Is the Spinet Piano Right for You?

A spinet piano is a type of vertical piano, different from a grand piano because of the direction of the sound board. In a vertical piano, the soundboard runs vertically having the strings running downward. There are fives types of vertical pianos which are the console, the consolette, the spinet, the professional and the studio. Whenever there is a larger instrument, a smaller version of it is often referred to as “spinet.”


The spinet piano is the shortest of the vertical pianos, measuring in at about 36 to 39 inches in height. Because of the direction of the strings and the shortness in height, it is considered to have a lower quality sound than the other types of verticals. Due to it’s small case, a different sort of mechanism came about that doesn’t allow the keys to directly engage the levers. This causes a delay between the strike to the sound. This type of mechanism also makes the inside of the piano very difficult to service for tuners and repairmen. Disassembly is sometimes required to repair a spinet piano. The 39 inch models or higher contain a direct striking action.

This type of piano became available when a manufacturer introduced them as an affordable option during the depression and beyond. It was a good option for people of limited means or those with little space to devote to a piano. Due to the smaller size, they were less costly to manufacture, easier to transport, and easier to find space for in the home. They were the preferred piano for anyone under these circumstances into the 1990s.

The spinet enjoyed a heightened popularity for several decades. Although they are still manufactured and sold today, these days, the popularity of the spinet has declined. They are considered to be difficult to play by musicians because of the shorter keys, although it can be an ideal instrument for beginning pianists. They have largely been replaced by the newer electric pianos. Electric pianos are considered by most to have a superior sound than the spinet.

Compact and affordable, a spinet piano can be still be purchased in many musical outlets today even though the manufacturing volume has declined because it is a perfect starter piano for beginners.