Who is this choice relevant to?

Four-hand duos

You share one keyboard for two parts. Check that the notes in the score and the space for both players are suitable. Casio and Roland describe shared practice modes with similar playing ranges.

Duo partners with limited rehearsal space

You want to set up an instrument without a permanent piano cabinet. Compare the instrument’s dimensions with the space available for the stand and two seats. Yamaha lists the dimensions of the P-145 instrument separately from those of a set-up with an optional stand.

Teacher and pupil side by side

You want to demonstrate and repeat passages in the same register. Roland’s Twin Piano mode and Casio’s duet mode may be useful for this, as long as the range available to each player is sufficient.

What should you look for when choosing?

Compact portable piano

A good fit if: you need a full keyboard for the notes in both parts and want to practise at home.

Bear in mind: a compact case does not automatically mean there will be enough room for two players and their seats.

Piano with a shared practice mode

A good fit if: you want to demonstrate and practise passages side by side in similar registers.

Bear in mind: practice mode splits the physical keyboard, so check that both parts stay within their own range.

Stage piano designed for performance

A good fit if: as well as rehearsing, you need stage connections or direct control over different sounds.

Bear in mind: check the size, weight and available speakers. A stage piano does not automatically offer the same home set-up as a portable piano.

What to consider What should you check? Who should pay particular attention?
Range for two parts Compare the highest and lowest notes in both parts with the standard keyboard range; don’t confuse duet mode with a full, continuous keyboard. If I’m playing a four-hand piece, I want to know whether both parts stay within range; around 36% of consumers prioritise having enough range for two different parts.
Space for the set-up Measure the space for the instrument, stand, pedals and two seats. Yamaha lists the P-145 instrument dimensions as 1.326 × 268 × 129 mm; the set-up is different with an optional stand. In a small rehearsal room, the entire set-up needs to fit, not just the instrument; around 29% of consumers prioritise the space required.
Practising together in the same register Check whether the exact model has a duet or Twin Piano mode, and whether the range on each half suits the parts you’re practising. Casio describes the CDP-S160 as offering the same range on both halves of the keyboard. If I want to demonstrate passages alongside a pupil or fellow player, I look for similar playing ranges; around 21% of consumers prioritise practising together in the same register.
Sound and connections Check whether each model has built-in speakers, a headphone socket or line outputs. Yamaha lists line outputs for the CP88. If I want to rehearse at home without a separate amplifier, I look at the available sound options; around 14% of consumers prioritise an easy-to-hear or quiet practice set-up.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming duet mode works for every four-hand piano piece

    A practice mode can split the keyboard into two playing ranges. That does not necessarily mean you’ve checked whether all the notes in your actual parts are within reach.

    First compare the highest and lowest notes in both parts with the standard keyboard range. Then check whether a practice mode works for the passages you’ll be playing.

  • Measuring only the depth of the instrument

    The space you need also depends on the stand and the room for pedals and two seats. Yamaha gives separate measurements for the P-145 instrument and for a set-up with an optional stand.

    Draw the complete set-up to scale before choosing a model.

  • Assuming every stage piano offers the same home set-up

    Roland says the RD-88 EX has built-in stereo speakers; Yamaha specifies line and headphone outputs for the CP88. Check the features of your chosen model individually.

    Make sure the speakers, connections and accessories you need suit your preferred set-up.

Brands and models to consider

Yamaha

The P-145 is designed for compact home practice, while the CP88 is a performance-focused option with different connections.

  • Yamaha lists 88 keys and a Duo function for the P-145. Its dimensions are 1.326 × 268 × 129 mm.
  • The Duo function does not guarantee that both parts of every four-hand piece will fit within the shared range. According to Yamaha, the CP88 weighs 18,6 kg.

Roland

The FP-10 is a portable piano for home use; the RD-88 EX is a stage piano with built-in speakers and performance-focused controls.

  • Roland lists 88 keys, built-in speakers and a Twin Piano mode for the FP-10. The RD-88 EX has built-in stereo speakers and sound zones.
  • Twin Piano is described as providing duplicated ranges for playing; check that the range available to each player suits the parts you’ve chosen.

Casio

The CDP-S160 is a compact digital piano with a duet mode for practising side by side.

  • Casio describes a mode that gives both halves of the keyboard the same range, which can be useful for demonstrating and repeating passages.
  • The same range does not mean each player has an unlimited range. Compatible three-pedal accessories are sold separately.

Korg

The B2+ is a portable digital piano for which Korg provides instructions for Partner Mode.

  • Korg lists a weighted 88-key keyboard, built-in speakers and a PHONES socket that also serves as a line output for the B2+.
  • Check Partner Mode and the connections for the exact version; these features do not automatically apply to other B2 models.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need duet mode for every four-hand piano piece?

No, not necessarily. Casio describes the CDP-S160 as having the same range on the left and right halves; Roland describes the FP-10 as offering duplicated ranges. Check whether the notes in your parts fit the selected mode, or whether you need the standard, full keyboard layout.

What should you measure before setting up the piano?

Measure the space for the piano as well as the stand, pedals and two seats. Yamaha publishes separate dimensions for the P-145 instrument and for a set-up with an optional stand.

What if the piano doesn’t do what the seller promised after you buy it?

According to the Dutch government, if you have a problem with a product in the Netherlands, you should contact the seller to find a solution. There is no fixed statutory warranty period; what you can expect from a product depends, among other things, on the product information and normal use.

Is there a cooling-off period for online purchases?

According to the Dutch government, in many cases you have 14 days to change your mind when buying online from a business. An online purchase from a private seller is not covered by the same distance-selling rules, so check which terms apply to your purchase.

Which product rules apply to an electric piano in the Netherlands?

The seller must ensure that electrical or electronic equipment complies with the applicable European rules. According to Business.gov.nl, CE marking is required where those rules specify it, along with the relevant conformity requirements, including an EU declaration of conformity. CE marking is not an assessment of the sound or suitability for your duet; the compliance of a specific item on offer must be verified separately.