Spinet vs. Upright Pianos: How to Know the Difference

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If you’re considering getting a piano but are confused about all the different options, you’re in the right place!

Today’s post explores two types of vertical pianos you’re likely to encounter when searching for your perfect piano.

We will discuss the differences between these two acoustic pianos and why you may want to choose one over the other.

Ready? Let’s get to it!

This post may contain affiliate links. As an affiliate of the Amazon associate program, Modacity, Dr. Josh Wright ProPractice, Piano University, Musicnotes, Playground Sessions, and Piano Marvel, I may receive a commission at no extra cost if you purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information and privacy policy. I take no credit for the images appearing on this page. Specific photos are courtesy of Canva. Although I am a nurse practitioner, I am not YOUR medical provider. The information in this post is for informational purposes only. It does NOT replace individualized health information from a qualified medical professional. Please see a qualified medical professional for individualized assistance with your health and wellness.

My Piano Journey

Before we discuss the differences between spinets and uprights, I want to share some of my piano background.

I eventually pursued a music degree after taking piano lessons throughout my early years.

Although my full-time career took a different path, I maintain several side gigs around the instrument I love.

I play piano and organ at several local churches, study classical pieces I love, and have recently taken on a piano student.

Despite a busy work and family life, I’ve also recently delved back into learning the art of piano tuning.

This blog encourages others to pursue their interests, regardless of what they have going on in their lives!

Types of Upright Pianos

Pianos that are taller than they are wider are called “uprights.”

The alternative to an upright is a grand piano, which has the soundboard and strings positioned horizontally instead of vertically, as in upright models.

Upright pianos have existed since the late 1800s, popularized for their lower cost compared to grand pianos.

Generally speaking, the taller the upright, the better its sound can be because upright pianos have longer strings and a larger soundboard.

Upright pianos are further categorized into the following: tallest to shortest: upright, studio upright, console, and spinet.

The piano’s height and the relationship between the action (all those tiny pieces that help make the sound) and the keyboard determine the category into which a specific piano falls.

Larger upright pianos have actions positioned above the keys and require “stickers” to connect the two.

Uprights are generally the tallest vertical pianos (over 51″) and have better sound quality than smaller ones.

Studio Upright Pianos

Studio pianos are generally of medium height and have the action on top of the keys, also called a direct-blow action.

These pianos often have a slanted front and are between 44″ and 51″ in height.

Studio uprights were generally marketed to piano teachers, schools, and churches, and those made since the mid-20th century are usually durable, high-quality instruments.

Console Pianos

The console is slightly shorter than the studio upright, measuring between 38″ and 44″ in height.

These pianos were designed for home use and, therefore, sometimes have fancier cases than some of the taller pianos.

Spinet Pianos

And, finally, we get to the spinet.

These pianos are the shortest type of vertical piano, generally less than 38″ in height.

Spinet pianos rose in popularity in the late 1940s when people wanted pianos of a more compact size.

This type of piano was often mass-produced, meaning it was not as high-quality as other types.

Due to the shorter strings, they often have a more “tinny” sound than larger uprights or grand pianos.

But you can hear the difference for yourself by watching the video!

And thanks to the differences in action assembly, they also don’t feel as solid or respond as quickly to subtle nuances in playing as larger uprights or grand pianos.

Still, their compact design makes them an excellent choice for pianists who want an acoustic piano in a relatively small living space.

Spinet vs. Upright: Which is Right for You?

Determining which type of piano is best for you depends on several factors.

Your Piano Goals

If you aspire to play classical music, opt for the tallest upright you can find.

Or go for a baby grand.

My dream piano is a concert grand, basically the Cadillac of pianos!

Generally, the taller (or longer) the instrument, the longer the strings and the larger the soundboard.

This means the instrument will produce a higher-quality sound, and the piano action will be more responsive.

Suppose you’re learning to play the piano simply to have fun and have no aspirations to perform. In that case, it’s still essential to get a quality instrument. Still, you have more flexibility in the type of instrument you get.

You could consider a smaller spinet or even a digital piano.

I grew up playing on a spinet that originally belonged to my grandmother. I never knew the difference until I started practicing on grand pianos in college!

Space Limitations

Spinets became popular in the mid-20th century partly because people wanted a piano that would fit in a limited space.

And spinets continue to be a great option for home pianists who want an acoustic piano that takes up less space.

Although spinets have less tonal quality than uprights, they often have very simple cabinet designs that blend well into all different types of living room decor.

If you need a piano that can be more easily moved around your home, consider a digital piano.

Budget

Acoustic piano manufacturing for certain types of pianos, spinets included, has fallen over the years.

Unfortunately, spinet pianos are no longer manufactured.

This means that spinets you find listed for sale are generally older instruments.

On the one hand, you can often find spinets offered for sale for little to nothing.

On the other hand, these pianos often have major issues that simply aren’t worth fixing.

If in doubt about whether a piano has major structural issues, always consult a piano technician for guidance.

Keep in mind that you can also find decent digital pianos for less than $1000.

Depending on the piano’s brand, year, and condition, larger acoustic uprights often sell for over $1000.

When purchasing from a piano store, you’ll often pay more than you would off Facebook, but you’ll often get perks such as a free move or tuning.

Plus, you’ll be reassured that the piano is in exactly the condition as advertised.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between an acoustic and a digital piano?

An acoustic piano is made of wood and wire and has thousands of intricate parts that work together to produce sound.

A digital piano is an electronic replica of the sound made by an acoustic instrument.

Digital pianos don’t have all those tiny little parts inside.

Nor do they require the regular tuning required by acoustic pianos.

Although most professional pianists still prefer acoustic instruments, digital pianos are often a solid choice, especially for beginners or people who don’t plan to play serious classical music.

Why do acoustic pianos need to be tuned?

Because acoustic pianos are made of wood, they are subject to shrinking and swelling caused by changes in humidity.

The shrinking and swelling of the wooden parts also subject the strings to stretching, which knocks individual strings out of tune.

How often does a piano need to be tuned?

An acoustic piano should be tuned at a minimum once yearly.

Ideally, pianos should be tuned twice yearly with significant weather changes.

But if the piano is played often, consider having it tuned even more frequently than twice yearly.

Can you tune your own piano?

Piano tuning is an art that takes years to perfect.

Even beyond tuning are the basic repairs often required of acoustic pianos, which have thousands of tiny parts that can break.

Although there are apps that help with accurate tuning, it’s best to leave your piano to professional piano tuners.

When you have a qualified piano technician work on it, you’ll be much happier with the way your piano performs and sounds.

Should you buy a piano from Facebook marketplace?

It depends.

If you’re comfortable taking the risk that the instrument could be irreparably damaged, then yes.

But suppose you want a high-quality instrument that is in good shape and will perform well (with the proper maintenance) for years to come. In that case, it’s best to consult a qualified piano technician for advice.

If you’re looking for a basic instrument that your kids can play when the mood strikes, then it’s ok.

When in doubt about the value or condition of a particular piano, it’s always worth consulting a tuner.

Piano technicians generally charge a fee for inspecting an instrument, but this might avoid higher repair costs down the road.

What are the best upright piano brands?

Most old uprights have not been well maintained and are generally not worth the cost of restoration.

But there are a few names that have stood the test of time.

In most cases, Steinway pianos are generally worth the investment because of the quality craftsmanship associated with this brand.

Baldwin and Yamaha are other names that are well-respected when it comes to upright pianos.

In general, if the piano has been well maintained with regular tunings and repairs over the years, it will continue to be a serviceable instrument.

But there’s also something to be said about the size of the instrument.

Taller upright pianos generally have better sound than shorter ones due to the larger strings and soundboard.

With regular tuning, taller instruments generally fare better than their shorter counterparts.

Final Thoughts

Spinets are charming little pianos popularized in the mid-20th century and still beloved today.

Although many piano technicians would disagree that spinets are useful instruments, they do have their place when well maintained.

A spinet can be a great option for someone who wants an acoustic piano but doesn’t want a huge upright and has no space for a baby grand.

With regular tuning and maintenance, spinets can continue helping generations of young pianists learn to master the piano.

Whether you opt for an upright, spinet, or a digital piano, at the end of the day, the best piano is the one you love playing!

And if you enjoyed this post, check out my other piano-inspired content!

Reference used to write this post: Piano Tuning, Servicing, and Rebuilding by Arthur Reblitz

Spinet vs. Upright Pianos: How to Know the Difference

My Piano Journey