keyboard instruments crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Struggling with the clue "keyboard instruments"? You've come to the right place! Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, carefully categorized by their letter count, along with concise explanations to help you complete your puzzle. Whether it's a classic piano or an obscure clavichord, we've got you covered.
Solutions for "keyboard instruments crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
PIANO: A large stringed musical instrument with a keyboard, known for its wide tonal range.
ORGAN: A large musical instrument with a keyboard and typically multiple sets of pipes, or an electronic version.
6 Letters
RHODES: A type of electric piano, named after Harold Rhodes, known for its distinctive bell-like or mellow tone.
SPINET: A small harpsichord, typically with the strings set at an angle to the keyboard, popular in earlier centuries.
7 Letters
CELESTA: A small keyboard instrument where hammers strike steel plates to produce a bell-like sound, often used in orchestral music.
8 Letters
KEYBOARD: A general term for any musical instrument played using a set of keys, often implying electronic ones like synthesizers.
9 Letters
ACCORDION: A portable musical instrument with a keyboard and bellows, popular in folk music and polka.
MELLOTRON: An early electromechanical instrument that plays back prerecorded sounds from magnetic tape, popular in 1960s and 70s rock.
10 Letters
CLAVICHORD: A small, early keyboard instrument where brass tangents strike strings, producing a very soft and intimate sound.
11 Letters
HARPSICHORD: A stringed keyboard instrument from the Baroque era, where strings are plucked by plectra, distinct from a piano.
SYNTHESIZER: An electronic musical instrument that creates and manipulates various sounds and waveforms, capable of a vast array of timbres.
More About "keyboard instruments crossword clue"
Keyboard instruments have a rich history, evolving from early forms like the clavichord and harpsichord to the modern piano and sophisticated electronic synthesizers. Their common characteristic, a set of keys pressed by the performer, allows for complex harmonies and melodies, making them central to many musical genres. In crosswords, clues about keyboard instruments can range from broad terms to very specific types, often requiring knowledge of both common and historical instruments.
The variety of keyboard instruments offers a fertile ground for crossword setters. From acoustic wonders like the majestic pipe organ to the iconic electric piano sounds of a Rhodes or Wurlitzer, each instrument has unique characteristics that can be hinted at in a clue. Being familiar with these distinctions can be key to unlocking the correct answer, especially when length or specific attributes are given.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the known letters and the required length to narrow down potential "keyboard instruments" before committing to an answer.
- Consider Eras: Some clues might hint at a historical period (e.g., "Baroque keyboard instrument"), which could point to a harpsichord or clavichord rather than a piano or synthesizer.
- Think Brands/Types: Sometimes, the answer isn't a general instrument but a specific type or brand, like "Rhodes" or "Mellotron" for electric keyboard instruments.
- Look for Sound Descriptors: Clues like "bell-like keyboard" might suggest a Celesta, while "plucked keyboard" points to a Harpsichord.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a 'keyboard instrument' in a crossword puzzle?
In crosswords, a 'keyboard instrument' refers to any musical instrument played by pressing a series of keys. This can include traditional instruments like pianos and organs, or more modern ones like synthesizers and electric pianos. The clue often requires you to think broadly about instruments with this defining characteristic.
Are electronic pianos or synthesizers considered 'keyboard instruments' for crossword purposes?
Yes, absolutely! While historically 'keyboard instruments' might primarily refer to acoustic instruments like pianos and harpsichords, in modern crosswords, the term broadly encompasses any instrument that uses a keyboard for input, including electronic pianos, synthesizers, and digital organs. This wider definition provides more potential answers for setters.
What are some common short answers for 'keyboard instruments' in crosswords?
Common short answers often include PIANO, ORGAN, or even just KEY (referring to a part of the instrument or a type of instrument by extension). For slightly longer words, RHODES (an electric piano brand) or SPINET (a type of small harpsichord) are also frequent.