by jorge » Mon Nov 19, 2007 6:18 am
Firebrand,
I don't see the point of trying to develop calluses on purpose. When you play a lot and play hard, you generally develop some calluses on certain parts of your fingers and hands. The calluses can be more of a problem than a help, though. They cause more pain than you would have without them, and they can split and bleed. Although some of the best players have a lot of calluses, some don't. I shook hands with some of the best conga players in the world tonight and a couple of them didn't have real hard hands. I don't believe calluses add anything to your sound, which mainly reflects your technique, the quality of the skin, tuning of the drum, type of drum, humidity, room acoustics, and other factors. Practice your technique, spend a few minutes each day perfecting your sound, and you will be fine, with or without calluses. Doing things to get "rock hard hands" is more likely to cause arthritis or increased hand pain than help your sound.
Edited By jorge on 1195453318