Meideal Meeland Mini Hand Strengthener and Exerciser Finger Training for Musical Instrument Play

I am really glad I got this! It's just what I needed to get my fingers in good shape for playing violin. I have given it 5 stars because it is good for what it is intended. However, I would like one better if it were a bit smaller in height--say, 1/2 inch or so. That's because I need to hit the pads with the tips of my fingers coming straight down, and to do that with this or any similar device, I have to stabilize it with my other hand. If it were a bit shorter, I could do my exercises with just one hand. One item, before someone else decides to complain about it: sometimes when pressing down, the shaft hits the side, creating friction. That's not a fault of the device, but rather feedback letting you know that you aren't pushing straight down. I'm getting better at coming straight down on the pads after only a couple of days. I also like the ridges on top of the pads. They help to maintain the tip of the finger calluses needed to play violin. These features, along with the adjustable tension for each finger, AND the price, make this a no-brainer first choice finger for anyone who needs an adjustable device.