I have just finished overhauling a modest ca. 1920s Godfrey-Melodic
upright player that has a very soft tone.  It is underdampered and
overstrung.  I am not quite sure why it is so universally muted across
the whole compass of the piano and would appreciate any advice.  Most
of the instruments I restore are usually the opposite!

The piano action is of the type where the hammer beam is supported by
two end blocks, and the whole action is secured to side casing blocks
by two small metal turnbuckles that slot in to them.  I have regulated
the piano action so there is no significant fault with its operation.

The hammers are not very worn for an old instrument, but do look
original. They are in decent condition, so I have not felt it necessary
to re-profile them.  They are not hard and have very little scoring.
It is possible that they have been worked on before.

The soundboard has one long crack in it but has not become detached
from the ribs or the frame.  As far as I can see the bridges are all
right. There are certainly no funny noises although a handful of treble
strings have false beats.  All strings are all present.  My gut feeling
is that either the strings are tired, or the hammer felts are too soft.

As it is a very modest instrument I do not really consider it worth
re-stringing or fitting new hammer felts. I have fitted a new backcloth
which is thicker than the original.

Could this be damping to a significant extent?

My questions are these:

1. What is the most likely cause of the softness of tone?

2. Would anyone recommend using hammer felt hardener as an experiment?

All advice acknowledged.

Roger Waring
Solihull
UK