Members eris23007 Posted January 25, 2008 Members Share Posted January 25, 2008 Anybody know of a small (i.e. portable) device useful for training both STRENGTH AND FLEXIBILITY in the hands? http://www.amazon.com/Gripmaster-Exerciser-Tension-9-Pounds-Finger/dp/B0006GCBL4 That seems pretty good for strength, but I'm betting there's better stuff out there. For one, I wonder how useful it would be for building guitar-style grip strength as opposed to drum-style or golf-club-style grip strength (i.e., this sucker looks good for using the palm as a base, not so much for using the thumb...). Any suggestions? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members willsellout Posted January 25, 2008 Members Share Posted January 25, 2008 Playing bass helps me:D Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Optimus Prime Posted January 25, 2008 Members Share Posted January 25, 2008 I have the red GripMaster, but nothing beats playing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members countrybass Posted January 25, 2008 Members Share Posted January 25, 2008 I just thought of something funny, but I don't want to be the one to say it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members eris23007 Posted January 25, 2008 Author Members Share Posted January 25, 2008 Of course playing's the best, there was never any doubt. However... I sit at a desk and in a lot of meetings during most days. Having one of these or something like it around would be handy. Anyone know of anything better than the gripmaster, or is that just the way to go? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members guitargod0dmw Posted January 25, 2008 Members Share Posted January 25, 2008 Practice is the best way to go...seriously. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Trauma_Luna Posted January 25, 2008 Members Share Posted January 25, 2008 just play.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members eris23007 Posted January 25, 2008 Author Members Share Posted January 25, 2008 Thanks for the advice, but "just play" and "you should practice" is not helpful in the context of my situation. I cannot practice while at my desk or in meetings at work. However, something small I can conceivably keep around and take advantage of in such situations to build hand strength could be quite useful. Let me reiterate - I do not intend to use such a device as a SUBSTITUTE for practice, just a SUPPLEMENT! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members countrybass Posted January 25, 2008 Members Share Posted January 25, 2008 Actually I believe what the others have said to be helpful. If you work on it all day at work you may overtrain and actrually hamper your progress. Use work as a rest time for when you do practice with bass in hand. Ya don't hear trainers at gyms telling clients to work out all day every day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members justinbass Posted January 25, 2008 Members Share Posted January 25, 2008 You don't want "strong" fingers. You want faster fingers. I can't see one of those being very useful for bass unless your bass's action is too high. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Goofball Jones Posted January 25, 2008 Members Share Posted January 25, 2008 This is good to strengthen the hand. Just make sure you alternate: Why yes...yes I am an immature 13 year old Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bassgirl9 Posted January 25, 2008 Members Share Posted January 25, 2008 Those things are fantastic if you're wanting to build hand strength for rock climbing. Seriously, I used to sell them to rock climbers all the time. (I live near the rockies) For stuff to do at your desk, try touching your thumb to each finger in succession as fast as you can go, mix up the pattern, etc. Then lay your fingers tips flat on the edge of the table (kind of like you're playing your desk like a piano) then do some finger patterns as well. first touch your two outside fingers to the desk then switch to the inside two fingers. Then the peace sign/ ring and pinky. Then pinky and middle finger/ ring and index. etc. etc. Try to do these as fast as you can. Hold your hands in tight to your body in a prayer position then twist slowly so that your hands point down then back up again. This should help stretch out your forearms and wrists. I do several reps of those a day. Slowly and carefully as possible. These are the things I do to build strength/ dexterity when I'm not playing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members eris23007 Posted January 25, 2008 Author Members Share Posted January 25, 2008 Thanks, bassgirl9, that's really helpful. I actually used to live near the rockies myself (I grew up in Boulder, CO). Not a day goes by I don't miss the Front Range. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Super Bass Posted January 25, 2008 Members Share Posted January 25, 2008 I have the blue one of these, I found that it actually made it harder for me to play. I agree with BG9, just do some easy dexterity exercises while at your desk or in a meeting. Thats what I do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bassgirl9 Posted January 25, 2008 Members Share Posted January 25, 2008 Thanks, bassgirl9, that's really helpful. I actually used to live near the rockies myself (I grew up in Boulder, CO). Not a day goes by I don't miss the Front Range. Your welcome. I had one of those exercisers, but I found it made me grip the neck too hard when I played. I hear Boulder is beautiful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Joey Joe Joe Posted January 25, 2008 Members Share Posted January 25, 2008 Some people here might suggest Guitar Hero. :poke: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Goofball Jones Posted January 25, 2008 Members Share Posted January 25, 2008 Some people here might suggest Guitar Hero. :poke: :idea: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bassgirl9 Posted January 25, 2008 Members Share Posted January 25, 2008 Some people here might suggest Guitar Hero. :poke: You cant play that at work. Especially in business meetings. Trust me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Roguetitan Posted January 25, 2008 Members Share Posted January 25, 2008 You don't want "strong" fingers.You want faster fingers. I can't see one of those being very useful for bass unless your bass's action is too high. Strength has everything to do with speed.also finger cordination will also help to develop both speed and strength. and yes practice is the best way to develop coordination, speed and strength. [YOUTUBE]TBJrTsNZVaw[/YOUTUBE] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Super Bass Posted January 25, 2008 Members Share Posted January 25, 2008 You don't want "strong" fingers. You want faster fingers. I can't see one of those being very useful for bass unless your bass's action is too high. So it'd help Optimus Prime then?? :lol: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Optimus Prime Posted January 25, 2008 Members Share Posted January 25, 2008 So it'd help Optimus Prime then?? :lol: My fingers are plenty strong for how high my strings are, I have no problems fretting notes. The neck has recently started bowing forward to much, I need to get it setup again, ~$20 I don't have. I bet I could take almost anyone here in a finger strength competition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Roger in the sky Posted January 25, 2008 Members Share Posted January 25, 2008 This is good to strengthen the hand. Just make sure you alternate: Why yes...yes I am an immature 13 year old that wouldn't be immature for a 13 year old right on the money i'd say Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Goofball Jones Posted January 25, 2008 Members Share Posted January 25, 2008 that wouldn't be immature for a 13 year old right on the money i'd say Too bad I'm in a 46 year old body though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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