The PIANO

 The piano, the most prominent of all keyboard instruments, is actually a percussion instrument, because it employs an intricate key-mechanism that engages a felt-tipped hammer to attack the string. The piano can produce a variety of dynamic contrasts and tone colors, depending on how hard/fast the keys are depressed by the player. The original piano prototype was called a "Fortepiano," because it was capable of playing both loud and quiet (unlike a harpsichord which has no dynamic variance.)

ELECTRIC andELECTRONIC Instruments

ariousELECTRIC instruments (such as electric guitars, keyboards and amplifiers) have risen to prominence in the late 20th century, primarily due to developments in popular music. ELECTRIC instruments, however, should not be confused with ELECTRONIC instruments—true synthesizers that rely on digital and/or microchip computer technology. Synthesized instruments can simulate traditional musical sounds as well as create sounds that are completely original. Many synthesized keyboards, guitars, drum machines and wind instruments can communicate with computers through a technology known as MIDI ("Musical Instrument Digital Interface"). Synthesizers and the more traditional "Electric" keyboards and guitars have added new dimensions of color to modern music.