Key (instrument)
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A key is a specific part of a musical instrument. The purpose and function of the part in question depends on the instrument.
On some stringed instruments (violins and guitars, for example) a key is part of a tuning machine. It is a worm gear with a key shaped end used to turn a cog, which, in turn, is attached to a post which winds the string. The key is used to make pitch adjustments to a string.
With other instruments (drums and zithers, for example) a key is essentially a small wrench used to turn a tuning machine.
On woodwind instruments, such as a flute or saxophone, they are levers used to open or close a hole that could not be operated directly by a finger.
On other instruments, particularly keyboard instruments, a key is a button depressed by the musician. Such a device may indirectly cause a note to sound, for instance mechanically, as on a piano, electrically, as on a synthesizer, or otherwise.
See also
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