old keyboard instrument crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below, you'll find all possible solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "old keyboard instrument crossword clue", categorized by their letter count. We're here to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately!
Solutions for "old keyboard instrument crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ORGAN: A large musical instrument with pipes sounded by compressed air and operated by manuals and a pedalboard. It has ancient origins and is still widely used today.
6 Letters
SPINET: A small harpsichord, typically with a single keyboard and one set of strings. It was popular in homes during the 17th and 18th centuries due to its compact size.
10 Letters
CLAVICHORD: A European stringed keyboard instrument known for its delicate, intimate sound. It was widely used from the late Middle Ages through the early 19th century, particularly for practicing.
11 Letters
HARPSICHORD: A plucked string keyboard instrument popular from the 16th to 18th centuries. It's characterized by its bright, often metallic sound, distinct from the hammered strings of a piano.
More About "old keyboard instrument crossword clue"
The world of old keyboard instruments is rich and fascinating, reflecting centuries of musical innovation. When you encounter a clue like "old keyboard instrument," crosswords are often testing your knowledge of instruments that predate the modern piano or those that represent distinct lineages in keyboard history. These include plucked string instruments like the harpsichord and spinet, where strings are plucked by quills, producing a bright, clear tone but without dynamic variation based on touch.
Another significant category is the clavichord, a quieter, more intimate instrument where the strings are struck by small brass tangents, allowing for subtle variations in volume and even vibrato. And, of course, the organ, with its vast array of pipes and stops, stands as one of the oldest and most complex keyboard instruments, found in churches and concert halls worldwide, its history stretching back to ancient Greece.
Understanding the basic characteristics and historical periods of these instruments can give you a significant edge in solving related crossword clues. Each instrument offers unique sounds and playing experiences, making them popular subjects in music history and, by extension, in crossword puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the provided letter count with potential answers. "HARPSICHORD" is long, while "ORGAN" is short. This is often the quickest way to narrow down options.
- Consider Historical Context: "Old" is subjective, but in crosswords, it usually points to instruments from before the 19th century. Think Baroque or Renaissance-era instruments.
- Look for Intersecting Clues: The letters from solved intersecting words are your best friends. They can confirm or rule out a potential answer instantly, especially for instruments with similar starting or ending letters.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: While "ORGAN" is a common answer, don't forget less common but equally valid instruments like "SPINET" or "VIRGINAL" if the letter count fits.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common old keyboard instruments found in crosswords?
Crosswords frequently feature instruments like HARPSICHORD, CLAVICHORD, SPINET, and ORGAN. Less common but possible include VIRGINAL or FORTEPIANO (an early version of the piano).
How can I distinguish between similar old keyboard instrument answers?
The key is often the letter count. If you have an answer with 5 letters, 'ORGAN' is likely. If it's 11 letters, 'HARPSICHORD' is a strong contender. Also, check intersecting letters from other clues, as they can narrow down possibilities instantly.
Are there different spellings for these old keyboard instruments?
Generally, the spellings for these instruments (ORGAN, SPINET, CLAVICHORD, HARPSICHORD) are standard in English. However, always double-check against the provided letters from intersecting words to confirm the exact word.