For a four-hand piece with separate parts, a standard, uninterrupted keyboard is the starting point. Duo, Twin Piano or duet modes are mainly useful if you want to practise the same notes side by side. Then measure the full set-up, including the music rest, stand, pedals and space for two seats, and check that both players can use headphones at the same time.
You’re rehearsing separate parts from the same score and mainly need a usable, uninterrupted keyboard with room for two players. Yamaha, Roland and Casio describe models or features that may suit this playing arrangement.
You want to practise the same notes side by side; a feature that gives both players similar playing ranges may be suitable. Casio describes this for the CDP-S160, and Roland for the FP-10.
You share a small living space and want to know whether both players can listen through headphones at the same time. The Kawai ES120 manual describes two sockets that can be used simultaneously.
First decide whether you’ll play separate parts on one uninterrupted keyboard or practise the same passage side by side. Then measure the full set-up and check the headphone connections.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Uninterrupted keyboard | Compare the score’s registers with the keyboard range; Yamaha specifies 88 keys for the P-145. Check how to switch off any lesson mode. | If we’re playing separate parts in their own registers, we want to be able to reach them on a standard keyboard. Around 31% of consumers prioritise the original four-hand part arrangement. |
| Complete set-up | Measure the width and depth with the music rest and stand in place, and allow for pedals and two seats. | When floor space is limited, I want to know whether the instrument and two players will actually fit. Around 31% of consumers say the space needed for the set-up is their main concern. |
| Two matching playing ranges | Check how the two halves of the keyboard are set up for the exact model, and how to switch back to normal playing. | If I want to demonstrate the same passage alongside a pupil, a documented lesson feature with similar playing ranges is useful. Around 23% of consumers prioritise this lesson set-up. |
| Two headphones | Check how many sockets can be used at the same time, which plugs you need and what happens to the speakers. | In a shared home, I want to listen together without using the built-in speakers. Around 15% of consumers give top priority to listening quietly together. |
A mode that gives both players the same pitch range can change the intended registers of a four-hand piece. Casio describes Duet Mode as providing matching pitch ranges; Roland describes Twin Piano as a feature for teacher and pupil.
First decide whether you’ll be playing separate parts or the same passage as part of a lesson. Then try the standard keyboard and any split-keyboard mode.
The stated casing dimensions don’t tell you how much space the complete playing area will need. The music rest, stand, pedals and two seats can all affect the space required.
Measure the set-up you’ve chosen and check that both players can comfortably reach the keyboard and pedals.
A stand and/or pedal unit is listed as optional or available separately for the Kawai ES120 and Korg B2+. Check which parts are included with the version you choose.
The number of sockets and plug sizes vary by model. Two sockets also don’t automatically mean that each player gets a separate sound mix.
Check whether both sockets can be used at the same time and which plugs you need. The Kawai ES120 manual describes two sockets that can be used simultaneously.
The P-145 is a portable 88-key option for anyone who wants to rehearse on an uninterrupted keyboard and can check the dimensions in advance.
The FP-10 is worth considering if, alongside standard piano playing, you’re looking for a documented Twin Piano lesson mode.
The CDP-S160 and PX-S1100 are separate models to compare if a shallow casing and a documented duet feature are important to you.
The portable ES120 is worth considering if both players want to listen through headphones at the same time.
The B2+ is an 88-key alternative to compare if the dimensions and complete set-up are important factors.
These Joybuy options are 61-key instruments. Before choosing a model, check that all the registers in your duet score fall within the keyboard range.
No image available
Could be suitable if the parts in your duet fall within the 61-key range; check the registers in the score first.
The product name lists a weighted keyboard, 300 tones, 300 rhythms, an LCD, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music rest.
No image available
Consider this keyboard only if the registers in your duet score fit within the 61-key range; check this against the piece.
The product name lists MIDI controller functionality, a recording function, speakers, a metronome and a music rest.
Not necessarily. Casio describes Duet Mode as giving both halves of the keyboard the same pitch range, while Roland describes Twin Piano as a feature for teacher and pupil. Compare the mode with the registers in your score. If you’re playing separate original parts, use the standard, uninterrupted keyboard if needed.
It depends on the model. The Dutch Kawai ES120 manual lists a stereo mini-jack and a stereo jack that can be used simultaneously. For other models, check how many sockets can be used and which plugs you need.
Measure the full set-up, not just the piano casing. Allow for the music rest, any stand and pedal unit, and enough room for two players to sit and play.
According to the Dutch Government, online distance purchases from a business usually come with a 14-day cooling-off period; purchases from a private seller are different. Check who the seller is, which parts are included and who to contact if the product doesn’t work properly.
The requirements that apply depend, among other things, on the product and its mains adaptor. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that the Low Voltage Directive applies only within certain voltage limits, and that general or other specific rules may apply to products outside them. Check the documentation for the specific product; don’t assume it complies based on the model name alone.
