crossword clue keyboard instrument – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "keyboard instrument", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, along with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "crossword clue keyboard instrument" by Letter Count
5 Letters
PIANO: A large musical instrument with a keyboard, producing sound by hammers striking strings.
ORGAN: A large musical instrument similar to a piano but with a keyboard and usually pedals, producing sound by air passing through pipes or electronically.
SYNTH: Short for synthesizer, an electronic musical instrument producing a wide variety of sounds.
7 Letters
CELESTA: A small, keyboard percussion instrument resembling a tiny upright piano, with a sweet, bell-like tone.
8 Letters
KEYBOARD: A generic term for any musical instrument with keys.
VIRGINAL: A small, legless harpsichord popular in the 16th and 17th centuries.
9 Letters
ACCORDION: A portable musical instrument with a keyboard and bellows, played by compressing or expanding the bellows while pressing keys or buttons.
HARMONIUM: A keyboard instrument in which the notes are produced by air forced through a series of reeds by a foot-operated bellows.
10 Letters
CLAVICHORD: An early keyboard instrument with a very soft sound, in which the strings are struck by tangents attached to the key levers.
11 Letters
HARPSICHORD: A keyboard instrument with a plectrum mechanism, popular from the 16th to 18th centuries.
More About "crossword clue keyboard instrument"
The clue "keyboard instrument" is a classic in the world of crosswords, often appearing in various forms and lengths. While most solvers immediately think of a PIANO or ORGAN, the richness of musical history and modern technology provides a surprisingly diverse range of answers. From the ancient HARPSICHORD to the contemporary SYNTH, understanding the full scope of instruments that feature a keyboard is key to tackling this clue successfully.
Crossword constructors love this clue because it allows for flexibility. Depending on the grid and intersecting letters, the answer could be a grand classical instrument, a smaller historical piece, or even a portable folk instrument. Recognizing these nuances can save you time and frustration, helping you complete even the trickiest puzzles. Our detailed explanations aim to demystify these options, giving you not just the answer but also the knowledge behind it.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Intersecting Letters: Always use any letters you've already filled in from other clues. This is the fastest way to narrow down the possible answers for "keyboard instrument" when multiple lengths are possible.
- Consider the Era: Some puzzles might lean towards classical instruments (e.g., HARPSICHORD, CLAVICHORD), while others might include more modern ones (SYNTH). The overall theme of the puzzle can sometimes hint at this.
- Think Broadly: Don't limit your thinking to just pianos. Instruments like the ACCORDION or HARMONIUM, while perhaps less obvious, technically feature keyboards and are valid answers.
- Start with Common Answers: If no letters are filled in, try the most common short answers like PIANO or ORGAN first, as these appear most frequently.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common short answers for 'keyboard instrument' in crosswords?
For shorter lengths, PIANO and ORGAN are by far the most common answers. SYNTH is also frequently used for modern puzzles. These are typically 5-letter solutions.
Why might an accordion or harmonium be considered a 'keyboard instrument' in a crossword?
While not always the first instruments that come to mind, both the accordion and harmonium feature a set of keys arranged like a piano keyboard. Crossword clues often stretch definitions slightly to fit, making them valid answers for this clue.
How do I deal with varying answer lengths for the same clue?
When a clue can have multiple answers of different lengths, first check if you have any intersecting letters from other solved clues. This will quickly narrow down the possibilities. If not, consider the puzzle's theme or era (e.g., modern vs. classical instruments) or simply try common short answers first.