Practising one part of a duet on your own
You’re learning one part and want to keep to the tempo or listen back to your playing. First, decide how you want to hear the other part while practising.
Who is this buying guide for?
Practising with someone else at one piano
You want to play together regularly, so you may need a shared keyboard layout and two headphone sockets.
Placing a piano in a multifunctional room
You want to fit a piano keyboard into a room that serves another purpose too. The space for both the instrument and the complete setup will determine what fits.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’ll practise alone or play with someone else, then compare the practice features, connections and space needed for the setup.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising your part and keeping time | Check whether each model has a metronome, and how its recording and playback features work. | If I’m practising alone, I want to know whether I can follow the other part or listen back to my playing. Around 33% of consumers prioritise practising a part and keeping time independently. |
| Quiet practice | Check how many headphone outputs there are and whether they’re compatible with your headphones. | If I’m practising in a shared home, I don’t want the music coming through the speakers. Around 27% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Playing together | Check the Duo or Partner mode, keyboard split and pedal operation for the exact model. | If we’re playing together on one instrument, I want to know whether the shared keyboard layout suits our music. Around 20% of consumers prioritise playing together on one keyboard. |
| Positioning the piano in the room | Measure the space for the piano, stand, music rest, pedal and seating. | If the room has another purpose too, I want a setup that still works for it. Around 20% of consumers make positioning their top priority. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming duet mode means automatic accompaniment
A shared keyboard for two players is different from a recording you can play along with on your own.
First decide whether you’ll practise alone or with someone else, then check which recording, playback or duet features the exact model has.
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Assuming every piano supports two headphones
The number of outputs varies by model. And using headphones doesn’t mean other people won’t hear the sound of the keys being played.
Before buying, check how many outputs there are and whether they’re compatible with both pairs of headphones.
If two people need to listen, you may need extra equipment for your chosen setup.
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Measuring only the piano itself
The instrument’s stated dimensions don’t tell you how much space you’ll need for the stand, music rest and player.
Measure the entire planned setup and check which accessories are included with the version you’ve chosen.
If the version you’ve chosen doesn’t include a stand you need, you’ll have to arrange one separately.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The P-225 is worth comparing if you want to practise on your own and may also want to use a Duo setup.
- Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys, Duo and two-track MIDI recording for the P-225. The specifications also include a metronome.
- These are model specifications, not an independent assessment of how it feels to play. Check which accessories are supplied with the version you choose.
Roland
The FP-30X is worth considering if you want to practise together using headphones, or record and listen back to your own playing.
- Roland lists two headphone outputs; the manual describes Twin Piano and recording with playback.
- The positive descriptions of the keyboard and sound come from Roland and haven’t been independently assessed here.
Casio
The Privia PX-S1100BK is a model to compare if the depth of the instrument is an important consideration.
- Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100BK.
- That measurement doesn’t cover the complete setup. Also check the practice features you need and the space required for the stand, music rest and seating.
Korg
The B2 is worth comparing if you’re looking for a weighted keyboard, metronome and documented Partner Mode.
- Korg lists 88 weighted keys and documents Partner Mode for the B2.
- The Dutch-language specifications list one combined PHONES/LINE OUT connection. Don’t assume there’s a second separate headphone output; the stand is optional.
Joybuy products
This selection is aimed at practising one part of a duet on your own. Check whether a 61-key keyboard offers enough range for the part you want to play.
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61-key keyboard, black
The product description lists features for practising on your own: a metronome, recording and playback, a headphone socket and a music rest.
The keyboard has 61 keys, which may limit passages that need a wider range.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need duet mode if you’re practising your part on your own?
Not necessarily: Duo or Twin Piano mode divides the keyboard for two players. If you’re practising alone, first check whether the metronome, recording and playback features suit the way you want to use the other part.
What should you consider when positioning a digital piano?
Measure the space for the complete setup, not just the piano itself. Check whether the stand, music rest and pedal are included with the version you’ve chosen or need to be bought separately. Follow the manual for the exact model when connecting the power supply.
What are your rights if a piano bought online doesn’t work properly or isn’t the right fit?
If a product is faulty, the seller is responsible for the statutory guarantee, according to ACM ConsuWijzer. For a standard online purchase, ACM ConsuWijzer states that you have a 14-day cooling-off period after delivery. Exceptions apply, so check the terms that apply to your specific purchase.
What should you bear in mind when practising piano at home?
Be mindful of household agreements and any rules where you live. The Dutch government recommends agreeing how to manage noise together first; if the disturbance continues, your landlord, residents’ association or local council may also be able to help.