Start with the lowest and highest notes in your arrangement, then decide what kind of key action you want to practise. Next, choose an instrument that suits your needs and fits in your room with all its accessories; also check the headphone connection and which pedal is included. A full-size keyboard takes up a fair amount of space: Yamaha, for example, lists the P-145 as 1,326 mm wide.
You want to practise melody and accompaniment with a suitable key action. Compare the range of your arrangement with the keyboard, and consider how you’ll use the pedal. Yamaha and Roland describe their respective models as having 88 keys.
You need to fit the piano, music rest, stand and seating into a compact practice space. The dimensions listed by Yamaha, Casio and Korg can help you plan your setup.
You want to practise without using the built-in speakers, so you check the headphone connection on the version you’re considering. Roland and Korg describe the headphone options available on their models.
Start with the range and key action your arrangement needs. Then check whether your entire playing setup will fit, and whether the connections and pedal suit the way you want to practise.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Playing range and key action | Check the lowest and highest notes in your sheet music, and decide what kind of key action you want to practise. Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys for the P-145; Korg lists 88 NH keys for the B2+. | I want to play the melody and accompaniment in my arrangement within range, and practise piano dynamics. Around 31% of consumers prioritise playing range and key action. |
| Space for your setup | Measure the available width and depth, including the music rest and seating. Yamaha lists the P-145 as 1.326 mm wide and 268 mm deep without the music rest; with it, the depth is 320 mm. Casio lists the CDP-S110 as 232 mm deep. | I have limited practice space and want the piano, music rest and seating to fit. Around 25% of consumers make space for their complete setup their top priority. |
| Practising with headphones | Check the type of connection and how many headphones you need to use at once. Roland lists headphone use for the FP-10; Kawai lists two headphone sockets for the ES120. | I want to practise at home using headphones, without the speakers; also check whether the keys will still be audible in your room. Around 25% of consumers prioritise quiet listening. |
| Pedal and complete set | Check what’s included with the version you’re considering, and whether the pedal supports the technique you want to learn. Casio lists an SP-3 sustain pedal with the CDP-S110. Korg lists a damper pedal with the B2+ and names the PU-2 as a separately available option for half-pedalling. | I want to practise the pedal techniques I need straight away, and know in advance whether the stand and music rest are part of my setup. Around 19% of consumers prioritise having a complete practice setup. |
A music rest can increase the space you need; Yamaha lists different depths for the P-145 with and without its music rest.
Before choosing, measure the width and depth of your entire setup, including seating space.
You may need a different stand or to rearrange your playing space.
Korg lists a damper pedal included with the B2+ and a separately available PU-2 for half-pedalling. Roland lists an optional DP-10 pedal for this technique with the FP-10.
First decide which pedal technique you want to practise, then check what’s included with the exact version and whether the pedal is compatible.
A pedal that supports half-pedalling may need to be purchased separately.
The Dutch government distinguishes between statutory rights and any additional manufacturer’s or seller’s warranty. If a product is faulty, the seller must provide a solution.
Check what any additional warranty offers on top of your statutory rights.
Yamaha positions the P-145 as a compact entry-level model in the P Series, with weighted keys.
Roland describes the FP-10 as a portable entry-level piano with 88 PHA-4 Standard keys, speakers and headphone use.
Casio describes the CDP-S110 as a slim digital piano that you can move around.
Korg’s Dutch specifications describe the B2+ as a digital piano with 88 NH keys and a headphone/line output.
Kawai describes the ES120 as a portable piano in the ES Series, with a weighted keyboard and connections for home use.
This Joybuy selection includes instruments with 61 keys and practice features. Check that the lowest and highest notes in your arrangement fall within that range; these products are not 88-key pianos.
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An option to compare if your arrangement fits within a 61-key range.
The product name lists a weighted keyboard, 300 tones, 300 rhythms, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music rest.
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An option to compare if 61 keys cover the notes in your film theme.
The product name lists speakers, a metronome, recording function, MIDI controller and music rest.
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An option to compare if your arrangement fits within 61 keys and you’re looking for a set with a stand.
The product name lists a stool, music rest, 300 tones, 300 rhythms, a three-level learning mode, LCD display and USB-MIDI.
It depends on your arrangement. Find the lowest and highest notes in both the melody and accompaniment. An 88-key keyboard is one option if your arrangement needs that range; don’t choose one just because the music is a film theme.
Check the connection on the exact version and make sure it matches your headphone plug. Roland lists headphone use for the FP-10; Kawai lists two headphone sockets for the ES120. Also allow space for the cable and music rest.
A digital piano produces its piano sound electronically, so it has no acoustic strings that need tuning. Follow the manual for placement, power and maintenance. If there’s a fault, don’t use just any adapter.
Compare what’s included with the version you’re considering against your needs for a stand, pedal and headphones; included and optional accessories vary by model. The Dutch government says that, under statutory rights, the seller must provide a solution if a product is faulty.
The Dutch government says that a 14-day cooling-off period applies to many distance purchases, although there are exceptions. Check the details for your specific purchase and distinguish between your statutory rights and any more generous voluntary returns policy.
