INDIAN MUSIC FORUM ARCHIVES: Sitar Forum: mineral oil, olive oil on fingertips or none at all?

 

Author Message
Pb
mineral oil, olive oil on fingertips or none at all? Jun 21, 2003 09:12 p.m.


Hi,
I just tried using a little bit of mineral oil on my finger tips, which helps the glide. However, I find it makes my calouses soft and I split them today practising. I think it is due to the oil. I had tried a little olive oil previously but found it sticky. What kind of oil should I be using? Or should I not use any at all?
Lars
Re:mineral oil, olive oil on fingertips or none at all? Jun 22, 2003 03:53 a.m.


Howdy. . . .
Most people in India use coconut oil, try the Parachute brand (comes in a blue bottle) available at your local Indian grocery store. Some players use a hair oil, a favorite being "Marico's Hair & care" which I prefer as well but it's unavailable in the West as far as I've seen.

Lars

jan
Re:mineral oil, olive oil on fingertips or none at all? Jun 22, 2003 05:21 a.m.


I use parachute, but any non sticking oil will help you slide into that meend. . .

The last weeks i have been using sunflower oil, just to try and feel the differense.

Stephen
Re:mineral oil, olive oil on fingertips or none at all? Jun 22, 2003 10:00 a.m.


I had been using "head oil" (the stuff that comes right off of your forhead), but my instructor, says that it will oxidize the strings. The oil that he and his students all use is almond oil, available at your trusty Indian grocery. I've been using Swad brand with very good results. No build up on the strings and smells a lot nicer than petrolium based oils that I have used in the past. I even use a bit of it on the calous that is on my left ankle that is dry and crackly if not attended to.
Remco
Re:mineral oil, olive oil on fingertips or none at all? Jun 22, 2003 11:57 a.m.


Hi,
I've changed a couple of weeks ago to Symphytum- oil. (engl. Common Comfrey- oil). According to my girlfriend (who studies herbs) it stimulates cell-growth, so it actually might stimulated callus- growth. (it is used with healing injuries)
It's has been the best oil I've used sofar and it stopped my callusses from coming of. .

Peace,

Remco

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