There are 4 different types of Upright Pianos in the world. If you are an expert in the world of pianos or just started playing, we are here to inform you of the different types of upright pianos, their purpose, and the best one out of the group. 

#1 The Spinet Piano 

The word Spinet derives from the Italian Spinetta, it is an Italian word used generally for all quilled instruments. The Spinet Piano was ubiquitous in American households in the mid-1930s. These pianos are smaller, which allows them to fit into smaller living spaces; a lot of lower-income households held these pianos in their homes. There are several structural differences between this piano compared to a regular piano. The word “Spinet” refers to the 17th-century harpsichord later known as the spinet piano. The spinet is typically winged and shaped with drop action kets and shortened strings. Though due to this piano having poor harmonics and tones, the spinet ceased production in the 1990s. Since the production stopped on this piano you would only be able to find them in someone’s home gathering dust or the back of a piano shop, also most likely gathering dust. This piano is great for first-time players and if you have limited space in your home. 

#2 The Console Piano 

The console piano is the largest type of upright piano. It differs from the grand piano in one significant way, the hammer-on-string action is vertical rather than horizontal. Most console pianos are 40” to 44” tall, so they are still compact and space-saving, but their sound is much better than the Spinet Piano. The console piano is the perfect piano for home pianists and advanced piano players. The console piano has normal action that sits on the top of the keys, and hammers that sit in an upright rather than dropped position. This is a great piano for any home! 

#3 The Studio Piano 

The upright piano is a vertical (or upright) piano. They differ from pianos such as the grand piano because the hammer-on-string action is vertical rather than horizontal. Studio pianos are about 45” and up, they produce a better sound than the spinet or console. Studio pianos have longer soundboards and strings than the console and the spinet. The studio piano has a full-sized action. The better the action makes it easier for players to bring the full range out of a piano. Soft pianissimo and resounding fortissimo are easier to get out of a studio. Yamaha and Kawai are two pianos makers known for excellent studio pianos. 

#4 The Upright Piano 

The upright piano has been one of the most popular pianos for decades. The upright piano came into existence in 1805. They were sometimes referred to as the “cottage” piano, back in the day they took up less floor space. The upright piano is more of a square box, sitting “upright” with a keyboard jutting from the box. 

Final Thoughts 

There are many types of different pianos that come in all shapes and sizes. Finding the right one for you can be difficult! Talking to a piano expert at The Piano Gallery is a great way to start your musical journey!