Sad but truean seanduine wrote:
Sensitivity to the true ´Rosewoods´ does not indicate sensitivity to true Cocus. Some people however seem cursed that way. (Loren )
Bob
I read an article at some point that referenced scientific research on the compounds in woods that cause allergic reactions in humans. If I’m not mistake (and I very well could be), the compound was essentially the same in most of the woods people react to. I know the rosewood species were referenced but I can remember if Cocus had also been analyzed.
At any rate, I and at least a few others have become sensitized to to the rosewoods, including blackwood, through cocus. For the OP who maybe isn’t familiar with my story, the short of it is: I played blackwood flutes for a while with no issues at all, then switched to a new Cocus flute which caused me ever increasing problems. It was a world class flute whichI had waited a long time for and I loved, but even isolating my face from the flute didn’t solve the problem and eventually I had to part with the flute.
Now, that would have been bad enough, but I learned that I could no longer play blackwood flutes either. Likewise for any of the rosewood family. Even my hands react at this point - if I handle a flute, or anything, made from one of the offending woods my fingers and hands will start to tingle within 30-90 seconds, longer and the sensation starts to be more of a burning feeling. When I was still woodworking I had to wear long sleeves and gloves when turning certain woods or my hands and arms would be burning like mad in no time.
I seem to be an outlier and I’m not trying to scare anyone, but I do suggest folks consider what your flute buying/owning life might be like if you happen to get sensitized: Much as Boxwood, Mopane, and polymers have their charms, they also have really significant drawbacks. Finding good used flutes, particularly keyed flutes in these materials is a real challenge as well, it’s a bit like being a lefty - your choices are few and far between. Major drag. Just something to consider.