keyboard instrument crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! On this page, you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the crossword clue "keyboard instrument crossword clue". We aim to provide the most accurate solutions to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "keyboard instrument crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
PIANO: A popular large keyboard musical instrument with felt-covered hammers that strike metal strings.
ORGAN: A large musical instrument with a keyboard, typically found in churches, that produces sound by air being driven through pipes.
SYNTH: Short for synthesizer, an electronic musical instrument that generates and modifies sounds using electronic circuits.
6 Letters
RHODES: A type of electric piano, popular in jazz and funk music, known for its distinct bell-like tone.
7 Letters
CLAVIER: A general term for keyboard instruments, especially those with strings, like a harpsichord or clavichord.
CELESTA: A keyboard instrument resembling a small upright piano, in which felt hammers strike steel plates to produce a bell-like sound.
8 Letters
KEYBOARD: The set of keys on a piano or organ; also, a general term for an electronic musical instrument played using keys.
9 Letters
ACCORDION: A portable musical instrument with a bellows, a keyboard, and bass buttons, played by pressing keys and buttons while expanding or compressing the bellows.
MELLOTRON: An electro-mechanical musical instrument developed in the early 1960s, which uses a series of tape loops to play prerecorded sounds.
11 Letters
HARPSICHORD: A keyboard instrument, smaller than a piano, in which the strings are plucked by quills or plectra.
More About "keyboard instrument crossword clue"
The term "keyboard instrument" in crosswords can refer to a wide array of musical devices, ranging from historical pieces to modern electronic gadgets. Historically, instruments like the harpsichord and clavichord were predecessors to the modern piano, offering different mechanisms for sound production—plucked strings versus struck strings. The organ, with its vast pipes and robust sound, has been a staple in classical and sacred music for centuries.
In contemporary puzzles, "keyboard instrument" might also point to electronic options such as synthesizers (often shortened to SYNTH) or digital pianos, reflecting the evolution of music technology. The clue's context, including the number of letters or surrounding letters, is crucial in distinguishing between these possibilities. Familiarity with both traditional and modern instruments will significantly aid in solving such clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count: Always start by looking at the number of letters required. This immediately narrows down the possibilities significantly for a clue like "keyboard instrument".
- Think Broadly and Specifically: A clue might be looking for a very specific instrument (e.g., PIANO, ORGAN) or a more general term (e.g., KEYBOARD). Keep both in mind.
- Check Intersecting Letters: If you have letters from intersecting words, use them to confirm or rule out potential answers. This is often the most reliable way to verify a solution.
- Historical vs. Modern: Some clues might lean towards older instruments (HARPSICHORD, CLAVIER), while others might point to more modern electronic ones (SYNTH). Consider the potential era implied by the puzzle's theme or other clues.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common keyboard instruments found in crosswords?
Common answers include PIANO, ORGAN, and HARPSICHORD, but also shorter terms like SYNTH or broader terms like KEYBOARD.
How can I narrow down crossword answers for 'keyboard instrument'?
Always check the number of letters required and any intersecting letters you already have. Consider if the clue implies an older, classical instrument or a modern electronic one.
Are digital pianos considered 'keyboard instruments' in crosswords?
Yes, generally 'keyboard instrument' is a broad term that can encompass digital pianos, synthesizers (SYNTH), and other electronic keyboards, depending on the crossword's specific nuance and letter count.