After the discussion of earplugs a while back, I decided to take the plunge and invest. These things are definitely worth it. I got the Westone so-called "musicians' plugs". They retail for $125, but calling around I got them for $80. At a recent factory truckload sale (Baldwin) I "whipped through" 13 pianos in one day, and with the plugs on actually felt fresh enough to play softball. It really reduces the stress, especially on your ears. You do tend to feel even more like you are in your own little world, but reentry is instant when you take the plugs out. It also reduces the distraction of background noise and enables you to focus on the tuning more - yes, I think my tuning is better with them and I tune without a SAT. So, now my hammer has a big end on it, my ears have plugs - it won't be long and I'll be dangling one of those key pounder thangs from my wrist and wearing knee pads and a helmet! Jeff Stickney, RPT University of Montana jpage@selway.umt.edu
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