Clavichord vs. Spinet — What's the Difference?

The clavichord is a Western European stringed rectangular keyboard instrument that was used largely in the Late Middle Ages, through the Renaissance, Baroque and Classical eras. Historically, it was mostly used as a practice instrument and as an aid to composition, not being loud enough for larger performances.

A spinet is a smaller type of harpsichord or other keyboard instrument, such as a piano or organ.

An early keyboard instrument with a soft sound produced by small brass wedges striking horizontal strings.

A small, compact upright piano.

(musical instruments) An early keyboard instrument producing a soft sound by means of metal blades (called tangents) attached to the inner ends of the keys gently striking the strings.

A small, compact upright electronic organ.

A keyed stringed instrument, now superseded by the pianoforte. See Clarichord.

A small harpsichord with a single keyboard.

An early stringed instrument like a piano but with more delicate sound

(musical instruments) A short, compact harpsichord or piano.

(obsolete) A spinney.

A keyed instrument of music resembling a harpsichord, but smaller, with one string of brass or steel wire to each note, sounded by means of leather or quill plectrums or jacks. It was formerly much used.

A spinny.

Small and compactly built upright piano

Early model harpsichord with only one string per note