Absolute Piano

Stand up style pianos are called vertical pianos. But there are categorized by three major type by mechanical parts. Upright, console and spinet piano. From outside, spinet is the smallest, usually 38" ~41". It has "dropped action", where hammer label is almost same height as keys. In order to fit a smaller cabinet, the action mechanism is attached to wire below the key where connect to hammers. When the technician needs to work on these pianos, he/she has to detach 88 wires from keys. Because of this most manufactures are stop producing spinet in 1970's. The Console piano has "Compact" action, same principle that to fit smaller cabinet, it has smaller action. But keys are directory connected with hammers. Console pianos are usually 41" ~44". If piano is taller than 45", it has full size direct action. If you want to purchase a piano from individual, try to avoid spinet pianos. And I recommend to by newer pianos to prevent future cost.