spinet

A spinet is a type of small upright piano characterized by a compact cabinet and a shortened keyboard action. Spinets are typically around 36 inches tall, designed for small spaces. Most models have 85 to 88 keys and preserve a standard pitch range, though some earlier examples used fewer.

The defining feature is the spinet action, a compact hammer mechanism that uses a short lever arrangement to connect the keyboard to the hammers, allowing the instrument to be built with a shallower case than a standard upright.

Spinets originated in Europe in the late 18th to 19th centuries and achieved widespread mass production in the 20th century. In the United States, brands such as Baldwin, Kimball, Wurlitzer, and Knabe manufactured large numbers of spinets.

They are valued for space-saving and affordability, but the action can feel lighter, with less sustain and tonal complexity than larger uprights or grands. Regular maintenance and occasional regulation are common due to humidity and aging.

Today spinets are often found in older homes, schools, or used-market inventories. They are sometimes preserved for historical value or purchased as budget instruments; many players who want better touch and tone opt for console or upright pianos instead.