The Probert Encyclopaedia of Music

HARPSICHORD

The harpsichord was a harp-shaped musical instrument set horizontally on legs, like the grand piano, with strings of wire, played by the fingers, by means of keys provided with crow quills, instead of hammers, for striking the strings. In the front the keys were disposed, the long ones being the naturals, and the short ones the sharps and flats.It has now been superseded by the piano.
Research Harpsichord