Arpeggio player
You mainly want to judge for yourself how the keys feel when repeated and played with different dynamics. Yamaha highlights key weight, fast passages and dynamics as factors to consider; this isn’t a comparative playing test.
Start with the keyboard: try the keys to see how comfortable they feel when playing rapid repetitions and varying your touch. Then check whether the connections and pedal on the exact model suit your headphones and recording setup. A portable piano gives you more flexibility over where you place it, while an upright piano suits a permanent setup. Manufacturer specifications describe features, but they don’t prove that one keyboard will feel better or play faster for everyone.
You mainly want to judge for yourself how the keys feel when repeated and played with different dynamics. Yamaha highlights key weight, fast passages and dynamics as factors to consider; this isn’t a comparative playing test.
You want to record your playing using studio software or audio equipment. Bear in mind that MIDI performance data and audible audio are separate recording requirements.
You practise with headphones and want to know in advance which connections the instrument has, for example if you want to practise with a second listener.
First, assess the keyboard’s touch and repetition; then work out which recording connections, headphone sockets and setup you need.
| Factor to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and rapid repetition | Try the same short arpeggio softly, loudly and repeatedly on the models you’re considering. Compare the keyboard action and any touch settings. | If you want to play rapid repeated notes and dynamic changes comfortably, start with the keyboard itself. Around 33% of consumers put the greatest emphasis on touch and repetition when making this choice. |
| Recording and connecting to software | Decide whether you need MIDI, audible audio or both, then check the connections and computer compatibility of the exact version. Korg describes the B2 as transmitting both audio and MIDI signals via USB; Kawai lists separate stereo line-outs and Bluetooth-MIDI among the ES120’s features. | If you want to record arpeggios in your home studio, check which signal your recording setup requires. Around 27% of consumers focus mainly on recording connections. |
| Quiet practice | Check the type and position of the headphone socket, and whether you want to practise with a second listener at the same time. Roland lists two headphone outputs for the FP-30X; Kawai lists two headphone sockets for the ES120. | If you want to practise without using the speakers, check the headphone sockets first. Around 20% of consumers give quiet practice the highest priority. |
| Space and complete setup | Measure the space for the piano and room to play. Casio lists the PX-S1100 as having a depth of 232 mm; Yamaha lists the LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145BT as optional. Check which accessories are included with each offer. | If you’re short on space, you’ll want to know whether the piano, stand and pedal will fit comfortably in your practice area. Around 20% of consumers prioritise available space and a suitable setup. |
Yamaha describes Bluetooth audio on the P-145BT as a way to play music through the piano’s speakers. This isn’t the same as recording MIDI.
Make a note of whether you need audio, MIDI or both, then check the connections on the exact model.
Yamaha lists the LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145BT as optional. Setup accessories may also be sold separately for other models.
Compare what’s included in the specific bundle with what you need for your practice area.
You may need to buy a suitable stand or pedal separately, so factor this into your setup.
According to Korg, the B2 has a combined headphone/line-out socket. Roland lists separate outputs for powered speakers on the FP-30X.
Work out in advance which devices you want to connect at the same time, then check the connection diagram for your chosen model.
The P-145BT is worth considering if you’re looking for a portable piano with a weighted keyboard.
The FP-30X is a portable model to look at if headphone and external audio connections are important to you.
The ES120 is worth considering if you want to look into separate stereo line-outs or Bluetooth-MIDI.
The Privia PX-S1100 may be a good option if available depth is a key constraint.
The B2 is worth considering if you’re looking for a USB connection that the manufacturer says handles audio and MIDI.
You can’t tell from the word USB alone. Korg describes the B2 as transmitting both audio and MIDI signals via USB; for every other exact model, check which signals the connection carries.
Make sure the piano is set up securely and follow the manual for the exact model. Kawai’s manual identifies spilled liquids and abnormal heat as situations to take seriously; if either occurs, follow the model-specific safety instructions.
That depends on the model and the bundle on offer. Yamaha lists the LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145BT as optional, so check which accessories are included with the specific offer.
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, online purchases generally come with a cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, subject to statutory exceptions. You also have a statutory guarantee: if a product breaks sooner than you could reasonably expect under normal use, the seller must offer an appropriate solution. This doesn’t mean every piano has a fixed two-year guarantee.
According to the Dutch Government, electronic devices placed on the EU market must meet the applicable safety requirements and carry the required CE marking. Check this for the specific version and power adapter; mentioning a model on this page doesn’t confirm that a particular offer meets these requirements.