Scale practiser
You want to assess the feel, dynamics and range of a piano keyboard during regular practice. Yamaha and Roland describe the models mentioned here as having 88 keys.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Attic-dweller who wants to practise quietly
You want to listen to the piano through headphones while being considerate of people in or next to your building. The Dutch government advises neighbours to discuss and agree arrangements together if noise is causing a nuisance; what you hear in your home also depends on your set-up.
Player with limited practice space
You need to fit the piano, music rest, seat and, if required, stand into a small space. Casio and Korg publish dimensions for their models; also check how much room the accessories and player will take up.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, compare the feel of the keys and the keyboard range for your exercises. Then measure the complete playing area and check which accessories are included with the version you choose.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Noise for others | Check the headphone socket on the exact model and try the set-up in the space where you plan to use it. | If I want to listen to the piano privately and be considerate of housemates or neighbours, I also consider the piano’s position and stability. Around 29% of consumers prioritise practising with as little disruption to others as possible. |
| Key feel and range | Play scales across several registers and compare both a light and a firm touch on the models themselves. | If I want to practise piano technique and scales across different registers, I consider both the range and how the keyboard feels. Around 29% of consumers give key feel and range their highest priority. |
| Space and portability | Measure the available width and depth, allowing room for the music rest, stand and seat. | In a small attic, I want the piano to fit alongside the space needed to play and to be movable if necessary. Around 24% of consumers prioritise available space and a suitable set-up. |
| Complete set-up | Check which pedals and stand are included with each version, and which parts are compatible with the model. | If I want to start practising with my preferred pedal and stand set-up straight away, I first check what’s included with the version I choose. Around 18% of consumers give clarity about included and necessary parts their highest priority. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming a headphone socket guarantees silent practice
Headphones let you listen to the electronic piano sound itself, but they don’t tell you how much noise from the keys or contact will be heard in your home.
Try the complete set-up in the attic. If it could cause a nuisance, agree arrangements with affected neighbours or housemates; don’t assume there is one generally permitted time for practising.
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Comparing only the depth of the piano body
A music rest, stand and seat all need space beyond the dimensions of the piano body alone.
Measure the full playing area and check which parts are included with each model.
You may need to buy a suitable stand or other parts for your set-up separately.
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Assuming every digital piano has the same keyboard
According to the product information, the Joybuy MLS-931 has 61 keys; the piano-focused models described as suitable for practising across several registers have 88 keys. The product name alone doesn’t tell you how the keyboard will feel to play.
Check the number of keys and the exact model separately. Try the keys yourself if piano technique is an important factor in your choice.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The portable P-145 is one option to compare for piano-focused practice in a small space.
- Yamaha specifies that the P-145 has 88 GHC keys and supports headphone use.
- The LP-5A three-pedal unit is optional. Yamaha’s description of the playing feel is a manufacturer claim, not an independent measurement.
Roland
The FP-10 offers a different portable set-up, with an 88-key keyboard to compare.
- For the FP-10, Roland lists a PHA-4 Standard keyboard, built-in speakers, headphone use and a metronome.
- Roland’s statements about key feel and sound are manufacturer claims. Also check whether your chosen version includes the stand and pedals you want.
Casio
The CDP-S110BK is worth considering if the stated body depth and a portable set-up are important to you.
- Casio lists a depth of 232 mm, mains or battery power, a PHONES/OUTPUT socket and an included SP-3 pedal.
- The stated body depth doesn’t automatically include the space needed for a complete playing area.
Korg
The B2+ is a portable 88-key option to compare with other keyboards.
- Korg specifies an NH keyboard and metronome, a PHONES socket and an included damper pedal.
- The STB1 stand and PU-2 pedal unit are listed as separately available accessories.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy products are 61-key models for practice. Compare their keyboard range with your needs for practising scales across several registers.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys
The headphone socket may suit you if you want to listen to the piano privately; the keyboard has 61 keys.
The product name mentions a weighted keyboard, a metronome, 300 sounds and 300 rhythms. Check the keyboard mechanism and playing feel if they’re important for your piano technique.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys
This model may suit you if you’re looking for a 61-key keyboard with a metronome and music stand.
The product name mentions a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers and metronome. Compare the keyboard range with the registers you want to use for your exercises.
Frequently asked questions
How can you check whether a digital piano will fit in your attic?
Measure the space needed for the piano, music rest, stand and seat, then compare it with the dimensions of the exact version. Korg lists the B2+ dimensions without the music rest, so allow for that when checking the fit.
Do headphones make practising in the attic silent for neighbours?
No. Headphones don’t mean that the sound of keys or contact noise will be inaudible elsewhere in your building. Check the set-up in person and agree arrangements for practising if needed; the Dutch government advises neighbours to discuss and agree arrangements together if noise is causing a nuisance.
Does the piano come with a pedal?
It depends on the model and version. Casio lists an included SP-3 pedal with the CDP-S110BK; Korg lists an included damper pedal with the B2+, as well as a more advanced pedal unit that’s available separately. Check what’s included with the version you’re considering.
What can you do if your new digital piano doesn’t work properly?
In the Netherlands, you’re entitled to a product that meets the terms of your agreement. According to the Dutch government, the seller must provide a solution if a product is faulty; there isn’t one fixed statutory warranty period for all products.
Can you practise the piano with headphones at any time?
Don’t assume that using headphones means you’re exempt from rules on noise nuisance. According to the Dutch government, local authority rules may vary; check what applies in your area and home, and agree arrangements if your practice causes a nuisance.