Klarinet Archive - Posting 000006.txt from 1997/09

From: deerich@-----.net
Subj: Re: Ligature allergy?
Date: Mon, 1 Sep 1997 08:55:13 -0400

Frank Garcia wrote:
>
> Good morning,
>
> Recently I had a student that developed an allergic reaction to her Bonade
> ligature. Her lips got swollen up, but she did not tell me any other
> symptoms. I put her on a Rovner and that seemed to clear things up.
>
> I have been practicing a lot lately (5+ hrs a day) and recently started
> having similar problems (inflamed lips, a "numb" feeling inside my mouth).
> My question is, does anyone know what Bonade ligs are made of? And, what
> component could be causing me this problem? I don't want to use a Rovner
> (I've tried them, not my cup of tea). Any suggestions for other ligatures
> without the materials that are causing the irritation? TIA
>
> Frank Garcia

I do not know what metal the ligature is made of, but I can tell you
that some people do react to metals when they are in contact with the
skin. My mother could not wear ANY metal jewelry unless it was plated
with silver or gold. So I would suggest that you obtain a ligature that
is plated with one of these or get one that is not metal. Since you
mention that it only occurred recently, it might also work to take
longer breaks in your practice sessions or to make each session shorter.

Dee Hays
Canton, SD
deerich@-----.net