Blisters.

[Gene Smasher]

Yo,

I decided to start this thread for those who have problems with blisters (me included). My problem with blisters is that I'm quite a hard-hitter.

Let's discuss, what can we do to avoid blisters...

[Flamacue]

Hard hitting isn't always the exact cause of blisters, it’s more of a catalyst. Loose grips at friction points would be the real cause. If you're a hard hitter, try holding the sticks a little firmer, or try a stick wax. I'd avoid using tape, because that stuff wears a hole in your skin just the same.

I like a loose grip myself, but I keep most of my fingers on the stick, so I think that helps me avoid the majority of blisters, I also hit relatively soft most of the time, so the impact is less intense to the friction points…

[TitanSound]

I find I start to get get blisters as my hands get tired and my grip becomes a bit "fly by night". If we rehearse 3 days in a row by the third day I have a few starting to appear. Need to work on my stamina methinks :)

[TheSteve]

I could have sworn there was a few threads on the subject already but if you must know, blisters should never occur! No matter how "hard" you're playing you should never actually get to the point of blistering. Try to change your grip and technique so this does not happen.

[drumbandit]

I don't get blisters, but I get little bubble type things of dry skin. I don't grip very tightly but it neevr really causes irritation or anything. Are your blisters painful?? ouch

Tom

[ledzepjb]

Lets see, this is the one,two,three,four,five,six,seven, EIGHTH thread on this... http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/search.php?searchid=868503

[jayp]

I never had any problems getting blisters ever...

[maddrummr]

I think sometimes its the stick if you had changed sizes and your hands are not used to the width of your stick. For example I used some ol' Vic Firth SD1 Generals. I liked them but wanted to change so i went with some Pro-mark 5b's. The 5b's were a bit thinner and i could feel some friction points. When i used the SD1's no friction. So i guess you have to fit yourself to the stick you use.

[Gene Smasher]

Actually yeah now I think its the way I grip my sticks. I've been using 5As for quite a long time so my hands should be used to it... In fact, I didn't get blisters when I tried my new grip, both on my Vic Firth American Classic Rock (the biggest) and my usual Vater hickory 5As (my usual performing sticks)... So yeah, its the grip.

Thanks for the advice, everyone!

[Gene Smasher]

I never had any problems getting blisters ever...

You obviously know how to grip your sticks perfectly... I still have to get used to gripping lightly... I'm always scared my sticks will go flyin'.