Start by choosing a keyboard that feels comfortable for practising the touch and evenness of fast broken chords. If possible, try playing with and without the sustain pedal too. Then choose a piano to suit your studio and living space: check the MIDI and audio connections you need, the headphone sockets, and whether the complete setup, including the stand and pedal, will fit. Manufacturer specifications describe features, not a measured improvement in your playing.
Wants to play fast broken chords evenly, so starts by assessing the touch, key response and pedal control. Yamaha Europe lists a GHC keyboard for the P-145, while Roland Netherlands describes the FP-30X as having a PHA-4 Standard keyboard.
Wants to listen back to practice or edit notes in recording software, so needs to distinguish between MIDI performance data and audio from the instrument. Kawai and Korg describe different connection options for their ES120 and B2+ models.
Shares a living space and looks for suitable headphone connections and a practical setup. Roland Netherlands and Kawai list two headphone sockets for the FP-30X and ES120 respectively.
First compare the touch and pedal options for the way you want to practise. Then check that the connections, headphones and complete setup will work in your home studio.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and pedal | Try playing fast patterns softly and evenly. Check which pedal is compatible with the exact version and what is included. | If you mainly want to practise an even touch and pedal changes, make playing response your priority; around 33% of shoppers considering these options rate it as their top priority. |
| Recording and connections | Decide whether you want to record MIDI performance data, audio from the instrument, or both. Kawai lists separate stereo line outputs for the ES120; Korg specifies USB-C and a shared headphone/line output for the B2+. | If you want to record or edit broken chords in software, suitable MIDI and audio connections are essential; around 27% of shoppers prioritise studio recording. |
| Quiet practice | Check how many headphone sockets there are and whether you also need them for another audio connection. Roland lists two headphone sockets for the FP-30X, as does Kawai for the ES120. | If you want to practise at home without disturbing others, look for a headphone setup that suits your space; around 20% of shoppers make quiet practice their top priority. |
| Space and setup | Measure the space for the piano, bench and pedals. Casio Netherlands lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100; Korg describes the B2+SP as a version with a stand and three pedals. | If workspace is limited or you want a permanent place to play, consider the complete setup, not just the instrument; around 20% of shoppers prioritise space and setup. |
The version in a set matters if you want to practise changing pedals.
Check the contents and compatibility for the exact version; don’t assume the Korg B2+ is the same as the B2+SP.
You may need to buy a compatible pedal unit or stand separately, so check before planning your setup.
A MIDI connection carries performance data, but that doesn’t automatically mean you can record the piano’s built-in sound as audio.
Decide in advance which signals you want to record, then check the connections on the exact piano model and your recording equipment.
You may need extra cables or an audio interface for your chosen recording setup.
Your home studio needs to fit the piano, stand, bench and pedal space too.
Measure the whole playing area and allow for connection cables and the way you want to position the instrument.
You may need to buy a stand separately; a permanent setup could also mean rearranging your workspace.
The European specifications for the P-145 list 88 GHC keys and a maximum polyphony of 64 notes.
Roland lists a PHA-4 Standard keyboard and two headphone sockets for the FP-30X.
Kawai lists two headphone sockets, separate stereo line outputs, and Bluetooth MIDI and audio for the ES120.
According to Korg, the B2+ has 88 keys, USB-C and a combined headphone/line output. The B2+SP is the version described as including a stand and three pedals.
Casio Netherlands lists an 88-key hammer-action keyboard and a cabinet depth of 232 mm for the Privia PX-S1100.
Not for every exercise: practise patterns without the pedal too, so you can hear your touch and transitions. If you want to practise changing pedals, check which pedal is compatible with the exact model and whether it’s included; Roland lists pedal expansion options for the FP-30X.
Not automatically: MIDI records performance data, not the piano’s built-in sound as audio. Decide whether you want to record MIDI, audio from the instrument, or both, and check the connections on your piano and recording equipment; Kawai lists separate stereo line outputs for the ES120.
Measure the space for the piano and your playing position, and check the stand, power supply and pedal connection for the exact version. Korg describes the B2+SP as a version with a stand and three pedals; check the contents of the version you choose.
According to the Dutch government, most distance purchases come with a 14-day cooling-off period, although conditions and exceptions may apply. The Dutch government also states that there is no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands. If a product is faulty, contact the seller.
Check the information for the exact instrument and the power supply supplied with it. According to Your Europe, the European Union’s official website, CE marking is only mandatory when specific harmonised EU rules require it for that product; CE marking is not an independent assessment of keyboard quality.
