The Only Flute-Approved Band-Aid I Know Of

[Rob Sharer]

I lacerated myself in the shop this week, right across the pad of my right middle finger (look, see?). Going to the medicine cabinet, I plowed up a box of these:



I had already resigned myself to a few flute-free days, but when I chanced to grab the flute to noodle out a bit of tune that was stuck in my ear, I noted to my surprise that the Band-Aid was no impediment to sealing the hole! Upon closer inspection, it appears that these Band-Aids are made of a rubbery substance, being neither like the old model with the perforations nor the cloth jobbies. Armed with a new-found confidence, I went on to play merrily away at the session all afternoon, with no messy leaks or gaps.

Check 'em out, accident-prone Fluthers!


Rob

[chas]

There are some with clear strips that work, too. Same idea, I think, they're waterproof and made from a very thin somewhat rubbery plastic. I've had to rely on them an embarrassing number of times.

[Rob Sharer]

Well, that's just rubbery!



R

[jemtheflute]

Yup, they do OK. I have of recent times also found the spray-on "plaster"/plastic skin quite useful - if you do repeat applications allowing it to dry in between you can build up a protective layer that works like normal skin on the flute. (Initial apps will sting on a fresh wound, though!)

[Denny]

I'll second both the tough strips & the clear ones.

I have given up on various store brands and stick to "Band-Aid".

[Gabriel]

Another option is using a regular strip and pull a cut-off finger of a latex kitchen or hygienic glove over it. Works nicely.

Oh, or just use cyanoacrylate (super) glue like real men do!

[Rob Sharer]

Oh, or just use cyanoacrylate (super) glue like real men do!

What do you think is under the Band-Aid?

Just didn't want to give the kids any ideas....


Rob

[Casey Burns]

Rob,

Sounds like you were celebrating National Hand Mutilation Week.

I celebrate that one frequently.

Casey

[Rob Sharer]

Yup....there's nothing like a good industrial accident to focus the mind.



Rob

[Aanvil]

Band-Aid Scar Healing work very well and provide that rubbery surface too.

The stick like all heck too and really resist external moisture.

We call them "Dolphin Band-Aids" around my homestead as they feel like a dolphin's skin when you have them on.

Silly but accurate.

[Rob Sharer]

Those look a bit spendy...I notice there seem to be only 10 in the box.



Rob

[jemtheflute]

Tightwad! This is your musical career/survival of which we're being solicitous! The spray skin isn't exactly cheap either.

'Sides, that's one for each digit. Or ten gigs/sessions with only one damaged......

[Rob Sharer]

The old short arms, long pockets problem.


R

[jemtheflute]

Sounds like your arms may be in danger of becoming excessively short, Rob. Have to stop biting your nails!

[mutepointe]

I feel your pain. I had a serious hand/finger cut of some sort one time that bled profusely. Blood was seeping through the bandage before during and after church services. Playing the guitar was out of the question. I could only play the harmonica that evening. I told everyone I had stigmata.

I cut my fingers a lot too. I never try that fancy stuff. I'm a big believer in napkins and direct pressure.