Bridal Straps Married

[Newton Hunt]

Bridal straps have two functions.

1.  Hold the wippens up so the jack does not fall under the butt
making it difficult to get the action back into the piano with
breaking things like glue joints.

2.  The provide an assist to the hammer after striking the strings to
return to rest position.  

I do use metal clips but care must be taken to check for touch
weight.  Even that must weight can increase touch weight a bit.  On
many pianos that is desirable but one some it may not.

If I feel the clips may work loose a little CA glue on one side of the
clip end will secure it well.

Corks are great with a little tack of glue to secure them in place.

Any other method is just fine as long as it can be undone the next
time one or more need to be replaced.

The bridle strap should be regulated to it becomes just taught (tot,
tought) when the wippen is at rest and the hammer is half way to the
string from rest.  Regulate the section ends then push the hammer rail
forward and regulate them all into a nice straight line.  Checking
should be in good order before hand.