For duets with parts that use the full keyboard, the standard playing mode is usually the right choice. Duet mode splits the keyboard into two halves with the same pitch range. It’s most useful when two players want to practise the same passage side by side. Then measure the space needed for the piano, stand and two players, and check whether both players can listen through headphones.
You want to rehearse two written parts on one continuous keyboard. Check that duet mode won’t split the range you need into two halves. Yamaha Support explains that Duo gives each zone the same pitch range.
You want to demonstrate and play back the same passage side by side in the same pitch range. Duet mode may be useful here; Casio Netherlands describes this feature on the CDP-S160 as splitting the keyboard into two halves with the same pitch range.
You share a small room with others and want to check whether both players can listen through headphones. Kawai lists two headphone sockets for the ES120; for other models, check the number of sockets on the exact version.
The right choice mainly depends on how the parts are arranged, the space needed for the full set-up and how you want to listen together. The percentages reflect consumers looking for a digital piano for duet rehearsals in a small practice room.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard layout | Look at the parts and check whether you can turn duet mode off when you need the full keyboard. | If our parts use the full pitch range, we don’t want the split keyboard to limit us. Around 29% of consumers say the arrangement of the parts is their main concern when buying. |
| Space for the set-up | Measure the space for the piano, stand, sheet music and two seats; compare measurements taken on the same basis. | When the practice room is tight on space, the complete set-up needs to fit, including both players—not just the piano cabinet. Around 23% of consumers mainly consider the space available. |
| Listening together with headphones | Check the number and type of sockets, and how two players can listen at the same time. | If we want to practise quietly, we need to know whether there’s a suitable listening solution for both players. Around 18% of consumers say listening quietly together is their main concern when buying. |
| Touch and pedals | Try the keys with both players and check which pedal is included and which add-ons are compatible. | For piano practice, I want the touch and pedal set-up to suit the way we play. Around 18% of consumers prioritise these playing features. |
| Required parts and service | Check what’s included in the box, which accessories you’ll need, who the seller is and the offer’s warranty terms. | When we’re putting together the complete rehearsal set-up, we want to know which essential parts are included. Around 12% of consumers mainly consider the total cost and aftercare. |
Duet mode splits the keyboard into two halves with the same pitch range. This may not suit parts that use the standard, continuous keyboard.
Compare the parts with the layout in the mode you’ve chosen, and try the standard playing mode too.
The number of sockets varies by model. One socket doesn’t mean that you can connect two pairs of headphones directly at the same time.
Check the number of sockets and the plugs required for the exact version.
If there’s only one socket, you may need an additional audio solution or a second compatible pair of headphones for two listeners.
The cabinet dimensions won’t tell you whether there’s also room for the stand, sheet music, pedals and two players.
Measure the full playing set-up and compare measurements taken in the same way.
Casio and Korg list pedal options that are available separately; what’s included can vary by offer.
Check the box contents and compatibility before deciding which parts you’ll need.
A compatible pedal unit may need to be bought separately as part of the set-up.
The Yamaha P-145 is a portable digital piano with 88 weighted GHC keys; Yamaha Europe lists Duo as a feature on this model.
Casio describes the CDP-S160 as having a slim cabinet and a duet mode that gives both keyboard halves the same pitch range.
Kawai lists two headphone sockets and an 88-key action for the ES120.
Korg describes the B2+ as an 88-key digital piano and provides dimensions for the instrument.
According to Roland, the portable FP-10 has an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard.
No, not if the parts use the standard, full keyboard. Duet mode, as described by Casio for the CDP-S160, gives each half the same pitch range and can be handy for practising the same passage side by side.
It depends on the exact model. Kawai lists two sockets for the ES120; the Casio CDP-S160 manual lists one PHONES/OUTPUT socket, while Korg lists one PHONES socket for the B2+. Check that the plugs fit too, and find out how both players can listen at the same time.
Measure the space for the piano and leave room for the stand, sheet music, pedals and two seats. Check the assembly instructions for the stand you’ve chosen; Roland warns in the FP-10 manual that incorrect positioning can make it unstable.
According to the Dutch government, if there’s a problem with a product, the seller must provide a solution; a manufacturer’s warranty or additional cover may be available on top. For distance purchases, you usually have a 14-day cooling-off period. Check the terms and exceptions for your specific purchase.
A CE mark is required for product groups covered by the relevant EU legislation, not automatically for every product sold as a keyboard. The Dutch government says electrical appliances must comply with the rules that apply to the product in question. Check which rules apply to the specific version, including its power supply and any wireless features.
