The harpsichord is a keyboard instrument that produces sound by plucking strings, which sets it apart from the piano, which uses a hammering mechanism. It was one of the most important keyboard instruments in European music from the 16th through the first half of the 18th century

The earliest written record of the harpsichord dates back to 1397, making it among the earliest stringed keyboard instruments. It is thought to be related to a small, ancient harp known as the psaltery, as well as to a keyed version of the polychord that appeared around the 13th century The harpsichord is an early ancestor of the piano, and its body resembles a small, angular grand piano, often with a reverse keyboard .

Harpsichords typically have two or more sets of strings, each producing different tone qualities. One set may sound an octave higher than the others and is called a 4-foot register, while a set of strings at normal pitch is called an 8-foot register. Some 20th-century harpsichords added a 16-foot register, sounding an octave lower, but this was rare in older harpsichords . The tone of the harpsichord is amplified by a soundboard placed beneath the strings, which pass over a bridge that transmits their vibration to it .

The plucking mechanism of the harpsichord consists of sets of jacks, thin vertical strips of wood that rest on the far ends of the keys and pass through a lower fixed guide and an upper slide. A pivoted tongue at the top of each jack is pierced to take a plectrum of quill or leather and is held upright by a spring. A cloth or felt damper completes the jack, quieting the string when the key is released .

The harpsichord's sound is distinctive and enchanting, characterized by its bright, resonant tones. The sound is constant regardless of how hard or soft a key is pressed, leading to its distinctive, consistent timbre. The sound quality is influenced by factors such as the string material, soundboard construction, and the material used for plectra .

Different types of harpsichords, such as the clavicytherium, virginals, muselar virginals, and spinet, offer varied sound qualities based on regional construction techniques and aesthetic preferences. For example, French versions are often known for their stylish modifications and vibrant decorations, which can slightly alter the tonal characteristics .