Can you believe all you read?

[David Nereson]

>>
>    It's true that the primary function of bridle straps is to keep the 
> jacks from falling under the butts when removing the action.  However, 
> high-speed photography conducted by Yamaha in the late 1970's, I 
> believe, showed that the bridle strap does indeed aid in repetition in 
> certain types of keystrokes.   At least one technician on this list 
> claims that he can feel the difference if a bridle strap is glued (or 
> corked) into the catcher, rather than into the butt where the catcher 
> stem is glued.
>    Bridle wires are usually regulated so that they are taut when the 
> soft pedal is depressed, i.e., when the hammers are at half blow 
> distance.  Also, when the soft pedal is depressed, the tautness of the 
> bridles should not cause any keys to "wink."     Most verticals will 
> play just fine without bridles, if everything else is regulated 
> properly, and yes, you could probably just insert a rail, but why have 
> piano manufacturers continued to install bridle straps?  There must be 
> a reason besides "tradition," which goes by the wayside if it's not 
> cost-effective.    --David Nereson, RPT
>
    I meant to add that I've seen at least one console--I forget the 
make-- that was manufactured with no bridle straps.  I didn't have to 
pull the action, so I don't know what keeps the jacks from jamming under 
the butts if it's removed.   -- D.N.