I've been playing an English 48 for years and have come to the conclusion that these things are intentionally made to be unplayable. Between the the thumb strap, the pinkie rest, the wrist straps ( to prevent yet another bout of tendinitis,) and the missing support for the heal of both hands its like trying to play the piano with both hands strapped down to the keyboard.
Make me wanna holler......throw up both my hands.