Choose a portable digital piano if your attic serves other purposes too. A fixed set-up with a stand and pedals may work if you have space to leave it in place. Compare the keyboard and metronome for practising chord changes, and check the dimensions, headphone socket and included accessories for the exact version. Headphones mute the sound from the speakers, but they do not automatically block the sound and vibrations of the keys and pedal.
You want to practise chord changes while other people are at home. Headphones stop sound coming from the speakers, but the keys and pedal may still be audible. Yamaha and Roland point out that sound and vibrations can travel through a home.
You use the attic for other things too, and want to know whether the keyboard and dimensions work for both practising and moving the instrument. Yamaha, Roland and Casio offer models with different keyboards and cabinet sizes.
You can set aside a permanent spot and want to know in advance whether the chosen version includes a stand and pedal unit. Yamaha and Korg distinguish between standalone pianos and accessories or bundles.
A good fit if: you use the attic for other things too and want to move the instrument after practising.
Keep in mind: check whether the stand and pedal you want are included with that version.
A good fit if: you have space for a permanent practice area and want a fixed pedal set-up.
Keep in mind: a fixed set-up needs permanent floor space. Korg distinguishes the standalone B2+ from the B2+SP, which comes with a stand and pedal unit.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Sound while practising | Check the headphone socket on the exact version and try the keys and pedal where you plan to play. | If I practise while other people are at home, I want to avoid sound from the speakers. Around 33% of consumers make reducing noise their top priority. |
| Keyboard and practice tempo | Try the key action for yourself, and check whether there is a metronome and whether it is easy to use. | For practising chord changes, I want a keyboard that suits my hands and the pieces I play, with help to keep a steady tempo. Around 27% of consumers prioritise key feel and rhythm practice. |
| Space and portability | Measure the space, including room for a seat, and check the dimensions of the complete set-up. | If my attic has several uses, I want to be able to position the piano so it fits and put it away if needed. Space and portability are the main concern for around 20% of consumers. |
| Stand and pedals | Check the accessories included with each model code and which pedal functions the version you have chosen supports. | I want to know in advance what I need for a stable practice area and which pedals come with the piano. Around 20% of consumers start by checking whether the set-up is complete. |
Headphones reduce sound from the speakers, but they do not stop the mechanical noise of the keys and pedal or vibrations from being heard.
Try the piano where you plan to use it and assess both the keys and the pedal. Do not expect one accessory to guarantee that sound will not travel.
You may need to adjust the positioning or use a stable, vibration-damping surface.
Manufacturers distinguish between included pedals and optional pedal units, and between standalone instruments and bundles. Yamaha lists the LP-5A for the P-145 as optional; Korg sells the PU-2 for the B2+ separately.
Check the full model code and what is included with the version on offer, rather than relying on the product image alone.
You may need to buy a compatible stand or pedal unit separately.
The dimensions of the piano alone do not show how much room you need for the stand, seat and a comfortable playing position.
Mark out the full practice set-up on the floor before choosing a model for your attic.
The P-145 is a portable entry-level piano for anyone looking for a full-size keyboard without a fixed furniture-style set-up.
The FP-10 is a portable model worth comparing if chord technique, a metronome and playing through headphones matter to you.
The CDP-S110BK is worth considering if a slim, portable piano is a priority.
The B2+ is worth comparing as a standalone piano; the B2+SP is for anyone looking for a fixed set-up with a stand and pedal unit.
For practising chord changes in the attic, the two keyboard instruments below each have 61 keys. That is a more limited range than the 88-key keyboards mentioned above.
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This could be a good choice if 61 keys are enough for the chords you want to practise.
The product name lists a weighted keyboard, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music stand.
The keyboard has 61 keys, so check that its range suits the pieces you want to practise.
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This is worth considering if a 61-key keyboard suits the chord changes you want to practise.
The product name lists a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand.
The keyboard has 61 keys, so compare its range with the keys you need for your practice pieces.
No. Headphones reduce sound from the speakers, but not the mechanical noise or vibrations of the keys and pedal. Yamaha says that how sound travels also depends on the building, so try the piano where you plan to put it.
Try the piano in a stable position and assess how the keys and pedal sound in the room. Roland offers advice on sound and vibrations; Yamaha points out that sound transmission varies from one building to another. If your neighbours are affected, the Dutch Government recommends agreeing on a solution first.
Refer to the manual for your exact digital piano for guidance on use and maintenance. Advice about tuning an acoustic piano does not automatically apply to a digital instrument.
For a consumer purchase, the retailer is responsible for the statutory guarantee if the product does not meet what you could reasonably expect from normal use. The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets explains that a commercial manufacturer’s guarantee does not replace this right; a suitable solution could be a repair or replacement.
For a standard online consumer purchase, you generally have a statutory cancellation period of up to 14 days after delivery. ACM ConsuWijzer lists some exceptions, so check the information about trying and returning the piano before you order.
