The term spinet piano (from Latin meaning small) refers to a class of pianos no longer made. The design was from the depression era and was aimed at cost saving.
Two main compromises were made. First the piano was physically smaller than normal, being less than 40″ tall. There are two negatives resulting from this. One, the strings being shorter have issues with poor sound (inharmonicity), and the soundboard is smaller giving a relatively weak sound. The second major compromise involved a modified “drop action” design. This design has geometry that greatly reduces the player’s control over the dynamics of the instrument. It is also required to remove the entire keys and action out of the piano to perform any repairs to the action, adding hours of labor cost.
By the early 80’s all manufacture of spinet pianos was discontinued and the design was abandoned as obsolete. It is best to upgrade to a modern design that will give much better service and can be maintained without unjustifiable costs.
Wurlitzer spinet piano