Keyboard Instrument and Sound
The piano is a stringed keyboard instrument whose sound comes from a finger moving a key, which moves a hammer,
which strikes a string, which makes a sound that is part of a musical composition. The faster the key is depressed, the louder will be the sound, therefore the piano is a speed tool. A tennis racquet, a golf club and a piano key are all levers that operate on the same mechanical principle, with the speed of the racquet or club gaining distance, while the speed of the piano key gains volume.
A tone changes color through the speed of its key descent. Sound is produced 3/8 of an inch down the distance of the key displacement.
At this point, when the key is depressed very slowly, a bump will be felt. This is called the point of sound, for it is from this spot that the action resulting in sound begins, for that bump is a signal that the hammer is being activated and will be on its way before the finger reaches the keybed.
When the key descends very slowly beyond this point and reaches the bottom of the key, there will be no sound, for the bottom of the key is not the activator.
When the key goes down slowly, a small sound will result, and with each gradation in the increase of speed, there is an increase in the amount of sound.
The player should always aim for the point of sound and follow through to the bottom and just rest there without pushing.
The modern pianoforte, commonly known as the piano, is a complex musical instrument that has evolved significantly since its invention. Here are the key components that make up a modern piano:
Each component works in concert to produce the piano's rich, varied sound, allowing for expressiveness in performance. The quality and craftsmanship of these parts contribute significantly to the piano's tone, touch, and longevity.
The piano consists of two distinct portions, 1) the instrument, and 2) the set of machines provided to excite it into sound. The sounding-board with its strings forms the instrument and the key with all its components forms the exciting tool. This only serves to transmit speed to the string. Sound can only be excited by giving motion to the key, nothing else will be able to produce tone. The application of energy must be so timed during key-descent, as to culminate coincidently with the moment that tone begins to appear. Hitting or striking the key is as fallacious as pressing the key upon its bed. We must realize the key's 1) weight and 2) resistance through the fingertip, and must overcome this resistance so as to aim the hammer-end of the key against the string.
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Frame (or Plate)
Cast Iron Frame: In grand and upright pianos, this solid frame withstands the immense tension from the strings. It prevents the piano from collapsing under the pressure. -
Strings
- Bass Strings: These are thicker, often wound with copper wire to add mass and produce lower frequencies.
- Treble Strings: Thinner and made of steel, these strings vibrate at higher frequencies for brighter tones.
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Soundboard
A thin piece of wood (usually spruce) that amplifies the vibrations from the strings. Its design and material quality greatly affect the piano's tone. -
Bridge
The bridge transfers the vibrations from the strings to the soundboard. There are typically two bridges - one for the bass strings and one for the treble. -
Keys and Action
- Keys: Typically 88 keys, made of wood covered with plastic or ivory (in older or very high-end pianos), providing the playing surface.
- Action: The mechanism under each key that includes:
- Hammer: Strikes the strings when a key is pressed.
- Wippen (or Jack) and Repetition Lever: These components facilitate the hammer's movement and return, allowing for quick repeated notes.
- Damper: A felt-covered piece that stops the string from vibrating when not played, thus silencing the note.
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Pedals
- Sustain Pedal (Right Pedal): Lifts all the dampers off the strings, allowing them to vibrate freely even after the keys are released.
- Soft Pedal (Left Pedal): In grands, this shifts the entire action so the hammers strike fewer strings, or in uprights, it moves the hammers closer to the strings for a softer sound.
- Sostenuto Pedal (Middle Pedal in some pianos): Sustains only the notes that are being held down when the pedal is pressed, allowing for selective sustain.
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Cabinet
Encloses the internal components. In grand pianos, it's typically curved, while upright pianos have a vertical cabinet. The material and design affect both acoustics and aesthetics. -
Tuning Pins
These are where the strings are wound and can be turned to adjust the pitch of each string. They are embedded in the pinblock. -
Pinblock
A laminated block of wood that holds the tuning pins firmly in place, allowing for precise tuning. -
Keyboard Frame
Supports the keys and action assembly, ensuring stability and responsiveness. -
Dampers and Dampers' Rail
Control the duration of sound by stopping string vibration when not desired.
Each component works in concert to produce the piano's rich, varied sound, allowing for expressiveness in performance. The quality and craftsmanship of these parts contribute significantly to the piano's tone, touch, and longevity.
The piano consists of two distinct portions, 1) the instrument, and 2) the set of machines provided to excite it into sound. The sounding-board with its strings forms the instrument and the key with all its components forms the exciting tool. This only serves to transmit speed to the string. Sound can only be excited by giving motion to the key, nothing else will be able to produce tone. The application of energy must be so timed during key-descent, as to culminate coincidently with the moment that tone begins to appear. Hitting or striking the key is as fallacious as pressing the key upon its bed. We must realize the key's 1) weight and 2) resistance through the fingertip, and must overcome this resistance so as to aim the hammer-end of the key against the string.