaporate" (bada bing).

Stephen

[GTison]

Use the powder for 6 or 8 months. It will prob. dry ie. cure somemore. I remember when I got my fern last july it was sticky a little still. I used powder. now it's not sticky (but it's not hot either) be a little patient before you shave off that finish.

[Michael H Geimer]

" be a little patient before you shave off that finish. "

Yep. It's a one way road.

[Km1000seth]

0000 steel wool

[craig]

i use just regular ole furniture polish on mine and it seems to stay pretty slick. however, i'm not playing that fast.