hello,
I'm a second year major in percusion at the Puerto Rico Music Conservatory. When i play Marimba i use the stevens technique. I have a problem, when I Practise for a while the callous on my middle finger gets sore and at times i get a water blister. This hurts and can get very unconfortable when trying to prepare a piece. What can I do?
Thanks for your help!
Jorge Morales

Hi Jorge!
I'm a vibraphonist, but I use the Musser/Stevens grip in my left hand and the Burton in my right. Those blisters are a fact of life for all mallet players. Here's what I do: I use cloth tape, such as you find in a pharmacy in the bandages section. I simply roll this tape around my fingers at the points of friction. Just use one or two wraps (and don't wrap too tightly to cut off circulation!) You get used to the feeling in no time, so it won't hinder your playing. You'll be able to practice for hours with cloth tape on your fingers. If you currently have open wounds, don't use the tape (it'll pull away the scab or otherwise injure the wound). Use cloth-tape band-aids. The cloth-tape band-aids won't stick to the wound, and will provide extra cushioning. I hope this helps! I hope to see you soon on the vibe.net!

Peace,
Wayne Clemmons

Vibraphonist, Vocalist, Composer

I find I get fewer blisters and callouses when using rattan shafts instead of birch. (Yes, I use rattan with Musser/Stevens grip.) This is probably both because of the increased flexibility and the smooth surface of rattan shafts.

Also, Band-Aids come in a new style ("Sport Strip") which is a soft foam strip, very nice for cushioning those sore fingers.

Lastly, gripping the sticks too tightly can make blisters get worse.