The physical components depressed by a pianist to produce sound within the instrument, typically differentiated by color and position to represent musical pitches, are often constructed from a variety of materials. Historically, the white portions were commonly fashioned from ivory, sourced from elephant tusks. The black portions were often created from ebony wood.
Material selection significantly impacts the tactile feel and aesthetic appearance of the instrument. The durability, texture, and visual characteristics all contribute to the pianist’s playing experience and the instrument’s overall value. The use of specific substances often reflects the historical period of manufacture, geographical location of the instrument’s origin, and the intended quality level.