Bridle Straps

[JIMRPT@AOL.COM]

In a message dated 9/19/98 8:33:10 AM, Avery wrote:

<<"Ken,
   You may think that until the first time you pick up a vertical action
without the bridle straps attached. :-)
Avery">>

<<""As Jim Ellis' article from the PTJ a few months ago proved, the main
function of the brydell straps is to aid repetition. Being attached to the
butts probably serves this function better.   
Ken"">>

Ken, Avery, et al;
 It has always been my understanding that the bridle straps main function was
to keep the jacks from dropping out from under the butt when the action/key
was removed, with all due respect to Mr. Ellis.

 Merle describes the straps function: "A narrow strip of cloth that connects
the wippen to the hammer-butt and holds the two main parts of the vertical
action in their proper relationship and imparts light impetus to the returning
hammer"

 If a vertical action is properly regulated, and the centers are as free as
they should be, the bridle is never extended to a length where the pull of the
bridle/wippen places little, if any, force on the hammer unit at all.  If
however the action is not properly regulated, and the centers are not as free
as they should be, then each time a note is played the bridle is extended and
does place a substantial 'return force' on the hammer unit.

  Actions requiring assistance from the bridle tape to return hammers to the
rail will be typically, less responsive/sluggish and/or suffer from
insubstantial impact on repetitive strikes.  A "sure" sign of action problems
is when the bridle is relied on to cause a hammers return.  Doing so causes
slower movement of both the wippen, and the hammer, and results in poor
performance overall and this without regard as to the attachment point of the
tape.
My view.
Jim Bryant (FL)
"if you would agree with me now it will boost my self esteem"
Faintly Dull