A question for you Grinter whistle owners out there: Have you ever had a problem with lip or mouth (internal) irritation that seemed to coincide with playing your Grinter whistle? The reason I ask is that I have some symptoms that “seem” to coincide with the playing of my Grinter Low F (a gift from a very generous friend), but I can’t be certain.
The whistle itself is Red Lancewood, and I suppose it’s possible I could be having a reaction to the wood, or possibly whatever it is Grinter uses to treat/seal the fipple block, as it is definately not raw Cedar.
At any rate, if I hear back from a bunch of Grinter whistle owners that none have ever had a problem, then this would help me rule out one potential cause of the problem.
I read somewhere that Lancewood can cause skin irritation. It should be sealed somehow at the mouthpiece. You would know better than I, just how that might be done. I’m sure that Mike would help if you send him a note via his site.
Not necessarily… I’m allergic to some things than the majority of the population is not, so don’t rule out an allergic reaction to your Grinter just because most people don’t have any adverse reaction to them.
There are a few timbers from different parts of the world called “Red Lancewood” so I’ts hard to get any real evidence of Australian red lancewood being an irritant (that’s assuming your Grinter was made from the Australian variety). However, judging by the explosion of results when you search for timber and skin irritation, I’m inclied to think that every timber has the potential to trigger a reaction, depending on the person.
Loren, I’ve had no problems with my low F but it’s not red lancewood so I don’t think my experience is all that relevant.
I’m pretty sure that Eldarion had problems with a Grinter flute maybe 4 years ago. I seem to remember him offering it to me at the time and also asking about fixes. I also recall that he chose to sell. But, if my memory serves me well, it was cocobolo and not red lancewood. Still, if he contacted Michael, he might be able to tell you how useful the advice was.
Thanks for the replies thus far. I do realize that virtually any substance can be an irritant, and I’ve certainly had my exposures and reactions to several - My old Cocus Olwell, a couple of Cocobolo instruments that came through the shop for repair, plus plenty of flying wood dust (Grenadilla dust causes my skin to burn and itch if I don’t wear long sleeves), etc.
However, I’ve had this whistle for a couple of years now, and though I did put it away for a while, I never had any problems with it when I first got it, and played it a fair bit. At that point I was already pretty sensitized to certain woods. It may be that I’ve become more so, and I am having a reaction to the lancewood as a result, however, it could be the fipple block, or something completely unrelated to the instrument.
At any rate, I’d lbe very interested to hear from other owners. Feel free to PM me if you’d rather share your experiences in private.
Loren
P.S. Yes, it is my understanding that the wood used for this instrument is Australian Red Lancewood.
mmmmmm grinter, (drool)
i could solve all your problems sent the whistle to me,
or you could just wrap the part that touches your lips with some sort of tape,
I like my first suggestion better though
David
Ah sorry Boomerang, I have a strict policy of not selling off or giving away instruments that have been given to me as gifts, as this one was, so you’re out of luck with that my friend.
Well, if worst comes to worst, and it is the wood I’m reacting to, I can always superglue the entire mouthpiece and block, althought that’s a bit of a PITA…
