<html> <body> List, I agree with just about everything that's been said. BUT. One thing I haven't heard commented on is if the dampers, from the factory, lift too soon, it can also cause a feeling of being heavy. Correcting that problem during dealer prep (or even in the home) can also lighten the touch considerably. It doesn't have to ALWAYS be too far in the other direction! :-) I've seen that too many times. Avery At 09:25 AM 1/19/2006, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite="">    Davids    I find the sound to be what I call dry, for the reasons mentioned, but the effect becomes greater, especially on forte blows.  The hammer seems to get  to the string before the damper gets away completely   Dale Erwin <dl> <dd>agree with Ed here.  While it will change the amount of weight at the <dd>point at which the damper lever is engaged (not before and not with the <dd>damper pedal employed) the question is whether it's desirable.  In addition <dd>to the greater difficulty in legato playing, the pianist will sense a loss <dd>of tonal control at the other end of tone production that we sometimes <dd>forget about which is the timing of the shut off.  A too rapid shutoff when <dd>the finger starts to lift makes the piano feel choked and will actually <dd>change the pianists ability to relax the hand immediately after the stroke <dd>which can have a negative impact on tone control by changing the fluid and <dd>flexible feeling in the wrist.  In other words, it can force an unnatural <dd>technique.  Wouldn't do it.   <dd>David Love <dd>davidlovepianos@comcast.net </dl> </blockquote></body> </html>