For playing pop ballads at home, start by choosing a keyboard and pedal that let you control your touch. Then decide which connections suit your recording setup. A portable piano may work well in a small or flexible studio space, while a fixed furniture-style setup needs more room and could be a good choice if the piano will have a permanent place. Check whether the connection you choose carries MIDI performance data, audio or both: these are different functions.
You’re practising soft and powerful playing, timing and sustain. Try the keyboard for yourself: Yamaha specifies adjustable touch sensitivity for the P-225, while Roland lists a PHA-4 Standard keyboard for the FP-30X.
You want to record your piano playing or play along with music. So work out whether you need MIDI performance data, the piano’s own sound or incoming music. Roland and Korg describe different connections and functions for their models.
You want to fit the piano in among your other equipment and may want to practise with headphones. Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100BK; also measure the space you’ll need for the stand, seat and pedal.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and pedal control | Try soft chords and individual melody notes; check which pedal suits the model and what’s included. | If I want to practise a ballad’s dynamics, I want to judge the touch and pedal control for myself. Around 29% of consumers prioritise touch and pedal control. |
| Recording and playing along | Decide whether you want to record MIDI performance data, the piano’s own sound or both. Then check the connections and recording setup required for the exact version. | If I want to record my playing, the connection needs to suit the way I record. Around 29% of consumers prioritise recording connections. |
| Practising with headphones | Check the number and type of headphone sockets, and whether you want to listen at the same time as someone else. | If I practise in a shared living or studio space, I want to listen without filling the room with piano sound. Around 18% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Space and portability | Measure the available width and depth, including the intended stand. Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100BK; Yamaha specifies a width of 1.326 mm and depth of 272 mm for the P-225. | If space is limited in my studio, I want the instrument and complete setup to fit. Around 12% of consumers prioritise size or portability. |
| What’s included in the purchase | Check which stand, pedal, headphones and cables are included with the version you’ve chosen. Yamaha lists an optional three-pedal console for the P-225; Roland describes stand and pedal upgrades for the FP-30X. | If I want to get started straight away with my chosen setup, I want to know in advance what else I need. Around 12% of consumers prioritise what’s included in the set. |
Playing music through the piano’s speakers and recording the piano’s own sound are two different things. So a connection for playing along isn’t automatically the output you need for your recording setup.
First, decide whether you want to record MIDI performance data, the piano’s own sound or both. Then check the inputs and outputs on the exact version.
You may also need a suitable stand, pedal, headphones or cables to create a practical space for practising and recording.
Check what’s included and whether accessories are compatible before choosing a version.
You may need to choose a stand, pedal or cables separately.
The piano’s listed dimensions don’t necessarily tell you how much space the stand, seating position and controls will take up together.
Measure the complete setup you have in mind, not just the piano cabinet.
The P-225 is a portable option if you’re looking for an 88-key keyboard for a compact home setup.
The FP-30X is a portable piano worth comparing if you want to practise at home and play along with music.
The Privia PX-S1100BK is worth comparing if the depth of your studio space is a consideration.
The B2-BK is a portable option worth comparing if you’re looking for a weighted keyboard and wired connections.
No. Don’t assume that USB sends the piano’s own sound just because a USB connection is present. Decide whether you want to record MIDI performance data or audible audio, then check what the connection does on the exact version.
Not necessarily; it depends on what you want to practise. First, check whether the package includes a damper pedal. Yamaha and Roland describe three-pedal upgrades for the P-225 and FP-30X respectively.
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