Discussion Keyboard instruments are instruments that have a row of keys that create sound when depressed. Each kind of keyboard instrument creates sound differently than the other. Pianos have keyboards that control small soft hammers that strike stretched metal strings. Harpsichords create sound by plucking stretched strings. Organs create sound by forcing air through differently sized tubes, with various stops to control the timbre and quality of the sounds. Celestas control steel bars that are struck by hammers.