Why do pianos sound so drastically different from most other string instruments?

Question

Why do pianos sound so drastically different from most other string instruments?

In: Engineering

Answer 1

Another factor that I haven’t seen discussed yet is resonance. Most string instruments have 4-6 strings, while a piano has 220-240. When one key is pressed, 2-3 strings are hit, but the vibrational energy of those strings can cause other strings to start vibrating. This effect is most pronounced on strings exactly one octave away from the note you played, but minor overtones are also created by strings a major fourth and a major fifth away.