Is a piano a stringed instrument?

queproblema

Yes, indeed--it's a chordophone. "My favourite instrument, the piano, belongs to the family of string instruments." http://www.museevirtuel.ca/Exhibitions/Instruments/Anglais/cera_j_txt05a_en.html "The average modern piano has over 230 strings under a combined tension of 15 to 20 tons." http://www.bestpianolessons.com/piano-strings/piano-strings.html Because the strings sound when struck by hammers activated by keys, the piano may also be considered a percussion instrument. "What many would call string instruments are classified as chordophones. Violins, guitars, lyres and harps are some examples. However, the word also embraces instruments that many westerners would hesitate to call string instruments, such as the musical bow and the piano (which, although sometimes called a string instrument, is also called a keyboard instrument and a percussion instrument)." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chordophone Feb 28 10, 2:36 AM

Baloo55th

Technically, the cimbalom and other hammered dulcimers would also count as percussion. It's all a matter of whether you regard the stringing or the hitting as more important. (And how do you class the Liberty Horn, which has both strings and a brass mouthpiece?} Feb 28 10, 9:19 AM