briddle straps

[Les Smith]

On Mon, 14 Sep 1998, Dick Powell wrote:

> List, Does anyone know if any of the piano supply houses sell a good
> strong "metal" inserter for the clip on type briddle straps.
<snip>

Well, Dick, this probably isn't the answer you're looking for, but...

If you HAVE to use spring-clip type bridle straps, you can oftentimes
insert them by hand, although it IS awkward if you have large fingers.
Alternatively, you can place them on the catcher-dowel upside-down and
then CAREFULLY rotate them 180 degrees. However, the best way to install
a set of spring-clip type bridles is not at all. The proper thing to do is
to remove all the catcher dowels and remamnents of the old bridles, and
then replace the old straps with new, installed the same way. Telling it
like it is, the presence of a set of spring-clip bridles in a piano is
regarded as a sign of not-very-good work. (I'm being kind). Put a slightly
different way, if I open up a "restored", turn-of-the-century Steinway
upright and find a set of spring-clip bridles has been installed, I
mumble all sorts of unkind words under my breath. Sometimes, NOT under
my breath. :)

This doesn't mean that you should never use a set of spring-clips. Some-
times, the poor quality/condition  of the instrument, time-constraints, or
the owners lack of financial resources, dictate that you must. As a pro-
fessional, however, you should be aware that this is not the best way to
do the job and is to be regarded as an expedient approach, at best. 

Also , be aware that if the piano needs a new set of bridles, it will
undoubtedly need other work as well, so check out the instrument thorough-
ly. Do the hammers need to be filed, or replaced? Are the action-centers
sluggish? Does the action need regulation? (you bet!) Do the key-bushings
need replacement? Are the dampers leaking; the tuning pins loose; the
bridges--especially the bass--cracked; the keytops--both black and
white--in need of replacement? etc., etc... Reegard a piano in need of a
new set of bridles as an OPPORTUNITY to do other much-needed work which
will benefit BOTH you and its owner. DON'T be satisfied with merely a
tuning and installing a set of bridle straps! At the very least, leave
the owner with a WRITTEN estimate for the additional needed work. 

Check out EVERY piano you tune in a similar way. Gradually you will make
the transition from a tuner to a technician and greatly increase your
income in the process. Eventually, you will find that a single tuning
can turn into a whole week's worth of very lucrative work. You won't be
able to wait to get out the door Monday morning, to start inspecting those
pianos and handing out estimates for additional work. No kidding!

Lastly, right now you're probably worried about my suggestion that those
catcher dowels should be removed from their hammer butts, and new PLAIN
bridle straps should be installed in place of the old, instead of a set of
spring-clips. This post is already too long, but if you access Pianotech's
archives, you will find posts discussing just how to do this without risk-
ing breaking parts.  In a couple of years, you'll be postng to the list:
"Spring-clips? Forget 'em! Here's how it should be done..."  :)    

Good luck,

Les Smith