Can you play the piano with a finger prosthesis?
In some cases, yes. Our customer, who had lost the end segment of the left middle and ring fingers, had two sets made: a cosmetic prosthesis for everyday life and a functional one for the piano. The piano set was made firmer to withstand pressing the keys. We advised against guitar, because precise fretting is difficult and the strings can damage silicone.
If music is the goal, we start with the instrument
Whether you can play with a finger prosthesis depends on the instrument. This customer came to us wanting to take up an instrument as a hobby. The end segment of the middle and ring fingers on the left hand was missing. In the consultation, we explained what each instrument would ask of those fingers.
| Instrument | What the fingers do | With a prosthesis |
|---|---|---|
| Guitar | Press thin strings at exact points to form notes | Small errors in position change the note, and strings can wear the silicone — not recommended if you are just starting out |
| Piano | Press keys from above | Workable if the prosthesis is made firm enough to take the pressure |
The advice may differ if you have played for years or if your affected area is shaped differently. If there is an instrument you want to learn, tell us at your consultation.
Why two sets of prostheses?
A finger you wear to meet people and a finger you use to strike keys need different properties, so we made one set for each purpose.
- Cosmetic prosthesis (everyday) — modelled on the matching fingers of the right hand, carrying over the nails, creases and knuckle shape, and coloured to a skin-tone reading from E-SKIN (SPECTROMATCH, UK).
- Functional prosthesis (piano) — made firmer than the cosmetic set so it does not wear quickly with repeated key presses and carries force to the fingertip.
How our customer felt about the result
Initially, being able to play the piano was all that mattered. But on trying the cosmetic set, our customer said it looked as though the right hand had been copied across, and was just as pleased with it as with the piano set. A consultation that began with music ended with fingers suited to practising and to meeting people.
Tell us about your hobbies and work before we start
The same finger may need a different firmness and shape depending on what you use it for. We ask about your work and hobbies as well as your affected area, and where it helps we suggest a cosmetic and a work (functional) prosthesis together. The process is three standard visits — casting and skin-tone measurement, a check socket (a temporary trial socket), then delivery — taking about 4–6 weeks from consultation to delivery, with 7–10 days to make the fingers themselves.
How comfortable playing feels depends on the length and shape of your remaining fingers and how you play, and results vary from person to person.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play the guitar with a finger prosthesis?
If you are new to the guitar, we do not recommend it. Precise fretting is hard and the strings can damage the silicone surface. Your affected area may change the advice, so we check it in person.
Can I play the piano with my everyday cosmetic prosthesis?
In this case we made a separate, firmer set for playing. A cosmetic prosthesis is designed around appearance, so if you play often, ask us about a playing set as well.
Can both sets be made at the same time?
Yes. As with this customer, a cosmetic and a functional (work) prosthesis can be made within the same process.
How long does it take?
Three standard visits, about 4–6 weeks from consultation to delivery. Making a finger prosthesis itself takes 7–10 days.
