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Minipiano. A very small upright with a 'drop'action (with the mechanism placed below the level of the keyboard), first produced in England in 1934.

Medium-density fiberboard (MDF). High quality, fine grained, particle board frequently used in upright piano cabinets. It is chosen for its stability and flatness under veneers.

Model number. Descriptive combination of numbers and letters unique to its manufacturer that usually denotes the size, cabinet style, and finish of the instrument. Often, a model with three numbers represents the centimeters of height or length of the piano. (Example: Model 122 often means the piano is 122 cm tall, or 48".)

Moderator. A stop that places a thin strip of celeste felt between the hammers and the strings to soften the volume. Operated by the middle pedal on most upright piano's, it can also be called the celeste or practice pedal.

Music desk. Shelf that holds the music rack.

Musical instrument digital interface (MIDI). Standardized computer connections that enable synchronized communication between computers and digital pianos.

Nachttisch (Ger.: 'night table'). A small version of the square piano.

Nail-down. A term given to an instrument that is placed on the sales floor, not to be sold, but to sell off of.

Natural keys. A lower set of keys that equate to notes C to B including the accidental keys. Traditionally covered with ivory, they are now made from celluloid or plastic.

Nut [wrest-plank bridge]. The bridge normally positioned nearest the wrest pins and opposite the soundboard bridge.