The harpsichord is a stringed keyboard instrument that was popular in Europe from the 16th to the 18th centuries. It is similar to other keyboard instruments such as the cembalo (7 letters), CLAVIER (7 letters), PIANO (5 letters), SPINET (6 letters), VIRGINAL (8 letters) and virginals (9 letters). The harpsichord produces sound by plucking strings with a quill or plectrum when the keys are pressed. It has a distinctive sound that is often used in classical music.