Expert: Kathie Nicolet - Chicago Professional Pianist - 12/4/2007

Question
Please tell me the differance between spinete, console, studio, and upright pianos? My daughter is planning to at least minor in piano when she attends college (3yrs). We currently have a Hammond spinete and need to upgrade for her. We do not have the room for a grand.  Thanks so much.

Answer
The pianos you asked about are all the same - only
different names. Console/Studio/Upright/Spinet -
There are two kinds of pianos. Uprights as you have in
your home and grands. I don't know why you would need to
upgrade your piano? If your daughter is only minoring in piano and not planning to become "concert" caliber - I don't really see the need for a new piano to be honest. If you have no room for a grand,
I'm afraid your choices are quite limited. I would keep the piano you have now.  The smallest is a 4 ft 7" grand which I have in my home. It's not terribly big - you might look into that. I own a Baldwin/Cincinnati Howard.  Good luck!