Film music student
You want to focus on practising melody, dynamics and, where needed, sustain. Compare the keyboard’s feel and the pedal functions.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Player who travels to rehearsals
You take the instrument with you or put it away after each session. Weight, dimensions and a practical stand are therefore important.
Player in a studio with other musicians
You alternate between practising solo and playing with others. Check that the headphone and audio outputs are compatible with the studio equipment.
What should you consider when choosing?
Start with the keyboard and pedal passages in your arrangement. Then consider transport and setup, and finally check how you want to listen or connect the piano to studio equipment.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and expression | Check that the keyboard range suits your arrangement and try the touch response of the exact model. | If I want to practise both soft and powerful passages in my film score, I pay particular attention to how the keyboard responds. Around 33% of consumers give touch and expression their top priority. |
| Transport and setup | Compare the weight and dimensions, and measure the space available for the instrument, stand, chair and pedal. Casio Europe lists the CDP-S110 at 10,5 kg; Yamaha lists the P-225 at 11,5 kg. | If I need to take the piano with me or put it away after a rehearsal, I want to know whether the complete setup is practical to handle. Around 27% of consumers prioritise transport and setup. |
| Listening while practising | Check how many headphones can be connected and whether you’ll use speakers when playing with others. | When I practise alone as well as playing with others, I want to know in advance how everyone will be able to hear the piano. Around 20% of consumers give their listening setup top priority. |
| Pedal and studio connections | Check whether the required pedal is included and whether the audio output is compatible with the studio equipment. | If my arrangement calls for sustain, or I want to connect the piano’s sound to the studio system, I want to know which pedals and outputs I’ll need. Around 20% of consumers prioritise pedal use and studio connections. |
Things to look out for when buying
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Confusing a headphone output with a dedicated studio output
The Casio CDP-S110 has a shared PHONES/OUTPUT connection. Kawai lists separate stereo Line Out connections for the ES120, so check which type of connection the model you choose has.
Connecting to your existing setup may require a different cable or connection solution.
Compare the output on the exact model with the studio’s inputs before buying accessories.
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Assuming a stand and a full pedal unit are always included
Kawai lists a stand and three-pedal unit for the ES120 as accessories available separately.
A suitable stand or a more comprehensive pedal setup may be available separately.
Check what’s included in the specific offer and whether the accessories are compatible with the model you’ve chosen.
Brands worth comparing
Yamaha
The P-225 is a portable piano to consider if you need a full-size keyboard in a compact practice setup.
- Yamaha lists the P-225 with an 88-key GHC keyboard, a weight of 11,5 kg and a width of 1.326 mm.
- These specifications don’t tell you how the keys will feel to you, so try the keyboard if you can.
Roland
The FP-30X is worth considering if you practise both alone and with others, and may use external speakers.
- Roland lists an 88-key PHA-4 keyboard, two headphone outputs and separate outputs for powered speakers.
- Check that the pedal setup and connections suit your studio arrangement.
Kawai
The portable ES60 and ES120 offer different options for a practice space. The ES120 is worth considering if you’re looking for separate Line Out connections or a pedal setup you can expand.
- Kawai lists stereo Line Out connections for the ES120, along with a stand and three-pedal unit available separately.
- For the ES60 and ES120, check the version and which accessories are included in the specific offer.
Casio
The CDP-S110 is an option to look at if you want a portable piano and a straightforward starter setup.
- Casio Europe lists a weight of 10,5 kg, 88 keys with Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II and an SP-3 pedal included.
- The PHONES/OUTPUT connection is shared, so check that it suits your headphones or studio setup.
Korg
The B2+ is another model to compare if you’re looking for a digital piano with built-in speakers.
- Korg lists 88 keys and a damper pedal included. The PHONES connection also serves as a Line Out.
- These specifications come from Korg’s US product information. Check the power adapter, bundle and other region-specific details in the Dutch offer.
Joybuy products
The Joybuy products below are 61-key instruments for anyone looking for a compact practice setup. Check that the keyboard range and listed features suit your arrangement and the way you practise.
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Digital piano, 61 keys, black
May suit practice sessions where you want a weighted keyboard and built-in speakers.
61 keys and a weighted keyboard.
The product name also lists 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen and USB-MIDI.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
May suit independent practice if you want to use built-in speakers and a metronome.
61 keys; the product name also lists a recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand.
Frequently asked questions
How can you tell whether the keyboard suits your film score?
Check the keyboard range and pedal passages in your arrangement, then try the touch response. According to the manufacturers, the Casio CDP-S110 and Roland FP-30X both have 88 hammer-action keys, but that doesn’t mean they feel identical to play.
What should you check when setting up in a rehearsal studio?
Measure the space available for the instrument, stand, chair and pedal, and ask which audio inputs are available. Kawai lists separate stereo Line Out connections for the ES120; check that you have suitable cables and a compatible input.
What are your rights if the piano doesn’t work properly after an online purchase?
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, a product must work as you could reasonably expect under normal use. If it’s faulty, the seller must provide a remedy under the law. Online purchases also generally come with a cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, subject to legal exceptions.
What should you look for in the Netherlands when it comes to product safety and CE marking?
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency states that European requirements depend on the type of device, and that some products are subject to several sets of rules. Check the safety information and applicable marking for the exact piano and power supply.