The bridges in the piano are glued to the soundboard and connect the strings to the soundboard in terms of sound. These bridges have to withstand high loads and, as they are also made of wood, are at risk of cracking due to drying. Fine hairline cracks on bridges are normal signs of ageing - as long as the bridge pins still provide stable string guidance, this is not necessarily critical. However, transverse cracks or breaks in bridges are, as the bridge pins lose their grip.
The exact position of the bridges is also essential for a good and noise-free sound experience, as otherwise the strings are not guided exactly or the so-called bridge pressure - a defined height difference at the bridge that exerts pressure on the strings from below - is no longer sufficient.
In front of the tuning pegs, the strings run over metal bridges or through agraffes - cracks or tears can also occur here. Both are difficult for the layman to recognise - this damage is the kind of damage that a professional knows how to look for and find.
