Steinway damper afterring

[Robert A. Anderson]

Ed Tomlinson wrote:

"I use
Yamaha 
damper felt because it seems to dampen more efficiently.  If you want
it to 
look like Steinway felt just don't use the red under felt.  Although
the red 
under felt does help the damper work more effectively."

I always thought that the red underfelt was just for esthetics. How does
it help the damper work more effectively?

Thanks,

Bob Anderson
Tucson, AZ