To learn a folk tune in your home studio, choose a digital piano based on its keyboard feel and your recording plans, not just its size or brand. For quiet practice, check for a headphone socket. If you want to record on a computer, find out whether the exact model sends MIDI, audio or both. For example, Roland distinguishes between USB-MIDI on the FP-10 and USB audio/MIDI on the FP-30X.
You want to learn a folk tune with controlled timing and dynamics, so you’re focusing on the keyboard and how it feels to play. Roland describes the FP-10’s PHA-4 Standard keyboard, while Yamaha lists a GHC keyboard for the P-145.
You want to save or edit your performance on a computer, so you need to distinguish between MIDI data and audio from the piano. Roland describes USB MIDI for the FP-10 and USB audio/MIDI for the FP-30X.
You practise at home without using the built-in speakers and need a headphone socket. Roland lists headphone use for the FP-10, while Kawai specifies two headphone sockets for the ES120.
First decide whether you mainly want to practise the melody, play quietly or record your performance. Then check that the keyboard and connections suit your needs.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and melody control | Compare the keyboard type on the exact model and, if possible, try playing the melody, repeated notes and softly struck notes yourself. | I want to learn to play the melody with control over touch and dynamics. Around 33% of consumers put touch and melody control at the top of their list. |
| Recording connections | Check whether the model sends MIDI, audio or both, and what connections your computer or audio equipment has. | I want to capture my performance as editable notes or as the sound of the piano. Around 25% of consumers put recording connections at the top of their list. |
| Quiet practice | Check the headphone socket, the type of plug or adaptor you need, and whether you want to listen alone or with someone else. | I want to practise at home without sound coming from the built-in speakers. Around 25% of consumers put quiet practice at the top of their list of buying considerations. |
| Space and portability | Measure the space available and check the dimensions, weight, power supply and stand you plan to use. | I need to fit the piano into my space or put it away after playing. Around 17% of consumers put space and portability first. |
MIDI sends performance data; it’s not the same as recording the sound of the piano. The Roland FP-10 manual describes MIDI exchange via USB COMPUTER, while Roland lists USB audio/MIDI for the FP-30X.
Decide whether you want to edit notes or record the sound of the piano, then check the connections on the exact model.
Connections and accessories vary by model. Kawai lists a stand and a three-pedal unit among the accessories for the ES120.
Check what’s included with the specific version and whether the parts you need will work with your set-up.
Casio, Roland and Yamaha describe different keyboards, but manufacturers’ specifications aren’t a comparative hands-on test.
Take your own playing experience into account and, if possible, try the melody on the models you’re considering.
The FP-10 and FP-30X models reviewed offer different features for practising and recording. These details apply to these models, not to every Roland piano.
The P-145 is worth considering if you’re looking for an 88-key keyboard for practising at home.
The CDP-S110BK is worth comparing if compactness or portability matters to you.
The ES120 is worth comparing if you’re looking for a portable piano with separate audio outputs.
Not if you specifically want to capture the piano’s sound as audio. The Roland FP-10 manual describes MIDI exchange with a DAW via USB COMPUTER; Roland separately lists USB audio/MIDI for the FP-30X. First decide whether you want to record editable performance data or audio.
First check which connections your piano and the equipment receiving the signal have. The Roland FP-10 manual recommends turning the volume down and switching off the devices when connecting them; this advice applies to that model.
Check what’s included with the exact version and whether the stand and pedals you plan to use are compatible. Kawai lists a stand and three-pedal unit as options for the ES120; according to Kawai, versions vary in availability by market.
In the Netherlands, you have statutory rights in addition to any manufacturer’s warranty. According to ACM ConsuWijzer, the retailer is responsible for providing an appropriate solution if a product doesn’t do what you could reasonably expect under normal use. Online purchases also generally come with a cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, although exceptions may apply.
No. According to the European Union, CE is a declaration by the manufacturer that the product complies with the relevant EU rules; it isn’t a certificate issued centrally. So don’t use the mark as proof of good piano sound. Check the product information for the version on offer.
