Home > Baker's Student Encyclopedia of Music > Damper

(Ger. Dämpfer). 1. A set of mechanical devices, placed over PIANO strings, that goes into operation when a key is released by the finger. The damper stops the string, thus causing the string's vibration to end.

Damper pedal, the right, or loud, piano pedal, which, when pressed, lifts the dampers from the strings.

2. The MUTE of a BRASS instrument.