The Howard 550s have their own serial number sequence, check the Baldwin numbers. Why bother changing the lift felts? If the original felt is OK leave it along. There is no merit in changing the design of a piano maker just to make it conform to someone's concept or "normalcy" unless there doing so will solve a real problem. Many companies have used this concept including Yamaha, and several companies who used Renner actions. When you repin the underlevers use some Protek on them to help prevent a reoccurrence. Best. Newton
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