pianino

Pianino is a term used in several languages to denote a small piano, usually an upright instrument with a compact cabinet designed for domestic use. It is smaller than standard upright pianos and grand pianos, making it a common choice for homes, schools, and studios with limited space. The designation covers various compact upright models, including console pianos and spinets. Modern pianinos generally feature the standard 88-key keyboard, but some historical or highly compact designs used fewer keys. The instrument shares the same basic mechanical principles as other pianos, with a soundboard, strings, hammers, and a keyboard connected to the action, though the scale and casing are reduced.

Historically, pianinos gained popularity in the 19th and early 20th centuries as middle-class households sought affordable, space-efficient instruments for home music making and instruction. Manufacturers produced a range of finishes to suit living-room furniture, contributing to the instrument's domestic appeal. In performance terms, pianinos are suitable for beginner and intermediate repertoire, daily practice, and teaching, but they generally offer less volume and tonal power than larger uprights or grand pianos.

Maintenance for a pianino follows standard piano care: regular tuning, periodic regulation of action and keys, and humidity control to protect the soundboard and cabinetry. With proper care, a pianino can provide years of service as a compact, accessible keyboard instrument.