Spinet vs clavichord

1. What is difference between spinet and harpsichord?
2. Why is a spinet called a spinet?
3. Is the harpsichord louder or softer than the clavichord?
4. What is the difference between a clavichord and a virginal?

What is difference between spinet and harpsichord?

What primarily distinguishes the spinet is the angle of its strings: whereas in a full-size harpsichord, the strings are at a 90-degree angle to the keyboard (that is, they are parallel to the player's gaze); and in virginals they are parallel to the keyboard, in a spinet the strings are at an angle of about 30 degrees ...

Why is a spinet called a spinet?

Spinet, small form of the harpsichord, generally wing-shaped, with a single set of strings placed at an oblique angle to the keyboard. ... The name spinet may derive from the Latin spinae (“thorns”), perhaps reflecting the shape of the tiny quills or leather wedges that pluck the strings.

Is the harpsichord louder or softer than the clavichord?

The piano is therefore closer to a clavichord than a harpsichord. On a piano it is possible to play louder or quieter by playing the keys with more or less force.
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Harpsichord.

What is the difference between a clavichord and a virginal?

is that clavichord is (musici) 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 while virginal is (musici) a musical instrument in the harpsichord family.