Parts of a piano
Parts of a piano
A piano has many moving parts that work in perfect synchronization to produce a melody. Having basic knowledge about the parts of a piano is essential before you start learning to play the piano:
Keyboard and keys: The keys are that part of the piano which, when hit, result in the production of sound. All modern pianos have a total of 88 keys (36 black and 52 white). Several old pianos had only 85 keys. Some piano makers add a few extra keys which are usually kept hidden under a wooden flap. The purpose of the extra keys is to create increased resonance by vibrating with other strings. This produces a fuller tone. The white keys are called long keys and the black ones short keys. The contribution of black keys to the overall music is only minor. Every black key has two names depending on whether it is the flat or sharp version of the white key. The black keys are placed in two sets, the first has pairs of two while the second set has groups of three. The pitches of the first set are C sharp/D flat and D sharp/E flat and those of the second set are F sharp/G flat, G sharp/A flat, A sharp/B flat. Each white key has a particular pitch- from A to G.
Strings: The strings vibrate and create a sound when a key is pressed. Up to three strings can be connected to one key to create a specific pitch. Strings are made of steel and attached to tuning pins and a metal frame.
Hammers: This part of the piano is located inside and the piano has to be opened to be able to see these. They are shaped as balloons and are cushioned by a thick felt material covering. Their function is to hit the string when a key is pressed to produce sounds.
Sound board: The sound board is one of the most crucial parts of the piano. The function of the soundboard is to amplify and strengthen the vibration of the string. The sound board has wooden ribs stuck to it which help in relaying the sound throughout the body of the piano.
Pedal: A majority of pianos of three pedals- the damper (or sustain) pedal, the soft (or una corda) pedal and the muting pedal.
The purpose of the damper pedal is to lift the dampers to stop the vibration of strings. The effect achieved is that of a continued long note after pressing the key. The soft pedal is also known as the pianissimo pedal. Depending on the piano type being used, this pedal either shifts all the hammers closer to the strings (produces a soft tone by reducing the amount of space for the hammer to hit the strings) or towards the right (in grand piano, so that fewer strings are hit). The third pedal directs a piece of felt between the strings and the hammers in an upright piano, whereas in a grand piano, it performs the function of raising the dampers to help sustain certain notes.
Damper: The damper is located behind the hammer. It touches the piano strings. When a key is pressed, the damper shifts away from the string to allow the hammer to come in contact with the string. When the key is released, both the hammer and the damper return to their previous positions.
Tuning keys: Tuning keys are small black pegs that are turned to tune the piano.
