A headphone socket is useful if you don’t want to use the speakers; a weighted keyboard is better suited to practising piano-style touch. Measure the space for the entire setup, and check the connections and included pedals for each version. Headphones don’t guarantee that the sound of the keys or pedal won’t be heard elsewhere.
Practises the same passage regularly, with housemates or neighbours nearby. A headphone socket can help you avoid using the built-in speakers. If noise is causing a disturbance, agree arrangements with your neighbours, as advised by the Dutch government.
Wants to do more than just pick out the notes of an intro, and practise touch and timing on a weighted keyboard. Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys for the P-145; Roland lists 88 PHA-4 Standard keys for the FP-10.
Has limited room for a setup in the attic, so measures the entire space, including the stand, music rest and seating area. A piano’s stated cabinet dimensions don’t tell you how much room the complete playing setup needs.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising without speakers | Check the headphone socket and whether it’s compatible with your headphones. Bear in mind that the sound of the keys or pedal may still be audible. | If I’m practising in the attic while other people are nearby, I want to repeat an intro without using the built-in speakers. Around 36% of consumers put quiet operation at the top of their buying priorities. |
| Piano touch and key range | Check the keyboard type and number of keys on the exact version. | If I also want to practise piano technique, I look for a weighted keyboard and enough range for the passage. Around 29% of consumers prioritise piano-style touch. |
| Attic setup | Measure the width and depth, and allow space for the stand, music rest and seating position. | If I have limited space, I want to know whether the complete playing setup will fit, not just whether the piano cabinet is shallow. Around 21% of consumers put space requirements first. |
| Timing and sustain | Check whether there’s a metronome and whether the sustain pedal you want is included with the version or needs to be bought separately. | If I mainly want to repeat a short intro, I look for help with timing and sustain if the passage calls for it. Around 14% of consumers prioritise these practice features. |
A digital piano with 61 keys has a smaller range than the 88-key models covered here. This could matter if the intro falls outside the range of the instrument you choose.
Check the number of keys and the touch response on the exact version. Assess a 61-key instrument in terms of the passage and the purpose you’re choosing it for.
A shallow piano can still take up a lot of width. You’ll also need to allow space for the music rest, stand and seating area.
Measure the complete playing area before choosing a model, and compare both the width and depth.
Pedal equipment varies by model and version. For example, Casio lists an SP-3 sustain pedal with the CDP-S110, while Roland describes the DP-10 half-pedalling pedal for the FP-10 as optional.
Check what’s included with the specific version and whether the pedal suits the way you want to practise.
The P-145 is an entry-level portable piano for anyone looking for a weighted keyboard.
The FP-10 is a portable model for piano-focused practice at home.
The CDP-S110 is worth comparing if the depth of your available space is a key consideration.
The portable ES120 is worth comparing if you’re looking for an 88-key keyboard and pedal options.
These product picks focus on portable 61-key instruments for practising an intro. Check that the key range and stated features suit your passage and setup.
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Could be suitable if you’re looking for a portable instrument with a headphone socket and weighted keyboard; with 61 keys, it has a smaller range than an 88-key keyboard.
The product name lists a weighted keyboard and headphone socket.
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Could be suitable for repeating a short intro with a metronome; check whether 61 keys give you enough range for the passage.
The product name lists a metronome and music rest.
With compatible models, headphones let you listen without using the built-in speakers. Don’t assume the piano will be completely inaudible: try it out at home and agree arrangements with your neighbours if it causes a disturbance, as advised by the Dutch government.
Measure at least the available width and depth, and allow space for the stand, music rest and seating position. Yamaha specifies a width of 1.326 mm and a cabinet depth of 272 mm for the P-145, so measuring the depth alone won’t give you enough information to plan your setup.
That depends on the model and version. Casio lists an SP-3 sustain pedal with the CDP-S110; Roland describes the DP-10 half-pedalling pedal for the FP-10 as optional. Check what’s included with the version you’re considering.
That depends on the notes in the passage. A 61-key keyboard has a smaller range than an 88-key keyboard; check that all the notes you want to practise fall within its range.
Check the house rules and any arrangements that apply to your home. If noise is causing a disturbance, the Dutch government advises trying to reach an agreement first; if the problem continues, your landlord, residents’ association or local council may be able to help.
