Bridle straps are named after the bridles used for horses. There are 2 schools of thought on their function and one undeniable fact. Depending on who you talk to, the function of the bridle strap is to help jerk the hammer butt back into position so that the note is able to play again…or not. The undeniable fact is that they must be connected for the action to be put back into the piano.
Bridle straps are made traditionally of cotton braid and leather tabs. The unfortunate part is that as they age, they start to dry rot, start falling apart and the small parts fall to get stuck between keys and other areas that prevent the piano from functioning properly. When you can break a bridle strap with your fingers by pulling it apart, it’s time to replace them. Normally they last about 50 years.
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