The Clavichord is one of the oldest keyboard instruments, and was most widely used in the 18th century. The sound made by the clavichord depends on how firmly you play. This makes it a very expressive instrument, but its soft tone is not loud enough for the concert-hall.
Family |
Keyboards |
Pitch range |
Four to five octaves |
Material |
Wooden case, with brass strings. |
Size |
Twenty-and-a-half in (52 cm) deep, 30 in (76cm) high, 5 ft 8 in (1.70 m) wide. |
Origins |
In use from at least the 15th century in Europe, the clavichord is one of the oldest stringed keyboard instruments. |
Classification |
Chordophone: an instrument that produces its sound by the vibration of strings. |
And also... |
Because the tangent remains in contact with the string until the key is released, it is possible to achieve vibrato liy altering the finger pressure on the key while it is depressed. |