Who is this relevant to?

Piano student with limited space

This piano student wants to practise broken chords across several octaves, but needs to fit the entire instrument into a small home. Yamaha Music describes arpeggios that span several octaves across the keyboard.

Practising in a shared space

This player wants to listen through headphones at home and possibly move the piano after use. Roland and Casio list headphone use for the models mentioned here.

Player developing their pedal technique

This player wants to practise broken chords with sustain too, and check which pedal comes with their chosen version. Casio and Kawai specify pedal options for the models mentioned here.

What should you look for?

Start with the range your exercises require. Then measure the complete playing area and check that the connections and pedal controls suit the way you practise at home.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Space for the full set-up Measure the space needed for the instrument, music rest, stand, bench and pedal. Don’t compare the piano’s bare dimensions with measurements that include accessories. If I need to fit the piano into a small room, I want to know whether the whole practice set-up will fit. Around 36% of consumers say available space is their top priority.
Key range and touch Compare the number of keys with your lesson materials and, where possible, try repeated notes and dynamics on the exact model. If my exercises move between both hands or span several octaves, I want enough range and a touch that suits my piano technique. For around 29% of consumers, range and touch are top priorities.
Practising with headphones Check the type of socket and how you’ll hear the piano and metronome. Headphones won’t eliminate the mechanical sound of the keys. If I practise in a shared living space, I want to be able to listen through headphones. Around 21% of consumers say quiet listening is their top priority.
Pedal and practice features Check what’s in the box, pedal compatibility and whether the exact model has the metronome or recording feature you want. If my exercises require sustain or other practice aids, I want to know which controls and accessories come with that version. Around 14% of consumers say pedal and practice features are their top priority.

Common buying mistakes

  • Measuring only the shallow piano body

    You may need more space once you add a music rest, stand, bench and pedal. A piano that looks like it will fit on paper could still take up too much room when you’re playing.

    A suitable stand, bench or alternative set-up may mean extra purchases and take up space permanently.

    Draw your complete practice set-up to scale before making a decision.

  • Assuming a shorter keyboard is equivalent to an 88-key piano

    Broken chords can span several octaves, so a shorter keyboard may limit the range needed for your lesson materials.

    Check the highest and lowest notes in your exercises before deciding whether a smaller range will be enough.

  • Assuming every pedal offers the same controls

    According to Kawai, the ES120 has an F-1SP switch, as well as separate pedal options. Yamaha lists the three-pedal LP-5A as an option for the P-145.

    A compatible pedal or pedal unit may be sold separately and will need space alongside the piano.

    Check which pedal controls your exercises require and which options work with the exact model.

Brands to compare

Casio

The CDP-S110 may be worth considering if a shallow piano body and a portable set-up are important to you.

  • Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm, a scaled hammer-action keyboard and an included SP-3 pedal for the CDP-S110.
  • The cabinet depth doesn’t account for the complete set-up. Check the accessories and the space you’ll need to play separately.

Yamaha

The P-145 is a portable option for comparing key range, keyboard and space requirements side by side.

  • Yamaha lists a GHC keyboard, a width of 1.326 mm and a depth of 268 mm without the music rest.
  • The three-pedal LP-5A console is optional. The stated dimensions and accessories apply to the P-145 and don’t automatically apply to other P-series models.

Roland

The FP-10 is a portable 88-key option to compare for piano-focused practice and headphone use.

  • Roland lists a PHA-4 Standard keyboard, built-in speakers and headphone use for the FP-10.
  • The description of the playing feel comes from the manufacturer and isn’t an independent comparison between models.

Kawai

The ES120 may be worth considering if you want to compare metronome, recording and pedal options alongside piano technique.

  • Kawai lists 88 keys, a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard and an F-1SP switch.
  • Other compatible pedal options are sold separately. Check which accessories come with the exact version and what your exercises require.

Joybuy products for practising on a shorter keyboard

These Joybuy products have 61 keys and are suited to the shorter-keyboard option if your exercises stay within that range.

MLS-931 digital piano with 61 keys, black

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black

May suit you if your exercises stay within 61 keys. It isn’t an equivalent alternative for lesson materials that require the wider range of an 88-key keyboard.

61 keys; weighted keyboard; 300 tones and 300 rhythms; LCD; USB-MIDI; speakers; headphone socket; music rest.

Joybuy
Electronic keyboard piano with 61 keys, black

Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black

May suit you if your exercises stay within 61 keys. Check your lesson materials if you practise broken chords across a wider range.

61 keys; MIDI controller; recording function; speakers; metronome; music rest.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do you need 88 keys for your broken chords?

Not for every individual chord. If your lesson materials include arpeggios spanning several octaves or moving between both hands, an 88-key keyboard gives you a wider range. Check the notes in your own exercises before choosing a shorter instrument.

What should you measure before buying a stand or fixed set-up?

Measure the width and the space needed for the music rest, stand, bench and pedal, not just the cabinet depth. Yamaha lists separate depth measurements for the P-145 with and without the music rest; check the dimensions of your chosen set-up too.

Does a sustain pedal always come with the piano?

No, the accessories vary by model and version. Casio lists an SP-3 with the CDP-S110, while Yamaha describes the three-pedal LP-5A console for the P-145 as optional. Check what’s included with the version you choose.

What are your rights when buying online in the Netherlands?

According to ACM ConsuWijzer, online purchases generally come with a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery; exceptions may apply. You’re also covered by the statutory guarantee if a product used normally doesn’t meet the expectations you were entitled to have. The seller is responsible for this.

What should you look for in a digital piano for the Dutch market?

The Dutch Government states that electronic devices placed on the EU market must carry a CE marking. For the exact version, check the included power supply and instructions too; the model name alone doesn’t confirm that the product being offered has the marking.