# 10 Mechanics of the Harpsichord Pt. 2

Now that you have a basic understanding of how a harpsichord string is plucked let's go over the aftermath of the process when the plectrum must be lowered without making another plucking noise.  And again a picture.  (Credit to Wikipedia)
The little yellow circle is the string. We're looking at this from the front or the back of the harpsichord. After the musician lets go of the key, the jack fall back to its original place due to its own weight. The plectrum is held by the "pink" tongue in the picture. It swivels on a little axis and has a spring next to it so it can move.  The plectrum is ever so carefully angled so that when it comes back down it hits the string forcing the tongue to swing back against the spring, relieving the weight that would otherwise pluck the string!  So, now you kind of understand how the harpsichord works. if you want a more detailed description check out this book on google: A Guide to the Harpsichord.  

Next week I will post an interview with a keyboard music professor.  So stayed tuned!