Sensitivity of fingertips

[j_tour]

I've noticed over the past year that my fingertips -- just from piano and, to a lesser extent, probably doing a lot of computer-jockeying -- have pretty much callouses that could put a string player back in their place.

Anyone noticed this?  I've never heard anyone talk about pianists getting callouses.  Pretty evenly distributed, given obviously, you use all ten fingers (or less if you had a bandsaw accident).

Another thing, part of this new straight job I picked up includes helping out people on a warehouse floor -- THAT really has deadened my fingertip sensitivity, such that they're basically stumps.

I know a lot of great jazz guys were, you know, boxers, or manual labor types.

It kind of is dispiriting to not be able to feel as directly the keys, BUT I think it is probably not as much a problem as I suspect.

The nerve damage from getting handcuffed and thrown in the drunk tank a few years ago was far more of concern.

Anyway, just soliciting anecdotes or opinions from others.

[superbsabrina33]

Hello!
I personally don't play guitar, but I have a brother who plays both guitar, viola, and a little piano.  I don't really think the guitar playing has affected his touch sensitivity on piano that much, but instead the callouses only made his hand stronger and more agile on piano.  I don't know if this is the answer you want to hear, but I was just looking for forums to reply to since I was bored.
-Sabrina