Who is this for?

Duet players who want to listen quietly together

You’re practising together on one instrument and both want to connect headphones. Check that both parts also fit within the available keyboard range.

Duet players practising touch and pedalling

You want to assess your touch and use of the pedal together. Try the keyboard and check which pedal set-up is needed for the specific piece.

Duet players short on dedicated space

You share your living space and want to be able to fit the piano in or move it around. Remember to allow space for two players and a stand, too.

What should you look for?

First, check whether both parts can be played on the same instrument. Then think about how you want to listen and whether the complete set-up will fit in the room.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Playing quietly together Check how many headphone sockets there are and whether both headphones work at the same time. If we want to practise together without disturbing housemates unnecessarily, two headphone sockets are useful. Around 33% of consumers put playing quietly together first.
Touch and range Compare the lowest and highest notes in both parts with the range available when playing together; try the keyboard and pedal, too. If you want to practise the actual duet parts, make sure there’s enough range and that the touch suits the pieces. Around 27% of consumers prioritise keyboard feel and part range.
Space for two Measure the space for the piano, music rest, stand and two seats. If you need to move it, take its weight into account as well. If we need to put the piano away or fit it into a small room, the complete set-up matters, not just the cabinet dimensions. Around 20% of consumers prioritise space for setting up and storage.
Complete set-up Check which stand and pedals are included with each version and which accessories you’ll still need. If you want to consider the instrument and necessary accessories together, check what the offer includes and which pedal set-up you need. Around 20% of consumers prioritise the total cost of purchase.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming Duo mode suits every duet

    When the keyboard is split, one part may require notes outside that player’s section.

    Compare the notes in both parts with the available keyboard layout, and try playing together without Duo mode as well.

  • Assuming every digital piano supports two pairs of headphones

    The number of sockets varies by model. Casio lists one PHONES/OUTPUT socket for the CDP-S110BK and two headphone sockets for the PX-S1100BK.

    Check the full model number and how you want to listen together before making your choice.

    With just one socket, you may need a different listening set-up or another instrument.

  • Measuring only the piano’s depth

    The stated cabinet dimensions don’t automatically include the music rest, stand or space for two players.

    Map out the complete set-up where you plan to practise.

  • Assuming headphones guarantee there’ll be no noise disturbance

    Headphone sockets determine how players listen, but they don’t mean that key presses or pedal noise will be inaudible to housemates.

    Try the piano and pedal where you plan to use them, and agree practice times with housemates and neighbours.

Brands to compare

Roland

The FP-30X is a portable option for duet players looking for an 88-key keyboard with two headphone sockets.

  • Roland specifies a PHA-4 Standard keyboard. The manual confirms that two people can use headphones at the same time.
  • Check which stand and pedal set-up come with the version on offer. Descriptions of the acoustic playing feel are Roland’s claims, not the result of an independent comparison.

Kawai

The ES120 is a portable option for anyone looking for two headphone sockets.

  • Kawai lists two headphone sockets, a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard and a weight of 12.5 kg.
  • The stand and three-pedal unit are described as optional extras. Check the version and bundle available in the Netherlands; descriptions of sound and playing feel are manufacturer claims.

Casio

The Privia PX-S1100BK is worth considering if a shallow depth and two headphone sockets are important to you.

  • Casio lists a depth of 232 mm and two headphone sockets for the PX-S1100BK.
  • Check the sockets for each model: Casio lists one PHONES/OUTPUT socket for the CDP-S110BK. The claim that the PX-S1100 is the slimmest in its class is based on Casio’s own research from July 2021.

Yamaha

The P-225 is a portable option with a weighted keyboard and Duo function.

  • Yamaha specifies 88 GHC keys and a body measuring 1.326 × 272 mm without the music rest. The Duo function splits the keyboard into two playing areas.
  • The compatible three-pedal unit is optional. Check that both parts fit within the shared playing areas and see which accessories are included with the version you’re considering.

Joybuy products

This product selection is a 61-key keyboard for anyone looking for a compact set-up. Check that its range is sufficient for both duet parts.

Black 61-key keyboard with MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand

Electronic Keyboard Piano, 61 keys, black

This keyboard could suit a compact set-up, provided both duet parts fit within its 61-key range.

61 keys; the product name lists a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do we need Duo or Twin Piano mode for a duet?

No, not always. The mode splits the keyboard into two playing areas, but check that the notes in both parts fit. If necessary, play together on the undivided keyboard.

Can we practise in complete silence with two pairs of headphones?

Two sockets can let both players listen through headphones at the same time, but they don’t prove that key presses or pedal noise will be inaudible to housemates. Test the set-up where you plan to play.

Which stand and pedals should we install?

That depends on the model, version and pedal parts you need. Roland lists stand and pedal options for the FP-30X; Yamaha lists a compatible optional three-pedal unit for the P-225. Check what’s included and read the assembly instructions for the set on offer.

How much space should I leave for a compact piano?

Measure more than just the body: allow for the music rest, stand and space for two players as well. Check the dimensions of the exact version and the space where you’ll store the piano after playing.

Are you allowed to practise on speakers at any time in the Netherlands?

Don’t assume that one practice time is suitable for every flat. The Dutch government states that noise nuisance between neighbours is covered by the General Local By-law (APV) in many municipalities. Check your local rules and any agreements for your home, and agree practice times with housemates and neighbours.