TubeNet

Hi all,

I've asked several people about this, getting different answers every time, so I figured I should ask the good 'ol TubeNet!

When I take the horn off my face after playing, I always have this big red ring where the mouthpiece was...yes, I know, most people would say that I'm just using too much pressure when I play...whatever. Thing is, it never HURTS, or feels as if I'm using pressure. I've even experimented and played straight low tones with the mouthpiece barely even touching my face...and the ring still appears...very dark, and painful looking, although it is not painful at all. I thought I might have a metal allergy, but I have tried using a gold plated and a stainless steel mouthpiece, and they still leave these red rings. Does anyone know what might be the cause...and if it IS that I am using too much pressure (which I do not feel is the actual cause), then how do I remedy this problem? One person told me "Stop using pressure is how you stop using pressure"...but I feel that this response does not help me at all. Thanks for any help you guys can give me...this place is great!

As long as it is read, no worry. White would be bad as would other colours.

Klaus

well....a few thoughts that may or may not help.....

Does the ring area seem indented also? or is it just red skin/lip?

You might just have skin that is sensitive to anything touching it for extended periods. Do you wear a ring or watch? and do they leave strong marks?

if the ring area is indented, than it is a pressure issue, and caution in how you hold the horn against your face is needed.

No, its never indented. Its just really red...as if the skin is irritated.

I have this problem, but I've never thought it was anything to worry about.

CWessel188 wrote:I have this problem, but I've never thought it was anything to worry about.

If it is not a problem, why worry? It doesn't make sense to do so.

Red rings can be caused by a couple of things in my experience. I know a lot of amazing players, some the top in the world who get a 'red ring'. It will happen when you play for a long time even if you dont use 'a lot of pressure'.

If your lips hurt later (to push on/touch), your probably pushing to hard "a lot of pressure".

If your lips are irritated, it could be your skins reaction to the metal (contact dermatitis). This being the case, switching to a gold plating or stainless steel mouthpiece would solve this problem (and washing your mouthpiece/face every time before you play)
I personally love the feel of gold plating!

Good luck!

try stainless steel mouthpieces or plastic ... you might have a metal allergy

Haha, sounds like an Xbox 360 problem.

I say if it doesn't hurt, then it's nothing to worry about.

I have to agree with most posts here: Don't worry! No pressure, no pain, no worries. I have the same "issue" and it's not been a prohibitive issue. Sensitive skin will do that. This is why I actually don't shave with a razor much. It increases the irritation and display of the red ring.

Good new is? Sounds like you really don't need to worry. Just always be aware if there is any pain.

Indeed. As my son has to use a gold mouthpiece, I am inclined to consider it is irritation as well that may be relieved by switching mouthpieces, or having your current mouthpiece sent to Matt and Vladimir @ Dillons to be gold plated.

And as Klaus suggested, if it were a white ring that later turned red or puffy, then that would be a sign of too much pressure, because the white indicates a deprivation of blood, and any subsequent puffiness, redness or pain would indicate inflammation.

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