trouble forming callouses in my senior years

[rhirvine]

When I was a kid and into my middle years I had great callouses for fretting. But now even though I'm currently playing a 12 string guitar, they just don't get tough enough for anything but nylon strings. Are there fingertip protectors which would allow me to play steel strings? Thanks in advance.

[AngusH]

Not sure I have a solution, but I can certainly sympathise. I thought I was imagining it, but my calluses don't form as quickly or last as long as they did in my 20s and 30s (I'm pushing 60 now). It's also possible that I simply don't play as much as I used to.

I don't know about protectors per se, but I've been told white spirit will help to harden calluses - I've not tried it, but it might be worth a try.

Angus

[rhirvine]

I have found some finger protectors which I might look into:

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Gorilla-Ti ... BAQAvD_BwE

If anybody knows about these things please let me know. Thanks.

Rich Irvine

[Mike Nye]

Those Gorilla Tips are thimble-things you slip over your fingers.

Have ya tried Krazy Glue (cyanoacrylate)?

Begin with one light coat on each of your fingertips, and if that isn't to your liking -add another coat!

If you really wanna take a walk on the wild side, coat your fingertips with cyanoacrylate, then dip your tips in baking soda, and let dry for a minute or two. If that's not to your liking -repeat until you get the desired results!

It's NOT a permenant solution. It's like your wife painting her nails. If you don't like it, jsut dip your fingers in acetone, and wipe 'em dry -Done . . .