Yamaha Mute Rail

[Dpshans@AOL.COM]

Dear List:

       I'm scheduled to look at a Yamaha U1 for a new client.  They claim 
that with the mute rail in the "on" position the hammers from the upper tenor 
to the high treble seem to block, and not return.

       I asked them by phone to look, and they say the hammers seem to be 
striking in the center of the mute felt, so it wouldn't seem like a case of 
the hammer tops getting stuck against the bottom of the felt.  

       Having not seen that many U1's, and not observing this before, it 
sounds a bit puzzling.  Client is very happy with the piano when the mute 
rail is not in use.  Has anyone dealt with this before?  Any good repair 
ideas?  Thanks in advance.

Dan Dannenfelser
Sacramento, CA