Upright vs. Console Pianos: Which is Right for You?

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If you’re in the market for your first piano, you know how confusing all the different terms can be!

Acoustic, digital, spinet, console … the list of terms goes on and on and on.

It can be especially confusing if you are trying to find a piano for your kids but have never played one yourself.

Today’s post covers several different types of upright pianos and how to find the best one for your needs.

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 launch into all the different piano features, it’s important for you to understand my history with the instrument.

I started piano lessons with the local piano teacher at the age of 7 and continued playing through high school.

After a brief foray into a few other majors, I ultimately opted to study music at a small agricultural school in Wisconsin.

Although my full-time career has taken a different trajectory, I remain passionate about playing the piano and encouraging others to explore their musical creativity as well!

In addition to this blog, I continue playing piano and organ at several area churches, am exploring becoming a piano technician, and have even started giving a few piano lessons on the side.

Pianos have always intrigued and fascinated me, and I love sharing my passion for the instrument with others!

Acoustic vs. Digital Pianos

In your search for a piano, you may have run across the terms “acoustic” and “digital.”

Deciding between an acoustic and digital piano is the starting point in your search for a piano.

Acoustic Pianos

Acoustic pianos produce sound through hammers striking strings, creating rich, resonant tones with natural overtones.

Depending on the size and quality of the instrument, acoustic pianos offer the most authentic playing experience.

However, they require regular tuning and maintenance, making them more expensive in the long run.

And thanks to all those tiny little parts, acoustic pianos are subject to wear and tear.

Contrary to what you may think, they do have an expiration date, especially if the manufacturing quality wasn’t top-notch and they weren’t consistently tuned and maintained.

Acoustic pianos also take up more space and are difficult to transport.

In general, upright pianos are often acoustic, and the taller the instrument, the better its sound quality.

Digital Pianos

While acoustic pianos rely on thousands of tiny parts to produce sound, digital pianos use sampled sounds from high-quality acoustic pianos, reproduced through speakers.

While high-end models closely mimic acoustic tones and touch, they still lack traditional instruments’ full resonance and depth.

However, digital pianos require no tuning, making them more cost-effective and low-maintenance in the long run.

Many models also offer headphone compatibility, built-in metronomes, and connectivity to recording software, making them ideal for practice, recording, and live performances.

Digital pianos offer a practical alternative for beginners and those with limited space or budget. They are portable, affordable, and have various features that enhance learning. However, for professional musicians or those seeking the most authentic piano experience, an acoustic piano remains unmatched in its dynamic expression and tonal richness, assuming it’s a quality instrument.

Ultimately, the choice depends on individual needs.

If you are passionate about playing classical music or want the authenticity of a “real” piano, consider a well-maintained acoustic.

On the other hand, if convenience, affordability, and technology-driven features matter most, a digital piano is a great option.

If you’re not sure whether you’ll stick with the piano or need an instrument that takes up less space, go with a digital piano.

Types of Vertical Pianos

Technically, a console piano is a type of upright piano.

And the terms “vertical” and “upright” are interchangeable.

Acoustic upright pianos are categorized according to height, with taller instruments generally being of higher quality than shorter ones.

However, in many cases, “quality” comes down to the brand and how well the instrument has been maintained over the years.

Standard Upright Pianos

A standard upright acoustic piano is a versatile instrument often found in homes, schools, and small performance spaces.

Unlike grand pianos with horizontal string alignment, upright pianos feature a vertical frame, saving space while still delivering a rich and resonant sound.

They typically stand at least 51 inches tall.

As with all other acoustic pianos, the strings are struck by felt-covered hammers, which return to rest after each key press, allowing for dynamic expression.

Due to their size and full-size action, the tallest uprights most closely resemble smaller grand pianos in terms of their touch sensitivity, sound, and overall playing experience.

In fact, around the turn of the century, many piano companies advertised these types of pianos as “upright grand” to boost their appeal to the general public, as at the time, owning a concert grand piano was the ultimate symbol of wealth and status.

You’ll often still see old, very large uprights advertised on Facebook as a “rare upright grand.”

But know that these pianos are often well past their expiration date, and unless you’re looking for a piece of furniture, you should skip right by them.

Studio Upright Pianos

The next category of upright is made up of studio pianos.

These pianos are slightly shorter and generally range between 44″ and 51″ in height.

Although slightly smaller than the previous upright category, these pianos are generally well-made and an excellent choice for schools, churches, and other public areas. They are also beloved by home pianists.

Upright pianos use a system of dampers to control sustain and volume, and they often come with two or three pedals, including the sustain and soft pedals.

Their cabinetry ranges from simple to ornate, making them both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Again, when evaluating the quality of an individual instrument, it’s always best to consider the brand and how well it has been maintained over the years.

Console Pianos

The console piano is slightly shorter than the studio upright and measures between 38″ and 44.”

These pianos were designed to adorn a living room and often have more ornate cabinetry than the larger uprights.

If well maintained, they can be a good choice for home use.

Spinet Pianos

The shortest upright pianos on this list are called “spinets.”

These compact pianos were mass-produced in the 1940s and 1950s as everyone wanted a piano in their home.

Unfortunately, their compact design meant a sacrifice in tonal quality.

Even when brand new, these shorter pianos have a small soundboard and shorter strings, meaning their sound quality isn’t as good as that of a grand piano or even a larger upright.

Because they were mass-produced, the overall quality of these pianos is quite poor compared to larger instruments.

Piano manufacturers stopped making spinets in the 1990s.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between an upright and a baby grand piano?

An upright piano is taller than it is wide, whereas baby grands are longer than they are tall.

Baby grand pianos tend to have longer strings and a larger soundboard, which makes their sound of higher quality than that of smaller pianos.

Larger uprights are generally of higher quality than smaller ones. However, upright pianos of any size are popular for home use.

Should you get a free piano from Facebook?

It depends. If you want a piece of furniture and don’t care how it sounds, then go ahead.

But if you’re looking for a quality piano for your kids to learn to play, it’s best to visit a piano store or even consult a piano technician.

You can find nice instruments on Facebook, but it’s essential to thoroughly understand the type of instrument you’re getting and the work it will require before making an informed decision about whether it’s the best instrument for your needs.

Although it can be tempting to get a “free” piano, these instruments often need way more work than they’re worth, and in most cases, they are not actually free.

What is a spinet piano?

A spinet is a type of piano that was mass-produced in the 1940s and 1950s. They often have shorter keys and a drop action, meaning the playing responsiveness is not ideal, especially compared with larger pianos.

Piano manufacturers stopped making spinets in the 1990s so finding replacement parts for these instruments can be difficult.

Given the lower quality materials and frequent lack of regular tunings, many of these instruments are now only useful as furniture.

Does a beginner need a piano to be regularly tuned?

Yes. It’s very important for anyone who wants to improve their piano skills to have access to an instrument that’s in good working order.

Regular tuning is helpful both for the piano and the student.

Regular tuning helps the student develop their musical ear.

And for the piano, regular tuning helps keep the tons of string pressure equalized and helps to reduce long-term wear on the instrument.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the best piano for you is the one you love to play!

A standard or studio upright is the largest vertical piano and generally has better sound and playing responsiveness.

The console piano can still have decent sound and responsiveness, assuming it’s been regularly maintained.

If you have specific questions about a piano, it’s always best to talk with a piano tuner in your area.

Getting as much information as possible upfront can help you make the best possible decision.

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

Upright vs. Console Pianos: Which is Right for You?

My Piano Journey