<HTML>In a message dated 11/14/02 7:37:58 AM Central Standard Time, A440A@aol.com writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">Greetings,   Several months ago, I read a Steinway recommended procedure for their new hammers.  It began with a complete soaking of the hammer with  a 3:1 mix of lacquer. From there, it proceded to describe how to add more where needed. I am now looking at a couple of sets of Steinway hammers, in the boxes here in the shop.  By feel, they seem pretty stiff, compared to previous sets.  I am   wondering if the replacement sets are "pre-doped"???  Anybody know for sure?  Regards, Ed Foote RPT </BLOCKQUOTE> Ed When I was at Steinway this summer, I was told all new hammers sent out to customers need to be "treated" before being installed. Soak away. Wim </HTML>