upright piano![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
A stringed instrument whose strings are struck by hammers controlled by the keys on a keyboard; its soundboard and strings are arranged vertically.
strings ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Metal wires stretched between two fixed points; the hammers strike them, causing them to vibrate and produce sound.
treble bridge ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Piece of wood over which the strings in the treble range are stretched; it transmits their vibrations to the soundboard.
keyboard ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Series of piano keys (52 white and 36 black).
muffler pedal ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
In an upright piano, it lowers the muffler felt; in a grand piano, it prolongs the notes (sostenuto pedal).
damper pedal ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Pedal that increases the duration of string resonance by keeping the dampers raised.
hitch pin ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Piece attached to the metal frame; the lower end of the string attaches to it.
bass bridge ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Piece of wood over which the bass strings are stretched; it transmits their vibrations to the soundboard.
soundboard ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Flat surface that amplifies the string vibrations transmitted by the bridges.
keybed ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Part of the piano projecting from the case; it supports the keyboard.
soft pedal ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
In the upright piano, it brings the hammers closer to the strings to reduce their impact; in a grand piano, it limits the hammer impact to a section of the string.
pedal rod ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Piece of wood that connects the pedal to the mechanism.
hammer rail ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Felt-covered piece where the hammer shank rests when it falls back.
muffler felt ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Strip of felt that comes between the strings and the hammer heads when the muffler pedal is pressed; it lowers the volume of sound.
tuning pin ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Piece of wood or metal where the end of the string is attached; it adjusts string tension to obtain the exact tone.
pressure bar ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Metal bar under which the strings pass, marking the top of the section of vibrating strings.
hammer ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Piece of wood with a felt-covered end (head) that strikes one or more strings causing them to vibrate.
case ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Wooden box that encloses the inner workings of the piano and protects them.
key ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
White or black lever pressed by the fingers to trigger a mechanism that causes the hammer to strike one or several strings.
pin block ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Part in which the tuning pins are anchored.