The harpsichord is a keyboard instrument that resembles a small piano. It was popular during the 1500s through the 1700s and has a distinctive sound which is produced by its strings which are actually plucked when a key is pressed. The harpsichord lacks the modern piano's ability to produce a wide range of sounds from soft to loud. It is particularly associated with music from the Baroque style period, from 1600 - 1750.