An ETD is a tool to be used as a draftsman utilizes a straight edge, french curves and a compass. No one denounces an artist for using drafting tools. It would be much the same as discrediting the old masters for employing the Camera Obscura for laying out their sketches. I dare say that a straight machine tuning is better in many cases than 'aural only' tunings. An ETD used as a tutor is a valuable tool when a mentor is not always available. Input from a mentor can instruct on hammer technique as well. I have been using an ETD for a year now after being an aural tuner for 25 years. It is the most useful tool I have ever purchased. It is a great assistant. I believe ego is the largest obstacle to more widespread usage. I found that it was a boost to my ego because I became a better tuner through its collaboration. The ability to offer multiple temperaments is icing on the cake and has people calling just for that option. ET is the Muzak of temperaments, bland sameness. Saying that someone can't learn to tune with an ETD is like saying that someone can't learn to pilot an aircraft in a simulator. They will progress to the limits of their abilities, much the same as an aural-only student. Even the constant supervision of a mentor is no guarantee that they have the aptitude. Same goes for playing the piano, with all the piano major graduates out there, why are there so few outstanding performers? An ETD is just another way to learn with the help of personal instruction. Regards, Jon Page, piano technician Harwich Port, Cape Cod, Mass. mailto:jonpage@attbi.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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