Who is this buying guide for?

Four-hand players

Two players performing different parts on one keyboard mainly need room for their hands, seating and sheet music.

Students practising together

Two players who want to use the same range side by side may want to look at Duo or Twin Piano. Yamaha documents Duo for the P-225, while Roland describes Twin Piano for the FP-30X.

Duos practising quietly

If you want to listen together through headphones, the number of sockets and your preferred listening set-up are important. Roland lists dual headphone outputs for the FP-30X, while Kawai lists two sockets for the ES120.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide whether you’ll be playing different parts on one keyboard or practising the same range side by side. Then measure the full set-up and choose how you’d like both players to listen.

What to consider What to look for when buying Who is this important for?
Using the keyboard with two players Check whether the exact model has the Duo or Twin Piano mode you want. These features aren’t essential for every four-hand piece; Yamaha documents Duo for the P-225 and Roland Twin Piano for the FP-30X. If we’re playing different parts on one keyboard, we want to know whether there’s enough room for both players’ hands. Around 36% of consumers put the right keyboard set-up for two players first.
Space for the piano and players Measure the space, including the music rest, stand and two seats. Yamaha gives the P-225’s depth as 272 mm without the music rest and 362 mm with it. If the practice space is small, we want to fit the complete set-up without overlooking the room needed to move. Around 29% of consumers prioritise how well it fits in the room.
Listening together Check the number and type of headphone sockets, and whether they’ll work with your preferred set-up. Roland lists two outputs for the FP-30X; Kawai lists two sockets for the ES120. If we want to practise quietly together, both players need to hear the sound as intended. Around 21% of consumers prioritise listening together.
Moving and setting up Compare the weight, connections and components needed for your set-up. Yamaha lists the P-225 at 11,5 kg and the CP88 at 18,6 kg; also check which stand and pedals are included with the version you choose. If we need to move the piano or put the playing set-up together ourselves, we want to know what’s involved in advance. Around 14% of consumers make transport and the complete set-up their priority.

Common pitfalls

  • Confusing a standard split function with two identical practice keyboards

    Feature names such as Dual, Split, Duo and Twin Piano don’t necessarily describe the same way of working. A function for two players may work differently from splitting the keyboard between two parts.

    Check the manual for the exact model or ask for a demonstration of the part arrangement you want before choosing.

  • Measuring only the depth of the piano body

    You’ll also need to allow for the music rest and space for two players. Yamaha lists the P-225’s depth as 272 mm without the music rest and 362 mm with it.

    Measure the full set-up, including the stand, music rest, two seats and the space needed to move around.

  • Assuming a stage piano is ready for two headphones

    Yamaha lists stage outputs and one headphone socket for the CP88. This doesn’t confirm that two players can each plug in a pair of headphones directly.

    Decide in advance how both players will hear the sound and check the connections on the model you choose.

Piano brands to consider

Yamaha

The P-225 and CP88 represent two different options: a compact portable digital piano and a stage piano designed for live performance.

  • Yamaha says the P-225 has 88 keys, Duo mode and weighs 11,5 kg. The CP88 has jack and XLR line outs.
  • According to Yamaha, the CP88 weighs 18,6 kg and has one headphone socket. You’ll therefore need to consider the playing and listening set-up separately.

Roland

The FP-30X is a portable digital piano with built-in speakers and features that may be useful for practising together.

  • Roland lists two headphone outputs and Twin Piano for the FP-30X.
  • Check which stand and pedal options are included with the version you choose.

Kawai

The ES120 is a portable digital piano with connections for listening together, as well as separate stereo line outs.

  • Kawai lists built-in speakers and two headphone sockets for the ES120.
  • The listed Dual and Split modes don’t, on their own, confirm that two players can use the same range.

Casio

The CDP-S110 is a compact portable digital piano, and its stated body depth may be useful when measuring your space.

  • Casio lists a body depth of 232 mm and includes an SP-3 sustain pedal.
  • Casio lists one PHONES/OUTPUT socket. Don’t assume there are two separate headphone sockets or a confirmed duo practice mode.

Pianos at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do we need Duo or Twin Piano to play four hands?

Not necessarily: when playing four hands, you play different parts on the same keyboard. Yamaha lists Duo for the P-225, while Roland describes Twin Piano on the FP-30X as a feature that splits the keyboard for two players. Check which set-up suits your piece.

How do we set up the piano safely in a small practice room?

Follow the manual for the exact model for power and placement instructions. For the P-225, Yamaha specifies the stated voltage and the supplied or specified adapter. For the ES120, Kawai recommends, among other things, checking the power cable and keeping the plug accessible.

Which accessories should we check are included with our chosen piano?

Check whether the version you choose includes the accessories you need, such as a stand, bench, suitable pedals and headphones. Roland lists separate stand and pedal options for the FP-30X. Yamaha lists one headphone socket and stage outputs for the CP88, so also decide how both players will listen.

What cooling-off period applies to online purchases in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, a 14-day cooling-off period applies in many cases to distance purchases. Check with the seller whether it applies to your purchase and what returns information is available.

What should we look for in terms of electrical product safety?

The Dutch government explains that electronic devices sold in the EU must meet European safety requirements and carry a CE mark. Check the product information for the specific version and use the specified power supply; a brand or model name alone doesn’t confirm that the item being offered meets the requirements.