<HTML>I think Mike Kurta's input was spot on.  I would also add that if there is no fastening on the middle of the damper housing rail (tho' most do), put one on, as the rail sags over the years, making for poor damper/string contact. Mike's also on the button'  re: pitch raising  -   pull the action and chip it up.  I respectfully suggest that one should'nt have to pull the 'top damper stack' (sorry Bunkypiano) to tune overdamped pianos.  An overdamper does'nt take any longer to tune than an underdamper, assuming you're using a Papps mute.  Overstrung overdampers are a bit of a pest however. Regards Rob Thornton</HTML>