Agraffe

An agraffe is a part found on some pianos. The agraffe is a guide at the tuning-pin end of the string, screwed into the plate, with holes through which the strings pass. It anchors the strings, ensures proper height and determines the speaking length of the string.

Quality agraffes are usually made of solid brass but can be painted or electroplated. They come in 1, 2 or 3-string configurations. They also are available in 2 different sizes (1/4" and 7/32"). The string holes are usually countersunk. They must be installed perpendicular to the strings and their height is adjusted using thin brass shims. They are sometimes difficult to remove and a broken agraffe usually requires a lengthy repair (especially if they are broken into the plate). Worn string holes sometimes cause a buzzing sound which can be corrected by filing inside the agraffe string hole to remove the imperfection.

See also

• Innovations in the piano

References

• Good, Edwin. Giraffes, Black Dragons, and Other Pianos. Stanford, Calif.: Stanford University Press, 2001. ISBN 9780804745499