Verdigris on the hammers can cause sluggish action and is not fixable without replacing the entire mechanism.

Presence of rust on strings may require replacement, especially if the piano is out of tune by a semitone or more.

Heavy action on some Steinways may be due to poor regulation, resulting in a "molasses-like" feel that requires more force to achieve full sound.

The Steinway Spirio system uses solenoids to actuate keys and pedals, theoretically not affecting the piano's feel when not in use.

Hamburg Steinways are noted for their superior Renner action compared to the in-house action of New York Steinways.

New Steinways may require significant technician work for optimal setup, as factory consistency has reportedly declined over the past two decades.

It's been noted that pianos stored near air vents or in direct sunlight can suffer from faster wear and potential damage.

Some players find Steinway actions heavier than uprights or other brands, potentially due to maintenance issues or personal preference for lighter touch.

Users note that Steinways can vary widely in quality, suggesting Fazioli and Shigeru Kawai for more consistent feel and sound across models.

Pianos in public spaces, like restaurants, are often muted to reduce volume, affecting key responsiveness and perceived weight.