The Keyboard Family Instruments whose sounds are produced differently; however all are accessed through a keyboard played by the fingers, and sometimes the feet.

Pipe Organ ROne of the oldest keyboard instruments. Its a keyboards for the hands are called “manuals” and the one for the feet are called “pedals.” RSound is produced when a key is pressed, releasing air into a tuned pipe. ROne of the oldest keyboard instruments. Its a keyboards for the hands are called “manuals” and the one for the feet are called “pedals.” RSound is produced when a key is pressed, releasing air into a tuned pipe.

Harpsichord RAn early keyboard instrument whose sound is produced when a key is pressed, causing a quill to pluck a string.

Piano RA keyboard instrument whose sound is produced when a key is pressed, causing a felt hammer to strike a string.

Electronic Instruments Instruments whose actual sound is produced by electronic components. Sometimes these instruments interact with computers through MIDI--Musical Instrument Digital Interface.

Synthesizer An electronic instrument that was invented during the 1950s. It can create new sounds as well as imitate traditional acoustic instruments. An electronic keyboard is not always the same as a synthesizer. An electronic instrument that was invented during the 1950s. It can create new sounds as well as imitate traditional acoustic instruments. An electronic keyboard is not always the same as a synthesizer.

And a synthesizer is not always a keyboard! RNot all synthesizers have keyboards. Some are just large units with knobs and slide bars. On the left is an early keyboard version; the one on the right has no keyboard.