Ever since I put the first set of Aquila NylGut “new formula” strings on my ukulele(s) they’ve been just grinding the bejaysus out of my right index fingernail.
I used to see folks in the various ukulele forums complaining about this—prior to the new formula, mind you—and I was always like, “Yah, you are chust girly men!” about it. Even with the women. Now I understand wtf they were going on about.
So for a while now I’ve been thinking I have to go and get one of those nail strengthener things from my local beauty supply store. Today, doing some errands downtown with—strange as it may seem—brass in pocket, I decided to check out what I could find in that department.
There were three varieties and I chose the mid-priced one. It’s called Miracle Nail Hardener. I don’t know how well it will work, since I’ve just started using it tonight, but what they don’t tell you on the packaging is that it puts a rather glossy finish on the nail.
I don’t mind the shiny nail thing, per se. When I was doing close-up magic, and lots of attention was paid to my hands, I would regularly use a clear gloss. But since I am only interested in strengthening the right index (aka “main strumming”) fingernail, it kinda bugs me that I’m going to have one shiny nail.
This is worse than a “first world problem.” It’s a “first world, ukulele ace” problem and there’s no support group out there for us.
The weird things I have to do sometimes. Sheesh!
