Perhaps the small hands reference refers to the great Josef Hofmann,
a titanic pianist who had small hands. He worked with Steinway and Sons
on many innovations, including the so-called "accelerated action" that
was at first called the "Hofmann action".

Hofmann had a concert grand Steinway specially designed with slightly
narrower keys, with ivory on the key sides! He could play any piano but
was more comfortable with _his_ special piano.

By the way, it seems that his special piano was destroyed by Steinway.

Best,
Marc Goodman
Cleveland, Ohio

 [ At https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josef_Hofmann --
 [ "He had small but exceptionally strong hands. Steinway eventually
 [ built for him custom keyboards with slightly narrower keys."
 [
 [ I'd like to learn more about why the special piano(s) was destroyed
 [ by Steinway.  This statement is hard to believe. -- Robbie