What are the similarities and differences between a piano and harpsichord?

Question

Please list several different characteristics that a piano has that a harpsichord doesn't and vice versa.

Answer 1

One difference is that piano's strings are hit with little hammers while a harpsichord's are plucked.

Answer 2

Harpsichord Piano

Answer 3

Similarities:
Both instruments are played by keyboards
A piano plays a note with one to three strings, certain types of harpsichord also use multiple strings on single notes.



Differences:
A piano is sounded by a hammer striking the string(s). A harpsichord is sounded by a quill or plectra plucking the string(s).
A piano keyboard is 88 notes. A harpsichord keyboard is usually only 61 notes.
The action of the piano is much more complex, as the hammer typically works against the way the key is pressed. Harpsichord action is much simpler as the action works with the key.


These are just very few and simple comparisons. I'd suggest doing more research if you want to understand the more complex differences.

Answer 4

Malcolm D is correct in essence. Actually a harpsichord can have up to 4 sets of manuals and a lute stop pedal which dampens the strings to the point where thet sound just like a lute.

There are many different keyboard instruments, all different

The harpsichord actually belongs to a larger group of instruments known as virginalls.

The harpsichord - String is plucked by a plectra
The spinet virginal - Smaller than a harpsichord, the strings are plucked by the keyboard giving a noise like a "plink" with an angled case.
The muselar virginal - A square case, smaller than a harpsichord and a spinet. When folded it looks like a table. The strings are plucked in the centre as opposed to the spinet, giving a nasal twang.
The clavichord - Flat metal blades, called tangents, strike the strings. Looks very much like a slightly larger version of a muselar.
The pianoforte - Felt covered hammers strike the strings. Vary in size from the small upright pianos to baby grands which are roughly the size of a harpsichord to the big concert grands which can be as big as 12 feet long.

There is another keyboard instrument called the celesta but it's actually classed as an idiophone rather than a virginall.
The celesta works by a hammer striking a metal plate suspended above a wooden soundboard.

Hope this is enough information for you :-)

Answer 5

Piano has 88 keys - Harpsichord 61 (typ.)
Piano has only one set of keys - Harpsichord may have two.
Piano is generally larger and of more robust construction with iron harp.
Piano keys operate hammers which strike the sets of strings (there may be one, two for three for each note) - harpsichord action "plucks" the strings.
Piano have pedals: una corda, sostenuto and damper - harpsichords usually have no pedals.
Pianos can play louder or softer - Harpsichords have essential constant dynamics.
Pianos notes can sustain longer.
Often harpsicords have black keys where pianos are white and vice versa.

Thats all I can think of at the moment.

Answer 6

What ae the similarities of a harpsichord and a piano

Answer 7

The main difference is that the harpsichord "plucks" the strings, whereas the piano "hammers" it. That's why there's no loud or soft on a harpsichord. The "Piano-forte" (soft-loud)was named for this ability.

Answer 8

sims: both string instruments that are activated by hitting a key. they both work with a hammer system hitting the strings. the keyboard is organized in the same way. (black and white keys)

diffs:
the piano has multiple strings per score (per note), whereas the harpsichord uses only one string

Answer 9

I agree with RoVale

Answer 10

sound it the way its build mainly thats all