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Piano Trivia Time #3 - [Click images to browse]: Which of the following four music instrument spare parts belong inside a piano?

#general

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Gavin Koh

The answer to this is picture number 3 of 4. It is called an agraffe and this particular one can be found in a Steinway grand.

July 18, 2018 at 8:07am
Gavin Koh

The primary purpose of an agraffe is to hold down the strings near where the hammers strike up. They keep the strings from being lifted up by the hammer blow and pulling them out of tune. At the... See More

The primary purpose of an agraffe is to hold down the strings near where the hammers strike up. They keep the strings from being lifted up by the hammer blow and pulling them out of tune. At the top of the piano's range, the agraffe and the plate it screws into would get in the way of the hammer, hence other alternatives are employed..

Using agraffes is generally more expensive and it is generally considered "better" than not using them. It is however, but one small factor in the design and build quality of a piano.

Agraffes are also not necessary on uprights, although some do have them.

July 17, 2018 at 7:22pm
Gavin Koh

For completeness sake: Picture 1 of 4 is a point screw for a Yamaha flute. Picture 2 of 4 is a violin Bridge. Picture 3 of 4 is a grand piano Steinway agraffe 7/32". Picture 4 of 4 is an Octave... See More

For completeness sake: Picture 1 of 4 is a point screw for a Yamaha flute. Picture 2 of 4 is a violin Bridge. Picture 3 of 4 is a grand piano Steinway agraffe 7/32". Picture 4 of 4 is an Octave Rocker Key for Selmer saxophones.

July 19, 2018 at 10:41am