Normally, when you play a piano key, the hammer strikes three strings for each given pitch. 5 terms. There are actually two types of soft pedal on an upright and the one you are referring to is probably what is called the ‘half blow’ pedal. It was invented in 1722 by Bartolomeo Cristofori and quickly became a standard addition to the piano. Depressing the soft pedal causes the keys and hammers to shift slightly, allowing the hammer to reach only one or two strings. I’ve noticed that a lot of piano’s soft pedals only add a subtle softness to it. kaylaakionaa. THIS SET IS OFTEN IN FOLDERS WITH... Texture Assessment. 5 terms. On a grand piano this pedal will shift the entire action – you can actually see the keys move from left to right – and the hammers will strike the strings off center making for a softer sound. It makes the piano sound so incredibly soft. kaylaakionaa. The soft pedal should be used with notes that are already played softly, and will not produce the desired effect on louder notes. Synthesizer. The sound of the felt is so beautiful. I … stephsierradunn. The soft pedal of this time was more effective than today, since it was possible to use it to strike three, two, or even just one string per note—this is the origin of the name "una corda", Italian for '"one string"'. 5 terms. In an upright piano, the pedals are: – Soft pedal (left pedal): When pressed, all the hammers are moved closer to the strings, reducing the volume of the sound. The soft pedal is the pedal on the left side, and it’s also called the una corda pedal. I haven’t been able to find it on anything else. Organ. When pressed, a thin piece of felt is dropped between the hammers and strings, greatly muting the sound. The function of the soft pedal is to reduce the amount and quality of the sound. – Muffler pedal (middle pedal): Also called the practice pedal. I’ve only ever experienced it on one upright piano I’ve played. kaylaakionaa . 15 terms. The soft pedal on an upright piano has a different function to that of a grand which has the una corda – a device for making the hammers hit only two of the three strings making up one note. How the Una Corda Pedal Works . On an upright piano, the soft pedal: Moves the hammer closer to the strings. This pedal changes the tone of the piano to a slightly softer sound. The una corda was the first mechanism to modify the piano’s sound and was originally operated by hand. Harpsichord. OTHER SETS BY THIS CREATOR. Una Corda or Soft Pedal (The Left Pedal) This pedal is important because it changes the tone of the piano. Chapter 16 …