The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word PIANOLA
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
P
I
A
N
O
L
A
More clues leading to the result PIANOLA
- Instrument, note, is one that plays itself
- Lad from Liverpool, at first softly, a churner-out of music
- music-maker
- It does apply air alone, with no player involved?
- Portugal and Italy getting a loan arrangement from which notes are automatically forthcoming
- This starts to play it after loading number?
- Hear this instrument played — Aeolian harp possibly
- Architect left one instrument
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "a churner-out of music" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case a churner-out of music = pianola.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does PIANOLA mean?
PIANOLA noun- A mechanical piano which uses a roll of perforated paper to operate its keys, instead of being played by a pianist.
- A hand that is easy to play, i.e. one that "plays itself".