Hand Care - what do you use?

[Emcee]

Just curious what some folks use to care for their hands?

Shea butter? Lanolin? Composite?

Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance =)

[windhorse]

Nada

[CongaTick]

Occasional splits and such just seem to be a part of playing. Some people split alot, some don't. Some people use tape, some don't. I'm especially prone to splits in the dry, cold winter months. A lot has to do with technique, but some just has to do with the genetic qualities of your skin. This topic has been threaded pretty thoroughly on the forum. Check it out.

[onile]

Alafia Abures!
I hope that you are all well and in an abundance of blessings!

When I was 21 years old, I met another conguero who prided himself on the splits and blood that he had on his hands while playing, it was an ugly sight, and rather unfortunate. I have had my share of "splits" on my fingers and on my hands, depending on the whether of course, and also on the technique.

First of all, I never play without mics, unless I'm practicing here at home and I always use "manteca de corojo" (Palm Oil).

What happens while playing is that blood and other fluids rush to the hands to protect the joints and ligaments (?sp). While the fingers and the hand continue to "pound" away, they begin to "swell". They reach a point where all of your natural lubricants in the hand deplete themselves and the skin surrounding them can no longer contain the swelling, then they begin to split. OUCH!

What the manteca de corojo does is helps to sustain the elasticity of the skin, if you apply it before playing each set. It requires getting used to some of the "slippery" effect, but well worth it. A side affect is that other congueros and people in general don't care too much for the feel of it. Oh well!

You can actually do a google search for it online "palm oil", or "manteca de corojo" and you'll more than likely be directed to a botanica (spiritual store).

Take care of your hands Abures!

Many blessings!
Onile!

[CongaTick]

Excellent advice and information for you, emcee. Our forum pros always come up with great stuff!

[pavloconga]

greetings all,
When I studied in Cuba in 2003 I took with me 2 small jars of Arnica (a herb) ointment. While there my main teacher was 65 year old conguero by the name of Sandalio 'el Macho' Calderon - an incredible conga player. Anyway, after he played 4 nights straight as soloist on quinto in comparsa group 'Los Marquesas de Atare' in La Habana Carnaval he said his hands were hurting a lot. So I gave him my other jar of Arnica. He thought it was amazing stuff and said it helped greatly.

I still use it. It keeps skin flexible because it has a lanolin base and helps reduce pain/swelling & sprains if you've been playing a lot.
blessings to all
Pavlo

Attachment: http://mycongaplace.com/forum/eng/uploa ... -macho.jpg

[CongaTick]

Pavlo,

What a wonderful picture! The lighting and composition of exudes his gentleness and love for his well worn drum. His hands almost seem to caress its surface, simultaneously respecting and commanding the power of the instrument and the spirit that guides his life. Thanks.

[pavloconga]

Hey thanks Congatick,
You are right in what you say. He was an amazing man, with a lot of love, passion for music and an incredible command of his instrument. As soon as he got behind the drum he became what I can only describe as 'a force of nature'.

So many times, he'd demostrate something and I'd be awestruck by his command of the instrument (believe me I've seen a lot of percussionists and had just spent 2 months in West Africa before going to Cuba). After I picked up my jaw from the ground he would always insist that I repeat what he'd just played. He wouldn't stop until he thought I was getting a good grasp of what he was trying to show!

Look at that drum - isn't that the oldest, most worn conga you've probably ever seen? Yet he had the ability to make that drum absolutley sing, shout, scream, roar and whisper. Somehow he was able to get the loudest, crispest slaps out of that drum. I have many recordings of his playing.

Sorry guys, I've digressed somewhat from the thread topic but felt I had to tell some of the story behind the picture.. If there's some interest I could post more pics and possibly some recordings of his playing in a new thread.

cheers!
Pavlo



Edited By pavloconga on 1171668742

[Emcee]

Thank you everyone for you thoughts. It is much appreciated.

[Gentle Ben]

Hi Pavloconga,
Yes please post some more photos and recordings, it is such a delight to read about this amazing man, who has inspired you.
Cheers
Ben

[yoni]

Hello congueros, congueras,

Like CongaTick wrote, hand care has been well-covered in the forum.

But I'll repeat here for convenience the stuff I use when I can get it - I've tried all others mentioned here, and for me the one working best by far is called Corn Husker's Lotion. It can still be found in some older or more "exotic" pharmacies in the U.S., maybe in some newer ones also. For me, the stuff works wonders in preventing splitting.