Follow Us on
Silencer in a piano (6) - Crossword Clue
Answer: DAMPER
Understanding the Clue
- DAMPER fits naturally when solvers encounter clues about piano mechanisms that mute or silence strings.
- In a piano, the damper is a felt-covered block that rests against the strings to stop vibration and silence the note when a key is released; lifting the damper (via the key or sustain pedal) allows the string to sound freely.
- The word "silencer" directly refers to the damper's primary function of dampening (stopping) sound production.
- Crossword constructors favor DAMPER because it's a precise musical term, familiar to players yet technical enough for instrument-themed clues.
- The six-letter constraint narrows possibilities significantly, making DAMPER the definitive answer among piano part descriptors.
Why DAMPER Works for This Clue
- Mechanical accuracy → Dampers are essential components in both grand and upright pianos, controlled by the key mechanism and pedals to control note duration and silence.
- Sound control → It literally "silences" the strings by absorbing vibration, contrasting with the hammer that strikes to produce sound.
- Widespread usage → The term appears frequently in piano pedagogy ("damper pedal"), maintenance guides, and music discussions.
- Contextual flexibility → Applies to individual string dampers or the sustain (damper) pedal system, but "silencer" evokes the core muting role.
Tips for Solving Similar Clues
- Pattern Recognition Strategy → When you see piano or instrument clues involving "silence" or "mute" with six letters, consider technical parts ending in -ER, as these often describe functional components.
- Letter Placement → If you have crossing letters, prioritize filling in DAMPER's distinctive letters - the opening D or the M-P sequence, which limits alternatives quickly.
- Context Reading → Pay attention to the puzzle's overall theme. Music or instrument-themed puzzles heavily favor DAMPER, often paired with "pedal" or "hammer" clues.
- Synonym Expansion → Build mental categories for "piano parts" words by letter count - five letters (PEDAL, KEYS), six letters (DAMPER, HAMMER), seven letters (SOUNDBOARD too long, but FELT or ACTION) - to speed up solving across musical puzzles.
- Cross-Reference Method → Don't solve in isolation. Use perpendicular answers to confirm middle letters (A-M-P) which are key to distinguishing from similar words like "mute" or "felts."
Silencer in a piano (6) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Could "MUTING" also fit this clue?
A: MUTING has six letters and relates to silencing, but DAMPER is the specific noun for the piano component, while muting often describes the action or felt strips.
Q: Are there alternatives if the letter count differs?
A: For five letters, try "PEDAL" (sustain lifts dampers); for seven letters, "FELTPAD" or similar might appear rarely. Always verify the exact letter count specified in parentheses.
Q: How do I distinguish between similar piano clues?
A: "Silencer in a piano" specifically wants the muting mechanism (DAMPER), while "Piano pedal" seeks "SOFT" or "SUSTAIN," and "String striker" points to "HAMMER."
Q: Does DAMPER ever mean something else in crosswords?
A: Yes - occasionally clues reference "Mood killer" or "Enthusiasm check" (as in damper on spirits), or fireplace "flue damper." Context with "piano" clarifies the musical meaning.
Q: What's the difficulty level of this clue?
A: This rates as intermediate difficulty. Basic piano knowledge helps quickly, but the technical term makes it rewarding, though newer solvers might think of "mute" before arriving at DAMPER.
