Beginner learning a piano arrangement
You want to move beyond playing just the melody and are looking for an action and range that will let you practise your two-handed arrangement.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Practising with neighbours nearby
You share a building or practise at times when sound from the speakers could disturb others. In that case, a headphone socket and where you place your piano setup both matter.
Player with a multi-purpose loft
You want to be able to set up or move your piano without permanently giving up the rest of the space. So, pay separate attention to the dimensions of the instrument and the stand.
What should you look for when choosing?
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is it important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and key range | Check the lowest and highest notes in your arrangement, and try the action on the exact model. | If I want to learn a two-handed arrangement, I look at the range and how well I can control soft and loud playing. Around 25% of consumers prioritise piano touch and technique above all else. |
| Quiet practice | Check the headphone socket, and listen for the sound of the keys and pedal at the place where you plan to practise. | When I practise close to other people, I want to hear the electronic piano sound through headphones without assuming that every keystroke will be silent. Around 25% of consumers make quiet practice their top priority. |
| Space and moving the piano | Measure the width and depth of the piano setup, allowing room for a chair and pedal; check the instrument and stand separately. | If I also need my loft for other activities, I want to know how much space the complete playing setup takes up. Around 20% of consumers prioritise footprint and the ability to move the piano. |
| Playing along with a recording | Decide whether you want to hear a recording through the piano, and check that the exact model has the connection you need. | If I’m learning a film theme by ear, it can be useful to hear the recording alongside my own playing. Around 15% of consumers put a connection for playing along with a recording at the top of their list. |
| Complete playing setup | Check what’s included with the version you’re considering and whether any stand and additional pedals are compatible with the model. | When I want to set up the piano for my arrangement, I want to know in advance which parts I’ll need. Around 15% of consumers prioritise clarity about the complete setup above all else. |
Buying pitfalls
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Assuming headphones make practice completely silent
Headphones let you listen to the electronic sound, but they won’t tell you whether the keys, pedal or contact noise can be heard elsewhere in your building.
Try the setup where you plan to practise. If needed, agree practice times with your neighbours.
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Comparing only the depth of the piano body
The stated dimensions of the instrument may not include the stand, music rest or space for your chair. Measuring only part of the setup could leave you with an impractical arrangement.
Measure the entire playing area before you order, including the space you need to sit and play.
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Assuming a sustain pedal gives you extended pedal control
An included pedal doesn’t automatically mean you get three pedals or half-pedalling. The PU-2 for half-pedalling is sold separately for the Korg B2+; the optional Yamaha P-145BT console includes three pedals.
Check which pedal technique your arrangement calls for and what’s included with the exact version.
A separately available pedal unit may be needed for half-pedalling.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The Yamaha P-145BT is a portable option to compare if you want a weighted keyboard and audio from a phone or tablet.
- Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys and Bluetooth audio for the P-145BT.
- The matching LP-5A three-pedal console is optional. Check what’s included with the version you choose.
Roland
The Roland FP-10 is a portable piano to compare if keyboard response and headphone practice matter to you.
- Roland lists an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard and playback through speakers or headphones.
- The DP-10 for half-pedalling is optional. Try the action on the model itself if it’s a deciding factor for your playing.
Casio
The Casio CDP-S110BK is worth considering if a shallow body and a setup you can move are important to you.
- Casio lists a body depth of 232 mm, mains or battery power, and an included SP-3 pedal.
- The body depth doesn’t include all the space needed for the stand, player and chair.
Korg
The Korg B2+ is an option to compare if you’re looking for a piano with AUDIO IN and an included damper pedal.
- Korg lists 88 NH keys, PHONES, USB-C, AUDIO IN and an included damper pedal.
- The stand and PU-2 pedal unit are sold separately. The stated body dimensions don’t include the music rest.
Joybuy products
The Joybuy options below have 61 keys and are most relevant if your arrangement fits within that range and you want to practise with headphones. First, check that the shorter range covers all the notes you want to play.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys
Could be suitable if your arrangement stays within the 61-key range and you want to practise with headphones.
The product name lists a weighted keyboard, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music rest.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, with metronome
Worth considering if your arrangement fits within the 61-key range and a headphone socket suits your practice setup.
The product information lists a metronome, music rest, speakers, recording function and MIDI.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need 88 keys for every film theme?
No. It depends on the range of your arrangement, not on whether the music comes from a film. Check the lowest and highest notes; choose a fully weighted piano keyboard if you also want to practise two-handed piano technique.
Can you practise late in a loft with headphones without any other considerations?
Headphones mean you don’t have to listen through the built-in speakers, but they don’t guarantee that the keys or pedal will be inaudible. The Government of the Netherlands advises neighbours to discuss noise and agree arrangements first, such as when to play music. Also check any rules that apply to your home.
What should you set up before you start practising?
Set the piano up securely and appropriately, leave room to sit, and check the headphone and pedal connections. Check what’s included with the exact version: Korg lists a damper pedal and music rest with the B2+, while the instrument stand is sold separately.
What if a piano bought online, or one of its keys, doesn’t work properly?
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, online consumer purchases generally come with a statutory 14-day cooling-off period after delivery, although some exceptions apply. You’re also protected by law if a product doesn’t meet what you could reasonably expect during normal use; this doesn’t automatically mean you get a fixed two-year warranty.