A piano consists of a mechanical + musical instrument with over 12,000 parts inside it. But you should not worry — the main components are easy to understand. Here, you can see a breakdown of the essential parts.
Keyboard
The keyboard is the part you see and play on.
Keys
- 88 keys on most modern pianos
- 52 white keys (natural notes)
- 36 black keys (sharps & flats)
- Clicking on a key triggers the hammer to strike the strings.
Also Read: Types of piano: Acoustic vs Digital
2. Action Mechanism
A complex system is behind each key.
Key components:
- Hammer – felt-covered head that will strike the strings
- Whippen – It transfers the motion of your finger to the hammer
- Jack – A part is used to release the hammer just before it hits the string
- Dampers – It stops the string vibrations when you release a key
- Escapement – It offers the piano its ability to play soft and loud (dynamic control)
3. Strings
- Each note consists of 1 to 3 steel strings, depending on pitch.
- Bass notes: 1 thick string
- Mid-range notes: 2 strings
- High notes: 3 strings
- When struck, they will start vibrating and creating sound.
4. Soundboard
It is the heart of the piano’s sound.
- A large wooden board (usually spruce)
- Amplifies the vibration of the strings
- It acts like a natural loudspeaker
Also Read: 5 Types of Piano Books for Beginners
5. Frame (Harp or Plate)
- It is made of cast iron
- Ig has 20+ tons of string tension
- The strings will be attached to this heavy metal frame
- It offers stability and tuning accuracy
6. Pedals
Most pianos include three pedals:
- Right Pedal – Sustain / Damper Pedal
- Lifts all dampers
- Makes notes ring longer
- Left Pedal – Soft Pedal / Una Corda
- Shifts the action sideways or reduces the hammer distance
- Produces a softer sound
- Middle Pedal – Sostenuto / Practice Pedal
- Sostenuto: Has selected notes only
- Practice Pedal (uprights): makes the piano quieter
7. Cabinet / Body
- Lid – opens for louder sound (mainly in grand pianos)
- Fallboard – It covers the keys
- Side panels – A wood exterior
- Legs – support the piano
- Music stand / Desk – Has sheet music