In answer to the question of how the "finger" is held, it is held laterally across the hand. The velcro encircles the hand and is fastened in place (read "adjustable") so that it doesn't move at all. It's not tight enough to constrict but it's not loose enough to slip round the hand either. The circumference of the "finger" is such that my fingernails -- which occasionally get longer than any serious pianist would allow -- do not dig into my hand as I apply the test blow. I've found on larger guage models that I didn't feel in control and the smaller guage ones were just uncomfortable. My test blows aren't so strident that they produce piles of busted up action parts or strings. They *do* go beyond what I anticipate would be the loudest triple or quadruple forte that your average "piss and vinegar" pianist might accomplist in the heat of the concert. It's been my experience that this approach provides a very stable tuning -- one that will last through the concert and most recording sessions, both very demanding arenas. I haven't experienced the muscle or joint fatigue my former colleague, Steve Manley, left the profession with. (He complained of pain in his pounding arm and was treated with some kind of electro-shock therapy -- in his hand -- which seemed to work just fine for a while. But then he'd have to go back for more treatment.) Using my bare fingers to pound the strings -- even a mild blow -- is unacceptable for me. They get too sore too fast. It makes playing the piano unpleasant when your fingers smart! And I gotta perform I'm done tuning.... :-) Best wishes in the New Year, y'all! Ron Torrella "Dese are de conditions dat prevail." School of Music --Jimmy Durante University of Illinois
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