Start with your exam board’s requirements and the pieces you’re playing: check that the keyboard is touch-sensitive and weighted, has a sufficient range and is suitable for use with the required sustain pedal. Then measure the complete set-up, including the music rest, stand, stool and space to sit. A portable piano is easier to move, while a cabinet piano can offer a fixed set-up with pedals. A headphone socket can help you avoid disturbing others.
You want to practise dynamics and pedalling on a keyboard that meets your exam board’s requirements and suits the pieces you’re playing. ABRSM and Trinity College London each set out their own requirements for digital pianos used in exams.
You need to fit the piano into a small room or move it after practising. So compare the dimensions of the complete set-up, not just the instrument.
You practise in a shared home or at times when others need peace and quiet. A headphone socket may be important, so check which connections the exact model has.
A good fit if: you want to move the instrument after practising or need a shallow set-up.
Bear in mind: you may need to buy a stand or a more extensive pedal set-up separately. Also check the dimensions with the music rest in place.
A good fit if: you can leave the piano in one place and want a fixed pedal set-up.
Bear in mind: a fixed model won’t necessarily be easy to move. Make sure you also allow space for the stool and player.
The main choice depends on your exam requirements and how much room you have for the complete playing set-up. The percentages below show the priority consumers in this exam context give to each consideration.
| Consideration | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard suitable for the exam | Check your exam board’s requirements and the pieces you’re playing, including touch sensitivity, weighted keys and a sufficient range. | If I want to practise dynamics and passages from my exam pieces, the keyboard needs to be suitable. Around 31% of consumers prioritise a touch response and range suitable for their exam. |
| Space for the playing set-up | Measure the width and depth with the music rest and stand in place, and allow for the stool and player. | In a small practice room, I want to know how much floor space the piano takes up while I’m playing. Around 25% of consumers prioritise the space available. |
| Quiet practice | Check whether the model has a headphone socket and whether it’s practical to use where you plan to put the piano. | If others at home don’t want to hear the piano, I want to be able to practise with headphones. Around 25% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Pedal and complete set-up | Check which pedal is included and whether your preferred pedal unit and stand are compatible with the exact model. | If my pieces call for pedalling, I want to know whether I can practise it with the set-up I choose. Around 19% of consumers prioritise the pedal and stand set-up. |
For its practical piano exams, ABRSM specifies, among other things, a recognisable piano sound, full-size touch-sensitive weighted keys, and a suitable range and equipment. For digital exams, Trinity College London requires a sufficient range for the chosen pieces and a sustain pedal when needed. Always check the current rules for your exam, grade, pieces and exam date.
Manufacturer specifications show why you should check the full dimensions: according to Yamaha Netherlands, the Yamaha P-145 is 268 mm deep without the music rest and 320 mm with it. According to Casio Europe, the Casio CDP-S110BK is 232 mm deep. These measurements apply to the models listed; allow extra space for the rest of your set-up.
The number of keys alone doesn’t tell you whether the instrument meets your exam board’s requirements or suits the range of your pieces.
Compare the exam regulations with your repertoire before choosing a keyboard. ABRSM and Trinity College London set requirements for factors including touch, range and pedalling.
The music rest can increase the depth required. For the Yamaha P-145, Yamaha Netherlands lists a depth of 268 mm without the music rest and 320 mm with it.
Measure the space for the instrument with the music rest and stand in place, and allow for the stool and player too.
For some portable models, the stand or more extensive pedal units are optional. The Kawai ES120 lists the HML-2 stand and F-351 three-pedal unit as optional; according to Korg, the Korg LP-380U has three pedals.
Check what’s included with the exact model and version you’re choosing, and which pedal units are compatible with it.
You may need to buy a compatible pedal unit or stand separately. Check before choosing your complete set-up.
The FP-30X is a portable option for anyone looking for a weighted 88-key keyboard and headphone use.
The P-145 is a portable option that lets you weigh the depth of the set-up against having an 88-key keyboard.
The ES120 is a portable option for which you can compare different stand and pedal set-ups.
The CDP-S110BK is worth considering if a shallow cabinet and an included sustain pedal are important to you.
The LP-380U is a fixed cabinet piano set-up for anyone who values built-in pedals more than being able to move the piano regularly.
Not necessarily, but check your exam board’s rules and make sure the instrument suits the range, touch and pedalling requirements of your pieces. ABRSM and Trinity College London set their own requirements for digital pianos used in exams.
Practise with a suitable sustain pedal when your pieces require one. Trinity College London specifies a sustain pedal when the chosen piece calls for it. Also check the connection and compatibility of the exact model.
If you buy as a consumer in the Netherlands, you’re entitled to a product that’s fit for purpose. The Dutch government says that if there’s a problem, you should contact the seller for a solution, not just the manufacturer.
For distance sales, you have a 14-day cooling-off period in many cases. This doesn’t automatically apply to every transaction; for example, the Dutch government lists buying online from a private individual as an exception to the distance-selling rules.
