A duo playing full piano parts
You rehearse primo and secondo on one standard keyboard and want its range, touch and pedals to suit your pieces. Yamaha and Roland list an 88-key weighted keyboard for the P-225 and FP-30X respectively.
Who is this relevant to?
A duo practising quietly at the same time
You play together in a shared home and want to be able to listen through your own headphones. Roland lists two headphone outputs for the FP-30X.
A duo in a multi-purpose room
You need to keep the guest room usable for other purposes too, so you’ll need to consider the space taken up by the piano, stand and seating. Yamaha and Korg list different dimensions and setup options for their models.
What should you look for?
First, decide whether you’ll share a standard keyboard or each need half of the keyboard. Then measure the complete setup and check which connections and components are included with the version you’ve chosen.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Range for the duet | Compare the highest and lowest notes and pedal requirements in your parts with the playing mode you’ve chosen. Yamaha lists an 88-key weighted keyboard and Duo mode for the P-225; Roland lists an 88-key weighted keyboard and Twin Piano for the FP-30X. | If we’re playing primo and secondo together on the standard keyboard, I want to know whether our parts and pedal use will fit. Around 36% of consumers prioritise playing a duet across the full keyboard. |
| Two headphones | Check the number of connections on the exact model and make sure both headphone plugs will fit. Roland lists two headphone outputs for the FP-30X. | If we both want to listen quietly at the same time, I’m looking for a connection for each player. Around 29% of consumers prioritise practising together with headphones. |
| Space for the setup | Measure the stand, pedals and seating too. Yamaha lists the P-225’s body dimensions as 1,326 × 272 mm; Korg lists the B2+SP as 1,312 × 336 × 750 mm. | If we need the guest room for more than music, I want to know in advance how much space the complete setup will take up. Around 21% of consumers prioritise using the room flexibly. |
| Practising on split keyboards | Check whether the exact model has a split playing mode and whether both practice parts fit within the range of each half. | If we want to use a separate part of the keyboard each, I’ll first check whether our practice pieces will fit. Around 14% of consumers prioritise practising on two halves of the keyboard. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming Duo mode is the same as having two full pianos
A split playing mode gives each player part of the physical keyboard. That’s not the same as playing together across the full range.
Test the highest and lowest notes in both parts using the playing mode you actually plan to use.
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Measuring only the depth of the piano body
The piano’s dimensions don’t tell you how much space you’ll need for the stand, pedals and two players.
Measure the complete setup in the room and compare it with the dimensions of the exact version.
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Assuming every version includes three pedals
Korg lists a supplied three-pedal unit for the B2+SP; Yamaha says the three-pedal unit for the P-225 is optional.
Check what’s included with the version you’ve chosen and whether the pedal setup suits your music.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The P-225 is a portable option if space and playing on a standard keyboard are important to you. Yamaha lists 88 weighted keys and a Duo function for this model.
- Yamaha lists the P-225’s body as 1,326 mm wide and 272 mm deep.
- The LP-1/FC35 three-pedal unit is optional, so check whether it’s included with the version you’re considering.
Roland
According to Roland, the FP-30X combines an 88-key weighted keyboard with Twin Piano and two headphone outputs.
- These features are useful for duos who practise on split keyboards or want to listen through their own headphones at the same time.
- Roland lists the KSC-70 stand and pedal options separately, so check what’s included with the version on offer.
Korg
The B2+SP is an option for a permanent setup if you want a stand and three pedals.
- Korg says the stand and pedal unit are included, and lists dimensions of 1,312 × 336 × 750 mm.
- The B2+ without SP is a different version, so don’t assume the package includes the same components.
Casio
The PX-S1100BK is worth comparing if the depth of the piano body is an important factor when deciding where to put it.
- Casio lists the PX-S1100’s body depth as 232 mm.
- Measure the rest of the setup too, including the stand and space for the players.
Kawai
The ES120 is a portable digital piano to compare if a weighted keyboard and portability are important to you.
- Kawai lists Responsive Hammer Compact and Bluetooth MIDI and Audio.
- The listed Dual and Split modes don’t, on their own, confirm a Duo or Four Hands mode; check that this model has the practice function you need.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy products are 61-key models for practice and playing music. Check that their range suits the parts in your duet.
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61-key electronic keyboard, black
The metronome and recording function can be useful for practising and listening back; the limited range means you’ll need to check that both duet parts fit.
61 keys; MIDI, built-in speakers and music stand.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys
The weighted keyboard may be useful for practice, but 61 keys offer less range than a full piano keyboard. Check that both parts will fit.
61-key weighted keyboard; 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, USB-MIDI, headphone socket and music stand.
Frequently asked questions
Is Duo mode the same as playing a duet together across the whole keyboard?
No. Duo on the Yamaha P-225 and Twin Piano on the Roland FP-30X are split-keyboard functions. If your parts use keys at both ends of a standard keyboard, assess how they work in the normal mode.
What should you check when putting a digital piano in a guest room?
Measure the space available for the exact piano and any stand, and leave room for two seats as well. Yamaha lists different dimensions for the P-225 body and for the setup with an optional stand; Korg lists dimensions for the B2+SP version.
Are a stand and three pedals always included?
No. Korg lists these components for the B2+SP, while Yamaha describes the three-pedal unit for the P-225 as optional. Check what’s included with the exact version.
What can you do in the Netherlands if a piano you’ve bought turns out to be faulty?
Contact the seller. According to the Dutch government, the seller must provide a product that works properly and resolve the issue if it’s faulty; you don’t have to accept being referred to the manufacturer.
Do you have a cooling-off period when buying a digital piano online?
Online purchases generally come with a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, according to ACM ConsuWijzer. There are exceptions, such as made-to-order products, so check the terms for the order you’re placing.