David, Bridges can tilt forward if the bridge to plate alignment was off from side to side. In other words, the plate was set in without carefully checking the string to bridge alignment. This can be observed when the piano is new by the unequal string angles at the bridge - in your case, the rear string section would not be parallel to the front section. I have rebuilt pianos which lived for 50 years with this problem, solved by either replacing the pinblock and moving the plate sideways, or recapping the bridges. As Terry said, you should be able to see the soundboard curves from the above situation. It was obvious in the pianos I worked with. If the soundboard has a smooth arch of a crown, then the issue is with the bridge cap itself. In this case it might not require a new cap - re-planing and notching, then lowering the plate may do the trick. In any case, I would suggestion you call Kent Webb or someone there at Steinway. Let them know the complaint about the tone, let them know what your measurements and observations are. They will likely want to send someone else to check it as well - I would recommend that you try to be there when their technician comes. I think we'd all like to hear the outcome of this, once it is all sorted out. Don Mannino
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