Beginner piano student
Alongside the festive piece, you want to practise your touch and piano technique. So compare the keyboard and range of the specific models you’re considering.
Who is this buying guide for?
Practising in a shared guest room
The room also needs to be available for other uses. Measure the space and consider whether the piano can stay in place or will need to be moved regularly. Online Muziek Academie recommends measuring the available space first.
Practising in a dedicated space
You can set aside space for a permanent set-up and want to weigh up the pedals against the instrument’s size and weight.
What should you look for when buying?
Start with your learning goals and the space available. Then consider how you want to practise and which parts are included with the version you’ve chosen.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Piano feel and learning range | Compare the number of keys, the keyboard type and any touch-response settings for the exact model. | If I want to practise piano technique as well as the festive piece, I want to know how the keyboard feels and how many keys I’ll have at my disposal. Around 31% of consumers make piano feel and learning range their main consideration. |
| Space and portability | Measure the available width and depth, including the stand and playing space, and compare them with the model’s dimensions. | If the guest room needs to serve several purposes, I want to know in advance whether the piano will fit in the chosen spot and can be moved. For around 25% of consumers, flexibility in the room comes first. |
| Private practice | Check the headphone socket and the type of plug required for your chosen model. | If I share the room or practise at different times, I want to be able to listen to the piano through headphones. Around 19% of consumers prioritise private listening. |
| Permanent set-up and pedals | Compare built-in pedals with optional pedal units and check the dimensions of the complete set-up. | If I can set up a permanent practice space, I want to know which pedals are built in and how much room the piano takes up. Around 13% of consumers choose with a permanent set-up and pedal use in mind. |
| Complete practice set-up | Check which pedals and accessories are included with the specific version and which are compatible. | If I want to get started with a ready-to-use set-up straight away, I check in advance whether it includes the parts I need. For around 12% of consumers, having a complete practice set-up is the main consideration. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming portable automatically means compact
A portable model can still take up quite a lot of width. Yamaha lists the P-145 as 1.326 mm wide.
Measure the full set-up space before choosing an instrument and stand.
You may need to buy a suitable stand separately, depending on the model.
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Assuming every pedal or pedal unit is included
What’s included varies by model. A basic pedal and an optional three-pedal unit are not the same thing.
Compare the specific offer with the accessories listed for the exact model.
You may need to buy a compatible stand or optional pedal unit separately.
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Choosing a fixed furniture-style piano without considering where it will go
According to Yamaha, the YDP-145 weighs 38,0 kg and has a fixed cabinet with three pedals. That calls for a different choice of location than a portable instrument.
Choose this type of set-up only if the guest room can genuinely be a permanent practice space.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The portable P-145 and fixed ARIUS YDP-145 offer different set-ups to compare side by side.
- Yamaha lists the P-145 as having 88 GHC keys. The three-pedal console is optional.
- According to Yamaha, the YDP-145 has three pedals.
- The YDP-145 weighs 38,0 kg, so it needs a permanent spot. These model specifications alone don’t tell you which playing feel will suit you.
Roland
The FP-10 is a portable model you can compare for its keyboard, built-in speakers and headphone practice.
- Roland lists a PHA-4 Standard keyboard with 88 keys and a metronome.
- The DP-10 pedal is optional. Follow the model manual when placing the FP-10 on a stand, and check that the stand is suitable.
Casio
The CDP-S110BK is a portable option to consider if you’re weighing up the instrument’s depth and a simple starter set-up.
- Casio lists a depth of 232 mm, a scaled hammer-action keyboard, a PHONES/OUTPUT socket and an SP-3 sustain pedal included in the box.
- These specifications don’t tell you whether the touch response or complete set-up will suit your preferences.
Korg
The B2 is a portable alternative to compare for its keyboard, connections and included parts.
- According to Korg, the B2 has an 88-key NH keyboard, a combined PHONES/LINE OUT socket and a damper pedal included in the box.
- The three-pedal PU-2 unit is optional. Make sure you don’t confuse the B2 with the separate B2+ version.
Joybuy products for piano practice
These Joybuy products are 61-key instruments for practising a piece of music; one model lists weighted keys. Compare the range with what else you want to learn.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
This model could suit you if you’re looking for weighted keys and a headphone socket, and 61 keys are enough for your learning goals.
The product information lists weighted keys, a headphone socket, a music stand and a metronome. The instrument has 61 keys.
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Electronic piano keyboard, 61 keys, MIDI controller, black
This model could suit you if you want to practise privately and are looking for a metronome, as long as 61 keys match what you want to learn.
The product information lists a headphone socket, metronome, music stand and lesson function. The instrument has 61 keys.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a piano with 88 weighted keys just to play one festive piece?
Not just for that one piece. If you also want to practise piano technique and repertoire with a wider range afterwards, compare 88-key models and try out the touch response if you can. Check that the instrument will fit in the room, too.
How can I safely set up a portable piano in the guest room?
Follow the manual for the exact model and use a suitable, stable stand. Roland recommends the KSCFP10 or KS-12 for the FP-10; follow the model-specific warnings about positioning.
Do I need to buy a pedal or stand separately?
It varies by model and version. Casio lists an SP-3 pedal included with the CDP-S110; Korg lists a damper pedal included with the B2 and an optional three-pedal PU-2 unit. Yamaha states that the LP-5A console for the P-145 is optional. Check exactly what’s included and what’s compatible.
What warranty applies when buying a digital piano in the Netherlands?
When you buy as a consumer, the product must meet the standards you can reasonably expect. If there’s a fault, you should generally contact the seller. According to the Dutch government, there is no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands; what you can expect depends, among other things, on the product, its price and the information provided. A manufacturer’s warranty is additional.
Can I return a piano bought online if it doesn’t fit in the room?
For online purchases from a business, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period, according to the Dutch government. Check the terms before buying and consider how a large instrument will be transported. There are exceptions, and different rules apply to purchases from a private seller.