Hymn player with limited space
You want to practise with both hands and need to fit the instrument, music rest and seat into a compact setup.
Who is this buying guide for?
Accompanist at group rehearsals
You want others to hear your piano playing or organ sounds, and need to check which sound system and connections are available.
Player who practises quietly at home
You want to practise hymn parts through headphones and need to check the connection and pedal requirements.
What should you look for when buying?
First decide how you want to hear the sound while practising. Then measure the entire playing area and check that the keyboard and included equipment suit your repertoire.
Piano with built-in speakers
Choose this option: if you want to practise on your own without having to connect an external amplifier each time.
Bear in mind: the instrument itself may be compact, but you’ll also need space for the stand and music rest. For group playing, check that the connections on the exact model are compatible with the available sound system.
Stage piano for external amplification
Choose this option: if you already have a suitable sound system and are looking for separate line outputs or organ sounds.
Bear in mind: the Korg D1 has no built-in speakers, so you’ll need external audio equipment to be heard when playing with others. The stand is sold separately.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space for your playing setup | Measure the available width and depth, then compare them with the music rest and the stand you plan to use. | If the music rest, stand and seat also need to fit into a cramped practice corner, this is most useful for shoppers who prioritise space; they account for around 36%. |
| Sounds and group volume | Check the piano or organ sound you want, the audio output and compatibility with the available sound system. | If you accompany hymns for a group, you’ll want to know whether the sound will be loud enough and whether it will connect to the equipment available. Shoppers who prioritise group volume and sounds account for around 29%. |
| Keyboard for your repertoire | Compare the keyboard range with your sheet music and, if possible, try the feel of the keys. | If you first want to make sure the keyboard suits the hymn parts you play, even if this means the instrument is less compact, you’re among the shoppers who prioritise the keyboard; they account for around 21%. |
| Quiet practice and equipment | Check the headphone socket, what’s included in the box and whether accessories are compatible. | If you want to practise at home through headphones and need clarity about the pedal and stand, these are among your main considerations. Shoppers with this priority account for around 14%. |
The stated dimensions of an instrument don’t necessarily tell you how much space the complete setup will take up. Yamaha lists the P-145 as 1.326 mm wide and 268 mm deep without the music rest, compared with 320 mm with the music rest. Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm for the CDP-S110BK. So remember to measure the space for the stand and seat too.
An 88-key keyboard and a 61-key keyboard aren’t necessarily interchangeable for your repertoire. Compare the range with the parts you actually play. The dimensions and number of keys alone don’t tell you how an instrument feels to play or whether it will suit every hymn part.
Common pitfalls
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Comparing cabinet depth alone
The stated depth may exclude the music rest, so it won’t show how much space the complete playing setup needs.
Compare the dimensions with the music rest, and remember to measure the stand and seat too.
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Assuming every stage piano can produce sound on its own
The Korg D1 has LINE OUT, but no built-in speakers. Without suitable external audio equipment, it won’t be audible on its own when playing with a group.
Before buying, decide how you’ll produce sound during rehearsals and check that the necessary equipment is available.
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Assuming a pedal or stand is included
What’s included varies by model and version; some accessories are optional or sold separately.
Check the contents of the exact version and make sure any extra pedals or stands are compatible.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
The P-145 is a portable digital piano with 88 GHC keys, worth comparing if you’re looking for a full keyboard that will fit into a limited space.
- Yamaha lists the width as 1.326 mm and the depth as 268 mm without the music rest, or 320 mm with it.
- The LP-5A three-pedal unit is optional, so check that you have room for the complete setup.
Roland
The FP-10 is a portable digital piano worth comparing if you’re looking for an 88-key keyboard, built-in speakers or the option to use headphones.
- Roland lists a PHA-4 Standard keyboard.
- The DP-10 half-damper pedal is optional. Roland’s claims about sound and playing feel are manufacturer claims, not an independent comparison.
Casio
The CDP-S110BK is worth comparing if the instrument’s depth is a major constraint.
- Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm, a PHONES/OUTPUT socket and an included SP-3 pedal.
- The cabinet depth doesn’t show how much space your complete setup, including the stand, music rest and seat, will take up.
Kawai
According to Kawai, the ES120 combines a portable piano design with built-in speakers and separate Line Out sockets.
- Kawai also lists Dual and Split modes. The stated depth is 28 cm without the music rest and 35 cm with it.
- These dimensions come from a global model specification; check the version and dimensions when buying.
Korg
The D1 is a stage piano worth comparing if organ sounds and connection to an existing sound system are important to you.
- Korg lists organ sounds, LINE OUT and a cabinet depth of approximately 26 cm without the music rest.
- The D1 has no built-in speakers. You’ll need a suitable external sound system to be heard when playing with a group; the stand is sold separately.
Joybuy product picks
These digital pianos have 61 keys and built-in speakers, making them suitable if you want to practise at home without external speakers. Check that the keyboard range covers the hymn parts you play.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
The listed built-in speakers make it suitable for practising without separate speakers. Check whether 61 keys cover the range of your hymn parts.
The product name lists weighted keys, a headphone socket and a music rest.
Also listed: 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, LCD and USB-MIDI.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black
The built-in speakers and music rest make it suitable for practising at home with sheet music. Compare the keyboard range with the parts you play.
The product name lists a MIDI controller, recording function and metronome.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to buy an amplifier for group rehearsals?
Not necessarily. First check whether the built-in speakers are suitable for your space and whether there’s already a suitable sound system available. The Korg D1 has no built-in speakers, so you’ll need a suitable external sound system and connection to be heard when playing with others.
How can you make sure the piano will fit in your practice corner?
Measure the space for the instrument, as well as the stand, music rest and seat you plan to use. Yamaha lists a greater depth for the P-145 with the music rest than without it; Kawai makes the same distinction for the ES120.
Does it come with a sustain pedal or stand?
It depends on the version. Casio lists an included SP-3 pedal with the CDP-S110BK. Yamaha lists the LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145 as optional, while Korg says the stand for the D1 is sold separately. Check what’s included with the version you’re considering.
Who should you contact about a fault, and how long does the statutory guarantee last?
In the Netherlands, you can contact the seller if a product is faulty. According to the Dutch government, how long you can reasonably expect a product to last depends on the product and the circumstances; there isn’t one fixed guarantee period for every piano.
Can you always return a piano bought online within 14 days?
Not always. According to the Dutch government, online purchases are often covered by a 14-day cooling-off period. Before buying, check which terms and any exceptions apply to your purchase.