<html> <body> Rick. The customer's original email is below. <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>  "I have a 1973 Kimball 5'8" grand that has damper problems.  Tha last time I had it tuned, a couple of years ago, the tuner said the condition could not be corrected - that the hammers were too light to dampen the strings-- but I want a second opinion.  </blockquote> The hammer weight has absolutely nothing to do with the dampers damping! Just another tooner who didn't know how to correct the problem and was doing the CYA thing! :-) <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>I think the problem has been caused by my playing frequently with the soft pedal engaged - a habit I got into while practicing in a tiny cubicle when in school -- many years ago.  </blockquote> I can't even imagine that being the problem, either. It's usually either the dampers lifting too soon in relation to the keys, or there not being enough play in the pedal so that the dampers are not coming fully to rest on the strings. <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>The piano has had very little use"</blockquote> That also shouldn't have anything to do with the problem you mention. :-) <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>Rick Bazemore</blockquote> Avery </body> </html>