It could be a regulation issue, or it could be a materials issue (or both). (possibly a design issue, but you probably won't be re-designing this piano, I assume)
To check for damper felt hardness, lift a few test dampers off the strings with your finger and let them fly. If you hear a definite "bong" then the felt is simply too hard and lacking in resilience to dampen properly.
Yes, you can try to needle the damper felt to within an inch of its life to inject some softness, but the real long term solution for this case is to replace with decent dampers, ideally 3-piece dampers.
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Jurgen Goering
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-20-2017 21:59
From: Chris Chernobieff
Subject: 1045 with leaking bass dampers
If you can't fix leaking dampers, I suggest it's your method of operation and not a particular model that is the issue.
However, I once came across an unusual damper problem I'll never forget. The spoons were bent at a bad angle causing them to dig into the felt. I caught onto it by noticing the green dust. Ah, good times.
Original Message------
I have recently tuned a 1990's Steinway 1045 which has got some nasty leaking dampers in the bass. I was unable to solve this during the first pitch raise/service, and I'm going back to work on it soon. I wonder if there are any known issues with these pianos I ought to be aware of in trying to address the situation. Thanks for any help!
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Robert Rothschild
Santa Fe NM
505-603-7906
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