Nails

Phil_aka_Pip

I can't play classical or fingerstyle without them. I don't need them long, just proud enough of the ends of my thumb or fingers to connect with the string to provide a leading edge to the note's envelope.

I now have a split in my thumbnail that appears to be growing with the nail. Renders it useless as a piece of musical equipment. Someone told me to rub handcream into it to stop the split (which starts as soon as the nail leaves the nailbed). Will this work?

Sassafras

I'd use nail varnish. You can get some that's pretty strong for just that purpose. Can't remember exactly what it's called though. I think it might contain the word Diamond, if not the real thing.

Don't know if the handcream thing will work, I've never tried it.