Since first appearing in the middle of the 16th century, the harpsichord - with its mechanically-plucked strings held at low tension - had become ubiquitous. By adding keyboards and other devices ...

Now she proudly calls herself a musician. Al oud, the predecessor of a European lute, is an ancient plucked string instrument common in the near and middle east. Olga chose the Turkish oud ...

During the Classical period some instruments underwent significant development. Harpsichords with plucked strings were evolving into pianos more like the ones we know today where hammers strike ...