piano actionn.
/pɪˈanəʊ ˌakʃn/, U.S. /piˈænoʊ ˌækʃ(ə)n/ The mechanism by which the impulse of the fingers upon the keys of a piano is communicated to the hammers which strike the strings.A typical piano action includes the key itself, a lever mechanism, a hammer, and a damper which rests on the string when the key is not depressed. The lever mechanism, which incorporates an escapement (escapement n. 3), propels the hammer against the string and allows it to rebound freely and instantaneously (in contrast to an instrument like the clavichord, in which the hammer remains in contact with the string for as long as the key is depressed).
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical instrument > keyboard instrument > [noun] > mechanism
mechanism1834
piano action1853
pianoforte action1856
key action1857
1853 N.-Y. Daily Times 18 Nov. 1/3 The fire originated in the piano leg and action manufactory.
1863 V. Penny Employments of Women 461 In Germany some women assist their husbands in making the action [of organs], but there is lighter work and more of it in piano actions.
1870 E. Brinsmead Hist. Pianoforte 74 Square piano action, with under dampers, and a screw in each key.
1911 Daily Colonist (Victoria, Brit. Columbia) 1 Apr. 11/5 (advt.) The Soul of a Piano is the Action. Insist on ‘Otto Higel’ Piano Action.
1996 World's Fair 11 Oct. 14/3 The piano needed..attention to the key frame and piano action.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
<
n.1853