One aspect not mentioned on this go-'round is the stress relief with use of an ETD. The decibel level assaulting your ears is greatly reduced by only needing to play one note instead of two. And since tuning involves perception more than hearing, it takes the strain off of always having to be "on". The machine places the note and you verify it aurally. No need for the incessant pounding of two notes to find the 'sweet spot' or in many cases the one 'least bad'. When you're looking down the hallway of practice rooms, ear plugs and an ETD saves your hearing and sanity. Having tuned aurally for over 25 years, the VT is the only reason I have not severely limited my tuning practice. In the early '90's, I started cutting back tuning because of developing tinnitus which cleared up with limited exposure. In 2001, I purchased the VT on Andre's recommendation to assist with the small clientele I retained. The VT performed so well with no strain on my well being that I was able it increase my tuning work load. In the ensuing years I programmed the VT to tune as I tune aurally utilizing multiple partial samplings. With four customized stretch styles, I can place a beautiful tuning on any piano. I have not abandoned the aural aspects, unisons are tuned by ear. By the fact that I didn't wear my hearing thin with tuning intervals and octaves my focus is saved for this most important aspect: unisons. And of course, the overall compass of the tuning is verified. And as far as the musicality of the tuning, Coleman 11. It's ET with character and style. -- Regards, Jon Page
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