The tapered, brass or steel brad that holds the damper in place in the anvil under the tooth of a cylinder musical box.

1. In a piano, a felt pad which mutes the string after it has been sounded and the piano key is then released. Also controlled by the sustaining pedal; when the sustaining pedal is "on," the dampers are lifted and the notes continue to sound. 2. Any device which mutes or dampens the sound of a percussion instrument. Dampers are used on bells, drums, and certain other effects in large orchestrions and organs. 3. The fine quill or wire mounted under the tip of a cylinder music box tooth, or mechanical device in a disc box, for the same purpose.

Self-contained player pipe organ, usually with an ornate facade, used in dance halls, cafés and other locations, especially in Belgium and Holland. Softly voiced (in comparison to band organs). Distinguished by the strongly accented rhythm of their music; the short and powerful chords of the accompaniment pipes maintain the dance rhythm. Usually of large size (8′ to 20′ or more in width) and fitted with a key frame system for playing cardboard music books, or a tracker bar for playing paper rolls. Later models (after about 1930) have novelty percussion, accordions, and other instruments prominently displayed on the facades. Made by Bursens, Decap, Mortier, and others. Some later models use electronic tone generators instead of organ pipes. * Synonym for small dance organ: café organ.

See cancel.

To become softer gradually. Opposite of crescendo.