bass right hand techniques to preserve my fingernails - advice please?

ToneControl

I use my nails to play acoustic and classical

Any tips on how to do this. I often just use my thumb, but it's a bit limiting. 
I'm generally aiming to be playing in a dub style, or a bit jazzy

phil_b

use a plectrum?

octatonic

Either a plectrum or use fake/false nails for your classical/acoustic playing.
If neither of those things work then you could try clear and matt nail polish to build up some layers and give some strength.
They will break eventually though.

I'm not a classical guy but I've learned to play acoustic finger style with the pads and a small amount of nail.

ToneControl

can you get Tony Iommi style rubber tips for your right hand?

I saw these once:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Guitar-Fingertip-Protectors-Silicone-Ukulele/dp/B083CRP4T2/ref=asc_df_B083CRP4T2/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=427902788328&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11983801575950892172&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046457&hvtargid=pla-907534035735&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=99954790272&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=427902788328&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11983801575950892172&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046457&hvtargid=pla-907534035735

intended for fretting hand

ToneControl

LOL never knew these existed:

https://www.lovehoney.co.uk/product.cfm?p=35220&wgu=12161_196673_15969635357634_4b0c974b93&wgexpiry=1604739535&utm_source=Webgains&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=196673&utm_content=https%3A%2F%2Fuk.redbrain.shop%2F

ToneControl

https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Gorilla-Tips-Fingertip-Protectors-Clear-Size-Medium/OTA?origin=product-ads&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxbW5quCN6wIVSoBQBh3GfgOuEAQYBCABEgKnW_D_BwE

ToneControl

https://www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery-Tools/Rhino-Finger-Protection-Skins-Set--Medium-To-Large-prcode-999-016M?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxbW5quCN6wIVSoBQBh3GfgOuEAQYCiABEgLpTvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Gulliver

ToneControl said:

I use my nails to play acoustic and classical

Any tips on how to do this. I often just use my thumb, but it's a bit limiting. 
I'm generally aiming to be playing in a dub style, or a bit jazzy

Try pivoting your right hand slightly to get more side of the fingers rather than the tips/nails like you would with fingerstyle guitar.

This video is more about showing how to get better tone, but it might work for your purposes too - look at about 1:30

bbill335

take a biotin supplement

octatonic

Do you know Étienne Mbappé?
He's an insanely good bassist who plays in gloves:

ToneControl

Gulliver said:

ToneControl said:

I use my nails to play acoustic and classical

Any tips on how to do this. I often just use my thumb, but it's a bit limiting. 
I'm generally aiming to be playing in a dub style, or a bit jazzy

Try pivoting your right hand slightly to get more side of the fingers rather than the tips/nails like you would with fingerstyle guitar.

This video is more about showing how to get better tone, but it might work for your purposes too - look at about 1:30

please re-add the video, the edit killed the link

ToneControl

octatonic said:

Do you know Étienne Mbappé?
He's an insanely good bassist who plays in gloves:

I had thought of that, but dismissed the idea
Any idea what kind of gloves?

ahhh - silk

octatonic

ToneControl said:

octatonic said:

Do you know Étienne Mbappé?
He's an insanely good bassist who plays in gloves:

I had thought of that, but dismissed the idea
Any idea what kind of gloves?

Silk, apparently.

https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2010/06/08/an-interview-with-etienne-mbappe/

octatonic

This brand apparently too:

https://www.pipolaki.com/en/accessories/86-silk-indiana.html#/32-size-5

ToneControl

ToneControl said:

octatonic said:

Do you know Étienne Mbappé?
He's an insanely good bassist who plays in gloves:

I had thought of that, but dismissed the idea
Any idea what kind of gloves?

ahhh - silk

just ordered some

ToneControl

octatonic said:

This brand apparently too:

https://www.pipolaki.com/en/accessories/86-silk-indiana.html#/32-size-5

ordered some of those too, but they are out of stock for an unspecified period