Agraffe

An agraffe is a small, ornamental clasp or clip, typically made of metal, used to secure the strings of a piano to the soundboard. It is positioned so that the string bears against it, providing a precise point of contact that helps to define the speaking length of the string. Agraffes ensure consistent and accurate string alignment, improving the tone and sustain of the piano. They are usually adjustable to fine-tune the string's tension. In older pianos, bridge pins served a similar function, but agraffes are considered a more sophisticated and precise method.