When two different duet parts are involved, the usable combined keyboard range is the main consideration. Duo and Twin Piano modes aren’t automatically suitable, as they may split the keyboard in a way that doesn’t suit the parts. Compare the parts with the exact model, then choose based on the listening setup, keyboard and pedal options. Also check whether the piano will stay in the studio or need to be moved. Casio, Roland and Yamaha describe these features for each model, so check the layout and connections of the version you’re considering too.
You want to play two different parts at the same time and need to know whether their registers and shared playing space will work. Casio explains how the keyboard range can be split for certain functions; Kawai lists practice features for the ES120.
You’re rehearsing with a partner or teacher and want to know in advance how you can both listen without filling the room with sound from the speakers. Roland and Casio describe headphone connections for specific models.
You regularly set up and pack away your piano, balancing the keyboard and pedals against its size, weight and stability. Yamaha, Casio and Korg provide information on weight, dimensions and included accessories for each model.
Start by checking the combined keyboard range needed for both parts. Then compare the listening connections, touch response and pedals, studio setup and any practice features.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should prioritise this? |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard range for both parts | Compare the lowest and highest notes in both parts with the keyboard. Try playing passages together, including with any teaching mode you may use. | If I’m playing two different parts, I want both to fit within the usable range. Around 29% of consumers say the combined keyboard range is their main reason for buying. |
| Listening together | Check the number of physical headphone outputs, which plugs they take and whether both players can hear what they need. | If I want to listen privately with someone else at the same time, two usable connections are important. Around 23% of consumers give listening together their highest priority. |
| Touch response and pedals | Try the touch response with passages from your part and check which pedals are included with that exact version. | If my part calls for a particular touch response and pedal control, I want to assess these with passages of my own. Around 18% of consumers put touch response and pedals first. |
| Positioning and portability | Measure your playing space and check the instrument’s dimensions and weight separately from the complete setup. | If I move the piano often or set it up in a small studio, I want to know whether the instrument and playing space will fit together. Around 18% of consumers say positioning and portability are their main priority. |
| Timing and playback | Check the manual for the exact model to see what metronome, recording and playback features it offers, and whether there are any limitations for each part. | If I want to check my timing or listen back to a part in advance, I want to know how the practice features work. Around 12% of consumers put timing and playback first. |
Roland describes Twin Piano on the FP-10 as two playing ranges an octave apart. That doesn’t necessarily mean you can play two written parts in their original registers.
Bring the sheet music and try the passages you’ll play together with the intended keyboard setting.
According to Roland, the FP-30X doesn’t support Bluetooth headphones, even though the model has other Bluetooth features.
Check the audio connections supported by the exact model before choosing headphones.
For the FP-30X, Roland recommends wired headphones connected to the Phones sockets. Check that your headphones and any adapter you may need are compatible.
A portable piano and a version with a stand and three pedals need different setups.
Also allow space for the stand, pedal, music rest and two players. Check what’s included with the version you’ve chosen.
You may need a suitable stand or additional pedals to complete the playing setup you want.
The P Series includes portable digital pianos such as the P-145BT and P-225. Compare the features of the exact version.
The FP models are worth comparing if you’re looking for a portable piano or want to practise together using headphones.
The CDP-S110 and Privia PX-S1100 are different portable models that you can compare by size and listening connections.
The B2/B2+ range is worth comparing if you’re looking for a straightforward digital piano; the B2+SP is designed for a setup with a stand and three pedals.
The portable ES120 is worth comparing if a metronome, recording and separate audio outputs are important to you.
Joybuy product picks related to this topic.
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The product title mentions a metronome and recording function; check whether the recording feature suits the way you want to listen back to your duet part.
The title lists 61 keys, a MIDI controller, speakers, a metronome, a recording function and a music rest.
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The product title mentions a weighted keyboard; check whether its key layout suits both parts.
The title lists a weighted keyboard, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music rest.
Not necessarily. Roland describes Twin Piano on the FP-10 as ranges an octave apart; Yamaha lists Duo as a feature on the P-225. Compare the registers in your parts with the keyboard layout before using one of these modes.
Don’t assume so. Roland explicitly states that the FP-30X doesn’t support Bluetooth headphones and recommends using the wired Phones sockets.
Check what’s included with the version you’ve chosen. Yamaha lists an optional three-pedal unit for the P-225, Casio lists an included SP-3 pedal with the CDP-S110, and Korg describes a stand with a three-pedal unit for the B2+SP.
When you buy as a consumer in the Netherlands, the product you receive must be of satisfactory quality. The Government of the Netherlands states that there is no fixed statutory guarantee period and that the seller must resolve problems with faulty products. For distance purchases from a business, you’ll also usually have a 14-day cooling-off period; check the terms of your particular purchase.
The EU rules that apply to an electric or electronic piano depend on the device. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency describes the relevant product groups and CE marking requirements. Check the product information for the Dutch market, and don’t assume from general brand information that a specific version meets every requirement.
