Who is this buying guide for?

Beginner pianist

Wants to learn a celebratory piece and focus on practising touch and dynamics. Yamaha Nederland lists an 88-key GHC keyboard for the P-145BT.

Home studio recorder

Wants to record parts in music software and needs to distinguish MIDI data from a recording of the piano’s sound. The Roland FP-10 manual describes MIDI transfer to a DAW via USB.

Quiet home player

Practises in a shared living space and looks for a suitable headphone socket and a setup that fits the available room. Roland specifies headphone use for the FP-10.

What should you look for when buying?

First decide whether you mainly want to practise your playing technique, use music software or create a permanent setup. Then check which connections, accessories and amount of space you’ll need.

What to consider What should you check? Who should prioritise this?
Playing feel Compare the keyboard type and touch settings; try the playing feel for yourself where possible. Yamaha Nederland lists 88 GHC keys for the P-145BT, while Casio Nederland lists a scaled hammer-action keyboard for the CDP-S110. If I’m learning a celebratory piece, I want to practise playing both softly and loudly, so I pay attention to how the keyboard responds. Around 33% of consumers put playing feel first.
Studio connections Decide whether you want to edit MIDI notes or record the piano’s audible sound. The Roland FP-10 manual confirms MIDI transfer via USB; this alone doesn’t prove that it supports USB audio recording. If I want to record parts in a DAW, I check which signal the piano actually sends and what other equipment I’ll need. Around 27% of consumers put recording and studio connections first.
Quiet practice Check the headphone socket and make sure the plug fits. Roland specifies headphone use for the FP-10; Korg lists a PHONES/LINE OUT connection for the B2. In a shared living space, I want to practise without the piano sounding through its speakers. Around 20% of consumers put quiet practice first.
Space and pedals Measure the available space and check which pedal or stand is included. Casio lists an included SP-3 pedal with the CDP-S110; Yamaha lists the LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145BT as optional. If the piano will have a permanent spot or needs to be put away between uses, I want to know how the complete setup will fit in my space. Around 20% of consumers prioritise the setup and the pedals they need.

Buying pitfalls

  • Confusing Bluetooth audio with MIDI or recording

    Bluetooth audio may be designed to play music from a mobile device through the piano’s speakers. MIDI records performance data; it doesn’t automatically record the piano’s sound.

    Decide whether you want to play along, record notes in a DAW or capture the piano’s sound. Then check the connections and signal path on the exact model.

    A suitable stand or a more advanced pedal unit may need to be bought separately.

  • Confusing the manufacturer’s warranty with your statutory rights

    A commercial manufacturer’s warranty doesn’t replace your statutory rights if a product is faulty. In the Netherlands, the retailer is your point of contact if you have a valid complaint.

    Read the terms of any additional warranty and keep your proof of purchase. The Dutch government explains statutory guarantees.

Brands to consider

Yamaha

According to Yamaha, the P-145BT is a portable model with an 88-key GHC keyboard and Bluetooth audio.

  • Bluetooth audio can play music from a smartphone or tablet through the piano’s speakers.
  • The LP-5A three-pedal unit is optional. Bluetooth audio doesn’t prove that the piano supports Bluetooth MIDI or wireless audio recording.

Roland

The FP-10 is a portable model with an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard.

  • The FP-10 manual describes MIDI transfer to a DAW via USB COMPUTER.
  • Check audio recording and the accessories you need separately; Bluetooth specifications may vary by country of purchase.

Casio

Casio describes the CDP-S110 as a slim, portable piano with a scaled hammer-action keyboard.

  • The product specifications list USB Type B and an included SP-3 sustain pedal.
  • A USB connection alone doesn’t prove that the piano sends digital audio to a DAW.

Kawai

Kawai describes the ES120 as a portable piano with USB MIDI, Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth audio.

  • The manufacturer distinguishes between MIDI connections and Bluetooth audio.
  • The HML-2 stand and F-351 three-pedal unit are optional; don’t assume that the connections listed support USB audio recording.

Korg

The Dutch B2 specifications list an 88-key NH keyboard and a headphone/line output.

  • The specifications also list USB Type B and an included damper pedal.
  • For half-pedalling, Korg lists the separately sold PU-2 pedal unit. Check which version you’re buying: the B2N has a different keyboard specification.

Digital pianos at Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I record the piano’s sound directly via USB?

Not on the basis of a USB MIDI specification alone. The Roland FP-10 manual confirms MIDI transfer to a DAW; to record the piano’s audible sound, check the audio function or audio output on the exact model, as well as your other equipment.

How do I set up a portable piano safely?

Follow the model’s manual and use a suitable stand. The Roland FP-10 manual warns that placing the piano incorrectly on a stand can make it unstable and cause injury.

Does a digital piano need tuning?

A digital piano doesn’t need to be tuned by a piano tuner like an acoustic piano. However, you may still have costs for accessories or repairs.

What are my rights if my piano, bought online, is faulty?

In the Netherlands, the retailer must provide a solution if you have a valid complaint about a faulty product. According to the Dutch government, there’s no fixed statutory guarantee period; the precise assessment depends on the product and the circumstances. For a standard online purchase, you’ll generally also have up to 14 days after delivery to change your mind, subject to statutory exceptions. ACM ConsuWijzer explains the right to change your mind.

Is a CE mark an independent quality mark for pianos?

No. According to the European Commission, a CE mark means the manufacturer declares that a product complies with the applicable EU rules; it says nothing about how well the piano plays. There’s no central EU body that issues a general CE certificate for this purpose. Assess whether the version being offered complies with the relevant requirements separately from its sound and playing feel.