Practising together on one keyboard
You want to play side by side with a teacher or duet partner and check that the shared keyboard range suits both parts.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Practising alone in a small space
You usually practise on your own and want to keep the full range of your part, while making sure the complete piano set-up fits in the room.
Practising together quietly
You practise with a teacher or partner in a shared living space and want to know in advance how both players can listen.
What should you look for when buying?
First decide whether you need a shared keyboard or mainly want to practise your own part across the full range. Then measure the whole playing area and check which connections and accessories suit the way you practise.
Duet, Duo or Twin mode
Suitable for: practising side by side on one instrument, when both parts fit within their allocated ranges.
Bear in mind: this mode splits one keyboard; it does not give each player a full 88-key range.
Standard playing mode on an 88-key piano
Suitable for: practising alone when you want to use the full range of your part.
Bear in mind: it does not provide a second independent keyboard for a duet partner.
Compact 61-key keyboard
Suitable for: practising when all the notes in your part fit within the shorter range.
Bear in mind: check the score and the features of the exact model; a shorter keyboard does not automatically provide room for two full piano parts.
| Consideration | What should you look for? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Does duet mode suit the parts? | Compare the highest and lowest notes in both parts with the range allocated by the feature. | If I want to practise side by side with a teacher or duet partner, the range needs to suit both parts. Around 36% of consumers prioritise the duet range. |
| Will the complete set-up fit? | Measure the floor space needed for the music rest, stand and seating. Yamaha lists the P-225 as 272 mm deep without the music rest and 362 mm with it; Casio lists a body depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100. | I want the piano to fit in my room with the music rest and seating in place. Space as a top priority matters to around 29% of consumers. |
| Can both players listen? | Check the number of headphone outputs on the exact model and how the sound is divided in the selected playing mode. Roland lists two outputs for the FP-30X. | If I want to practise together quietly, I want to know in advance whether both players can use a suitable listening set-up. Around 21% of consumers prioritise playing together quietly. |
| Does the equipment suit your lessons? | Check the keyboard range and which pedals are included. Korg lists 88 keys and a supplied damper pedal for the B2, with an optional PU-2 for half-pedalling. | I want the keyboard and pedal to suit the technique I’m practising. Around 14% of consumers give piano technique and equipment top priority. |
Common buying mistakes
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Measuring only the body depth
A music rest can change the depth needed for the piano. Yamaha lists different measurements for the P-225 with and without the music rest.
Measure the complete set-up, including the stand and space for the players, before choosing where to put it.
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Confusing duet mode with two full keyboards
Duet, Duo and Twin modes split one keyboard. This means that not every note in both parts will necessarily fit within the allocated range.
Compare the notes in both parts with the range allocated by the selected mode.
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Assuming accessories and connections are the same
The pedal or number of headphone outputs may vary by model and version. Korg lists a supplied damper pedal and an optional PU-2 for half-pedalling for the B2; Roland lists two headphone outputs for the FP-30X.
Check the box contents and connection list for the exact version.
Brands to consider
Casio
The Privia PX-S1100 is worth considering if a shallow body and duet mode are important to you.
- Casio lists a body depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100 and describes Duet as two identical tone ranges on one keyboard.
- This measurement is for the body; remember to allow for the complete set-up when choosing where to put it.
Yamaha
The portable P-225 is worth considering if you want to compare an 88-key keyboard with a Duo mode.
- Yamaha lists 88 keys and Duo mode for the P-225. Its stated depth is 272 mm without the music rest and 362 mm with it.
- A split keyboard does not mean that every duet score will fit within the available range.
Roland
The portable FP-30X is worth considering for practising with a teacher or partner if Twin Piano and two headphone outputs matter to you.
- Roland documents Twin Piano and lists two headphone outputs for the FP-30X.
- The KSC-70 stand and upgraded pedals are listed as options; check what is included with the version you choose.
Korg
The portable B2 is a useful reference for a straightforward 88-key practice set-up.
- Korg lists 88 keys and a supplied damper pedal for the B2.
- Half-pedalling is supported with the optional PU-2; check the pedal control you need separately.
Joybuy products for a compact set-up
These Joybuy products are suited to a compact 61-key set-up. Check that the range of your parts and the features of the model you choose suit the way you practise.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
Could suit practising a part if all the notes fall within the 61-key range.
The product name lists MIDI, a recording function, speakers, a metronome and a music rest.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
Could suit compact headphone practice if the notes in your part fit within the 61-key range.
The product information lists a weighted, touch-sensitive keyboard, 300 tones, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music rest.
Frequently asked questions
Is duet mode the same as having two full pianos?
No. The Duet feature described for the Casio PX-S1100 and Twin Piano on the Roland FP-30X split one keyboard. Check that the notes in both parts fit within their allocated ranges.
What should I measure before setting up a piano with a music rest and stand?
Measure the playing area with the music rest or stand you plan to use, and allow space for the players too. Yamaha lists different depths for the P-225 with and without the music rest.
Do I need to buy a pedal separately?
That depends on the model and the pedal technique you need. Korg lists a supplied damper pedal for the B2 and an optional PU-2 for half-pedalling; check what is included with the specific version.
What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, for a standard online product purchase you generally have up to 14 days from delivery to change your mind, with some exceptions. Your statutory guarantee is separate from the manufacturer’s guarantee: if a product does not perform as you could reasonably expect under normal use, the seller is responsible for providing an appropriate solution free of charge.
What should I look for in electrical product safety?
Products covered by harmonised EU rules may need to carry a CE marking. Check the product information for the exact version; the marking is not an independent assessment of the sound or playing quality.