crossword keyboard instrument – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate guide to solving even the trickiest crossword clues. On this page, you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "crossword keyboard instrument", covering various letter lengths to help you complete your puzzle efficiently.
Solutions for "crossword keyboard instrument" by Letter Count
5 Letters
PIANO: A large keyboard musical instrument with a wooden case enclosing a soundboard and an array of strings, which are struck by hammers when the keys are depressed.
ORGAN: A keyboard instrument of one or more divisions, each played from its own keyboard, capable of producing a wide variety of sounds, often associated with churches or large venues.
SYNTH: Short for synthesizer, an electronic musical instrument that generates electric signals converted to sound through loudspeakers or headphones, known for its versatility in creating various tones.
7 Letters
CELESTA: A small keyboard instrument in which felted hammers strike a set of steel plates suspended over wooden resonators, producing a clear, bell-like tone.
8 Letters
VIRGINAL: A small, often rectangular, harpsichord popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, used for domestic music-making, typically without legs.
9 Letters
ACCORDION: A portable musical instrument with a keyboard and bellows, played by compressing or expanding the bellows while pressing keys or buttons, producing sound from reeds.
11 Letters
HARPSICHORD: A keyboard instrument, especially popular from the 16th to 18th centuries, whose strings are plucked by plectra rather than struck by hammers when the keys are depressed, producing a distinctive bright sound.
More About "crossword keyboard instrument"
Keyboard instruments represent a vast and diverse category within music, encompassing everything from the ancient clavichord to modern digital synthesizers. In crosswords, clues for "keyboard instrument" can range widely, requiring solvers to have knowledge of both common instruments like the piano and more specialized or historical ones such as the virginal or harpsichord.
The type of keyboard instrument often depends on the required letter count in the puzzle grid. Shorter answers frequently point to well-known instruments like 'PIANO' or 'ORGAN', while longer clues might delve into less common, but equally valid, instruments like 'HARPSICHORD' or 'ACCORDION'. Understanding the nuances of their sound production (e.g., hammered strings, plucked strings, air reeds) can sometimes help narrow down possibilities.
Beyond traditional acoustic instruments, electronic keyboard instruments such as the 'SYNTH' (synthesizer) are also very common in modern crosswords. These instruments offer a broader palette of sounds and are a staple in contemporary music, making them relevant candidates for clues related to "keyboard instrument" or even "electronic instrument."
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters required. This is the most crucial piece of information to filter potential answers for "keyboard instrument" and many other clues.
- Look for Contextual Clues: Pay attention to any additional words in the clue. Is it "old keyboard instrument"? "electronic keyboard"? "church instrument"? These modifiers significantly narrow down options.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: While 'PIANO' is a common answer, be ready for less obvious, but still valid, instruments like 'CELESTA' or 'ACCORDION' if other letters fit. Expand your vocabulary of musical instruments.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting clues. These are often the best hints to confirm or rule out a potential answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common short answers for keyboard instruments in crosswords?
Common short answers often include PIANO (5 letters), ORGAN (5 letters), or SYNTH (5 letters). These are popular due to their widespread recognition and varying letter counts that fit many puzzle grids.
Are antique or historical keyboard instruments common crossword answers?
Yes, puzzles frequently feature historical keyboard instruments like HARPSICHORD (11 letters), CLAVICHORD (11 letters), or VIRGINAL (8 letters), especially in more challenging or themed crosswords. Knowledge of these can be very helpful.
How can I distinguish between similar keyboard instrument answers?
Contextual clues are key. Look for additional words in the clue that hint at the instrument's era (e.g., 'Baroque instrument'), sound (e.g., 'plucked strings'), or specific features (e.g., 'bellows instrument'). The letter count is also crucial for narrowing down choices.