Question from Ruth R
I recently rented a cello from a music store, planning to take lessons. I quickly discovered that I could not tolerate the cello itself…either the rosen or the cleaning fluid that was used to clean it after the last student used it for many months.
When I handled it, both the palms of my hands and my face got very reddened and burning feeling. I had no choice but to take it back to the store. They suggested that I try one of the new ones, direct from the factory (China) that they were ordering as rentals…they said they would not clean it up with anything before I would get it. Meantime, I will try to figure out if I’m reactive to the rosen itself, and the other thing is that I suspect that the new finish on the wood will be off-gassing.
My question is, has anyone faced a similar problem of intolerance to their stringed instruments, and if so, what did you do to eliminate the problem. I hate to give up my dream of playing the cello. Thanks for any suggestions you may have.
Debra’s Answer
Readers?