Bridle Straps

[Mark Dierauf]

I disagree - never use glue on cork straps. Just use to correct size
cork and you are unlikely to experience any problems. These things only
last a generation or so and may need to be replaced again. If you glue
them in, future techs will wish you into that special place in hell
right next to the marketing dept from Janssen Pianos or the guys who
designed upright actions that won't stand on the bench by themselves!

BTW, a bridle inserter can be as simple as a hammershank with a needle
pushed into one end. If you thin the shank this tool can double as a
between-the-strings chopstick voicer.

- Mark Dierauf


Two Thousand SEVEN, Two Thousand SEVEN...

-----Original Message-----
From: Ron Nossaman [mailto:rnossaman at cox.net] 
Sent: Monday, January 01, 2007 12:58 AM
To: Pianotech List
Subject: Re: Bridle Straps


> What is everyone's experience with cork vs. clip vs. regular bridle
straps??
>  
> Thanks Tom!
> Matthew

It's been a while, but, nearly thirty years ago, I made an 
inserter for regular old bridle straps. No cork, no clip. A 
dab of Titebond, and bridle strappedness was both served and 
assured. Those times I resorted to either corks, or clips, I 
still used Titebond to head off post installation attack 
syndrome. You know. Like the Indiana Jones movies where the 
dead always attack as he passes by. Pass by as you may, 
Titebonded bridle straps aren't likely to attack beyond the 
initial installation statute of limitations. It's a lock. I 
tend to approach these things from the standpoint that if you 
glue the weasel down in the first place, he won't be showing 
up to bite you in the bedoingus later, when you least expect, 
or need, it. In other words, always glue, and live long, loud, 
and large, gloating about the low failure rate of your repairs 
(statistically speaking). A decent glue joint today makes for 
minimal trauma tomorrow, at least in this instance.

Endtrans - The Phantom,
.....