Who is this for?

Four-hand duos

You’re playing two different parts at the same time and want to use the full keyboard. So try your own score and playing setup: Yamaha Nederland, Roland and Casio describe split-keyboard functions for a different type of practice.

Lesson partners sitting side by side

If you each want to practise in the same register on your own half of the keyboard, check how the Duo, Twin Piano or Duet Play function works on the specific model. Yamaha Nederland, Roland and Casio describe these functions for their respective models.

Duos sharing a room

If you need to clear the space after playing, or want to listen together through headphones, the dimensions of the complete setup and the number of connections matter. Roland and Kawai list two headphone sockets on specific models.

What should you look for?

First decide whether you’ll be playing two different parts across the standard keyboard or whether you each need the same register on your own half. Then measure the complete setup and check the headphone and pedal connections on each model.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this most important for?
A keyboard that works for your duet Try a passage from both parts, first without split-keyboard mode. Check that the layout you choose and the pedal operation suit the music. If you’re playing different parts across the standard keyboard, it’s important that its range suits the score. Consumers who prioritise this make up around 36% of consumers in this choice context.
Space for the piano and two players Measure the complete setup, including the music rest, stand, seating and room to move. Yamaha Nederland lists the P-225’s instrument depth as 272 mm; you’ll need more space with the music rest attached. Casio lists the PX-S1100’s cabinet depth as 232 mm. If the piano and two players need to fit in a small practice room, you need to consider the whole playing setup, not just the cabinet. Consumers with this space requirement make up around 29% of consumers in this choice context.
Listening together through headphones Check the number and type of connections, and try both headphones at the same time. Roland confirms that the FP-30X does not support Bluetooth headphones. If you want to listen at the same time without filling the room with sound from the speakers, check that two suitable connections are available. Consumers who want to listen together quietly make up around 21% of consumers in this choice context.
Pedals and the complete setup Check which pedals and stand are included with each version, and which pedal functions work in the playing mode you’ve chosen. Korg describes the B2+SP as a version supplied with a stand and pedal unit. If your score requires specific pedal control, it’s important to choose the right combination of piano, pedal and stand. Consumers who prioritise the pedal and package options make up around 14% of consumers in this choice context.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming every four-hand piece needs duet mode

    Split-keyboard mode gives each player their own half of the keyboard, so it may not suit a score that uses the standard keyboard.

    Bring your score and compare playing with and without split-keyboard mode.

  • Measuring only the cabinet depth

    The instrument’s dimensions don’t tell you how much space you’ll need for the music rest, stand, pedals and two players.

    Draw the complete setup to scale before choosing a version.

    Depending on the version you choose, you may need a different stand, pedal unit or seating arrangement.

  • Confusing Bluetooth audio with wireless headphone support

    Roland states that the FP-30X does not support Bluetooth headphones.

    Check the connections on the exact model and try both headphones at the same time.

    With the FP-30X, you’ll need wired headphones if you want to listen together through the headphone sockets.

Brands to consider

Yamaha

The P-225 could be worth considering if 88 keys and a Duo function suit your practice needs.

  • Yamaha Nederland lists 88 keys, Duo and instrument dimensions of 1.326 × 272 mm for the P-225.
  • It needs more depth with the music rest attached, and split-keyboard mode won’t necessarily suit a four-hand piece played across the full keyboard.

Roland

The FP-30X is worth a look if you need Twin Piano or two wired headphone sockets.

  • Roland describes the FP-30X as having Twin Piano and two headphone outputs.
  • Roland Support states that Bluetooth headphones aren’t supported. Roland’s claims about playing feel are manufacturer claims.

Casio

The PX-S1100 could be a good option if you have limited depth available and Duet Play suits the way you want to use it.

  • Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm; the manual describes Duet Play.
  • Also measure the complete setup for two players: the cabinet dimensions alone won’t tell you whether it will fit.

Kawai

The ES120 could be interesting if two headphone sockets and a choice of pedal accessories are important to you.

  • Kawai lists two headphone sockets, with stand and pedal options available separately.
  • Two sockets alone don’t confirm that the piano has a split-keyboard function; check which pedal option suits the way you play.

Korg

According to Korg, the B2+ range gives you a choice between a standalone piano and a version with a stand and pedal unit.

  • According to Korg, the B2+SP comes with a stand and pedal unit.
  • If your choice depends on Partner Mode, check the controls and pedal operation in the manual for the exact version.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need duet mode to play a four-hand piece?

No, not if you’re playing different parts across the standard keyboard. Duo, Twin Piano and Duet functions split the keyboard for two players sitting side by side and practising in the same register. Try your own music without this mode first.

Can we both use Bluetooth headphones with the Roland FP-30X?

No. Roland states that the FP-30X doesn’t support Bluetooth headphones. Use the wired Phones sockets and check that they’re compatible with your headphones.

What should we check before setting up the piano?

Measure the complete setup and check which stand, power supply and pedals are required or included with the exact model. A digital piano doesn’t need tuning like an acoustic piano, but that doesn’t mean its electronics and accessories are maintenance-free.

Who can we contact in the Netherlands if the piano is faulty?

Contact the seller. According to the Government of the Netherlands, your statutory guarantee gives you the right to a product that is fit for purpose, and there is no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands. A manufacturer’s guarantee or one you’ve bought separately doesn’t replace this right.

What should we look out for when buying an electronic piano from outside the EU?

Check the specific offer, the seller and the applicable CE marking. The Government of the Netherlands says that electronic devices in the EU need CE marking, and warns that product safety and consumer rights can be harder to assess when buying from an online shop outside the EU. A model name alone doesn’t prove that a particular item meets the requirements.