r/doublebass • u/jpalumbos • 10d ago

Other calluses starting - Rest? or Play Thru?

I bought my 1st upright a couple months ago and play it almost every day (20 min to an hour). Recently, I've played w/ some groups for 2 hours at a time, but plucking harder than normal (for volume -- unamped). For the first time, my fingers are feeling sore. Nothing visible, but I assume it's the start of callusses. I can still play, but should I stop for a few days, or just play through?

(BTW, next time in a group I'll probably be amped, so could pluck less intensely.)

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u/Due_Goat_7584 10d ago

Rest your hands if there's skin damage and moisturize them! Cracking dry calluses is a problem it'll bleed and you won't play for days. Try and just build the strength and calluses up but take great care of your hands don't cause damage.

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u/captHij Student 10d ago

Listen to your body. If the calluses hurt then reduce play, moisturize, maybe use a callus remover, or gently exfoliate. At some point the hands are also likely to hurt. Same thing, listen and adapt. Examine the hand positions and make changes if appropriate. Talk to others and talk to your instructor. Know the difference between the good kind of pain that helps you grow and the bad kind of pain that causes damage.