Alert icon
We're changing our privacy policy. This stuff matters.  Learn more  Dismiss

The Differences between Harpsichord and Piano & how they work

Loading...

Sign in or sign up now!
Alert icon
Upgrade to the latest Flash Player for improved playback performance. Upgrade now or more info.
1,531
Loading...
Alert icon
Sign in or sign up now!
Alert icon

Uploaded by on May 29, 2011

Some people say harpsichord and piano are the same thing. Are they? The answer is no. They are both completely different instruments. What is a harpsichord? How does it work? What do they look like? Watch and find out!

*IMPORTANT THINGS NOT MENTIONED IN VIDEO and FAQ*
First of all, you can't really compare a harpsichord versus a piano. For one, they are both different instruments and also, harpsichords came way before pianos. If someone asked you what a harpsichord was back then, it wouldn't be possible to compare it to a piano.
-Harpsichords have less keys, and are a lot smaller than piano keys and have a different articulation feeling.
-Some instruments contain a "buff stop" (AKA lute stop), which is a switch that moves a bar of tiny leather squares against the strings to give a sound quality of a lute. (The one used in this video did not have one)
-Unlike pianos, harpsichords are light (about 150-200 lbs.) and can be easily shipped with care.
-Styles of harpsichords: Flemish (in this video), French, German, Italian, English.
-What more can a double-manual (2 keyboards) instrument do?: Since dynamics are not possible on just one keyboard, the top keyboard on double manuals usually provide a softer tone, and having the extra keyboard can allow you to "multi-task", such as use the buff stop on the bottom and regular sound on the top.
-Which instrument is more fragile?: Harpsichords are very picky when it comes to weather. Temperature and humidity can mess with them a lot. Exposure to 90%+ humidity can permanently damage the soundboard. Harpsichords are happy around 66-76 degrees F, and a 40%-60% humidity range. Pianos can withstand more exposure.
Which instrument requires more maintenance?- Harpsichords, of course. They must be often tuned, and restrung, re-quilled, and re-voiced to keep a decent sound.
***If you have any questions, please comment or message me and I would be more than happy to answer!***

  • likes, 0 dislikes

Link to this comment:

Share to:

Uploader Comments (Tenifus)

  • is it you talking?

  • @bubblegumoctopus Yes it is. Thank you for watching!

see all

All Comments (3)

Sign In or Sign Up now to post a comment!
  • Very nice video I enjoyed it.

Loading...

Alert icon
0 / 00Unsaved Playlist Return to active list
    1. Your queue is empty. Add videos to your queue using this button:
      or sign in to load a different list.
    Loading...Loading...Saving...
    • Clear all videos from this list
    • Learn more