Hi, for quite some while I have seen Piano and Pianoforte in the list of Keyboard Instruments; my “daft” question is “what is the difference?”. What we / I play is a piano - an abbreviation for pianoforte. In the early days of development the “piano” was a “fortepiano” made with harpsichord like strings and letter covered hammers and typically of 4 octaves range and used stops or knee levers in stead of pedals. This went out of production in the early 19th century due to evolution of the pianoforte as we know it today. Is there meant to be a sound difference between the piano and pianoforte in Dorico? Any insights as to why we have two “pianos” would be appreciated.
I think it’s purely for convenience of the name displayed in the Staff Label. There’s no difference in the sample.
There is also Violin and Fiddle, for the same reason.
2 Likes
We also have Contrabass, Double Bass, String Bass, and Upright Bass as well. 
I’m sorta surprised Acoustic Bass, Standup Bass, and Bass Fiddle got left out too.
Or Bull Fiddle
Or Washtub Bass.
1 Like
Many of the ones listed here should be standard, like Parpy Tree Trunk and Duck Pipe.
3 Likes
Thanks all - I get the message.
I find the distinct names useful when I want to have a piano part as well as a rehearsal piano reduction in the same Working Score.