coupler

music

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

The term "coupler" in music refers to a mechanism that connects keyboards or keys on an instrument to allow them to play together. This is particularly relevant for keyboard instruments like the harpsichord and pipe organ.1

On a harpsichord, couplers enable the player to use two manuals (keyboards) independently or connectedly. When engaged, pressing a key on one manual can also activate a key on the other, allowing for more complex musical passages or a richer sound by engaging different sets of strings (registers).2

In a pipe organ, a pedal coupler allows a manual stop to sound when the pedals are played, expanding the tonal possibilities available to the organist.3

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

accordion
Couplers, or “registers,” in some double-action instruments activate extra sets of reeds, one pitched an octave below the main set and another off-tuned from the main set to give a tremulant through “beating” (sound-wave interference). Other registers may include a high-octave set of reeds and…
Read More
Couplers, or “registers,” in some double-action instruments activate extra sets of reeds, one pitched an octave below the main set and another off-tuned from the main set to give a tremulant through “beating” (sound-wave interference). Other registers may include a high-octave set of reeds and…
Read More

keyboard instrument
Stop and key mechanisms
…a simple mechanism, called a coupler, that is controlled at the console.
Read More
…a simple mechanism, called a coupler, that is controlled at the console.
Read More