Start with your pieces and exam route: choose a keyboard with enough range and the right touch response, plus a sustain pedal if your repertoire calls for one. A portable piano gives you more flexibility to use the spare room for other things, while a fixed set-up may already include items such as a stand and pedals. Headphones prevent sound coming from the speakers, but they may not silence the keys.
You want to practise the dynamics and pedalling in your pieces on an instrument with the right range and keyboard. Trinity College London sets requirements for the range and touch-sensitive, weighted keyboard of digital piano grades.
You sometimes practise when other people are at home and want to know whether you can connect headphones. Bear in mind that the sound of the keys and pedals may still be audible.
You use the spare room for other things too, so you’re weighing up a portable instrument against a permanent playing space. Look beyond the piano itself and consider the space needed for a stand, bench and pedal.
First, check that the range and touch response suit your pieces and exam route. Then compare the pedal set-up and measure the entire playing area, including the space you need to use the room for other things.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch response and key range | Compare the highest and lowest notes in your pieces with the instrument’s range, and check that the keyboard is weighted and touch-sensitive. | I want to practise the passages in my exam pieces on the instrument. Around 28% of consumers give the keyboard and range their top priority. |
| Sustain pedal and exam requirements | Check whether a pedal is included and whether it’s compatible with the piano; a three-pedal unit isn’t always standard. | If my pieces call for sustain, I want to know which pedal I need and whether it will suit the set-up. Around 22% of consumers prioritise pedal use. |
| Quiet practice | Check the headphone socket and assess how audible the keys are where you plan to play. | I want to be able to practise when other people are at home, without assuming that headphones will also silence the keys. Around 17% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Space and portability | Measure the available space with the piano, music rest, bench and pedal in place; decide whether the playing area can stay set up. | The spare room also needs to remain usable for other activities. Around 22% of consumers prioritise space and portability. |
| Complete playing set-up | Check what stand and pedals are included with each version, and which accessories you’ll need. | I want to know before buying whether all the parts I need for my planned playing space are included. Around 11% of consumers give a complete set-up their top priority. |
Headphones mean you won’t hear the piano through its speakers, but the sound of pressing the keys and pedals may still be audible.
Assess how audible the keys are where you plan to practise and, if needed, agree on suitable practice times.
A portable piano and a complete set with a stand and pedals may be different versions of the product.
Check the exact model code, what’s in the box, and whether the pedals you’ve chosen are compatible with the piano and stand.
With a separate set-up, you may need to arrange a suitable stand or pedal before you can use it.
The piano’s dimensions don’t tell you how much room you need for the music rest, seat and pedal. Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100BK; this doesn’t measure the complete set-up.
Measure the space with all the components in place and allow for the room to be used for other things too.
Trinity College London has different instrument requirements for digital submissions and in-person exam venues.
Before buying, check which organisation, grade and exam format apply to you, then choose a home set-up to match.
According to Yamaha, the P-145BT is a portable model with an 88-key GHC keyboard with weighted keys.
According to Roland, the FP-30X has an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard and two headphone outputs.
According to Kawai, the portable ES120 has a weighted Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard and 1/4- and 1/8-inch headphone sockets.
Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100BK.
The Korg B2+SP is a fixed set comprising a B2+ piano, stand and three-pedal unit. According to Korg, the B2+ has an 88-key NH keyboard.
Yes. Trinity College London allows a digital piano for digital piano grades at all levels, provided the instrument has enough range for the chosen pieces, a touch-sensitive weighted keyboard and a single piano sound. You’ll need a sustain pedal if your pieces call for one. This doesn’t automatically apply to other organisations or Trinity diplomas.
Not necessarily. According to Trinity College London, candidates can use a digital piano at in-person exam venues up to and including Grade 5, provided it meets the specifications. Ask the exam organisation or venue which instrument will be available for your exam.
First, check whether your pieces call for a sustain pedal and whether it’s included with the version you’ve chosen. Then measure the space for the piano, music rest, bench and pedal. If you’re buying a separate pedal unit, also check that it’s compatible with the model and stand.
A digital piano doesn’t need tuning in the same way as an acoustic piano with strings. Follow the manual for your chosen model for maintenance and any adjustments.
For distance purchases from a business, the Dutch government says you’ll usually have a 14-day cooling-off period, although exceptions apply. You’re also entitled to a product that is fit for purpose; if there’s a fault, the seller must provide a solution.
There’s no general rule about times that applies to every local authority and living situation. The Dutch government points out that rules on noise nuisance can vary between local authorities and advises agreeing arrangements with your neighbours. Also check any agreements that apply to your home.
