If you only need to practise the hymn tune, a metronome and a headphone socket may be all you need. If you also want to work on piano technique and accompaniment, compare the keyboard range, touch response and pedal options. Roland lists an 88-key keyboard and metronome for the FP-10, while Yamaha specifies an 88-key keyboard for the P-145. Measure the entire playing area too: headphones reduce sound from the speakers, but won’t necessarily eliminate mechanical key or pedal noise.
You practise in the attic while other people are at home or neighbours live nearby. Headphones let you listen without using the built-in speakers, but the keys may still make mechanical noise. Roland and Kawai describe their headphone options; Kawai describes the ES60’s own action as quiet.
You’re short on space and want to check in advance that not just the instrument, but also the music rest, stand and seating will fit. Casio, Korg and Yamaha publish dimensions for specific models, but these don’t automatically tell you how much room the complete playing setup needs.
You’re starting with a hymn tune and may want to practise chords, dynamics, organ sounds or using the pedals too. Roland, Korg and Yamaha describe features and versions that you can compare for each exact model and package.
First, work out how much space you have and whether you want to practise just the melody or move on to piano parts and accompaniment too. The percentages indicate which needs may be priorities for consumers in this attic-practice scenario.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Noise while practising | Check for a headphone socket, and bear key and pedal noise in mind too. | If other people are at home or neighbours live nearby, you’ll want to practise without unnecessary noise from the speakers. Around 31% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Attic space | Measure the space for the piano, music rest, stand and bench, including any sloping ceilings. | If you have a tight space for setting up, you’ll want to know whether the complete playing setup will fit and whether you can still reach the connections. Around 25% of consumers put available space first. |
| Keys and touch response | Compare the keyboard range and try the touch response if you can. | If you want to practise piano parts with a wider range as well as the melody, the number of keys matters: a 61-key keyboard has a smaller range than an 88-key keyboard. Around 25% of consumers start with the piano techniques they want to learn. |
| Accompaniment and pedals | Check which sounds and pedals are included with the exact model or package. | If you want to explore accompaniment or organ sounds as well as the melody, extra sounds and pedal options may be worth considering. Around 19% of consumers prioritise these practice options. |
Headphones let you listen to the electronic sound without using the built-in speakers, but you still physically press the keys and pedals. Kawai describes the ES60’s own action as quiet; that doesn’t tell you how much noise you’ll hear through an attic floor.
Consider key and pedal noise in your intended setup too. If needed, agree arrangements with other people at home or your neighbours; the Dutch government advises discussing and agreeing arrangements together if you’re having problems with neighbours.
The piano’s dimensions don’t tell you how much room you’ll need for a music rest, stand, bench and cables. Korg publishes the B2+ dimensions without the music rest; the stand is sold separately.
Measure the entire playing area, including beneath a sloping roof, and check which parts are included with the version you’ve chosen.
Different versions in the same product family may have different inclusions. Yamaha says the LP-5A console for the P-145 is optional; Korg distinguishes the B2+ from the B2+SP, which Korg says comes with a stand and pedal unit.
Before buying, check the full model name and the contents of the package you’re looking at.
The World Health Organization points out that the risk to your hearing depends on both sound level and listening time.
Keep the volume low and take listening breaks, as the World Health Organization advises.
The CDP-S110BK is worth considering if a shallow cabinet and a simple start are important to you.
The FP-10 is worth comparing if you’re looking for an 88-key keyboard, a metronome and the option to practise with headphones.
The B2+ is worth considering if you want to compare organ sounds as well as piano playing.
The P-145 is worth comparing if you’re looking for a portable instrument with 88 keys.
The ES60 is worth considering if you want to look at a portable instrument with a front-mounted headphone socket.
These Joybuy products are 61-key keyboards and digital pianos for practising melodies. Compare their smaller keyboard range with your plans for developing your piano technique.
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The product title mentions a metronome, which can be useful for practising at a steady tempo; the product description lists a headphone socket.
The title lists 61 keys, a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers and music rest. The keyboard range is smaller than that of an 88-key keyboard, which is worth bearing in mind if you want to practise piano parts with a wider range.
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The product description mentions a metronome and portability; the product title lists a headphone socket. This may suit practising in a limited space, but it doesn’t tell you how much mechanical noise the keys make.
The title lists a weighted keyboard, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers and a music rest. It has 61 keys, so bear in mind its smaller range if you want to practise piano parts with a wider range.
A metronome can help you practise keeping a steady tempo. Roland lists one for the FP-10 and Korg for the B2+; also check that you can read the sheet music comfortably with your chosen setup.
Use a stable stand suitable for the model and follow the assembly instructions. Roland warns that the FP-10 could tip over if it isn’t positioned correctly; the Kawai ES60 manual says to use the specified mains voltage and a suitable power supply. These are model-specific instructions from the manufacturers.
The Dutch government advises agreeing arrangements together first, such as setting times for making music. If the disturbance continues, it names the landlord, owners’ association and local council among the possible people to contact. This is not nationwide permission to practise at specific times.
For a qualifying distance purchase, the Dutch government says you generally have 14 days to change your mind; an online purchase from a private seller isn’t automatically covered by this rule. In the Netherlands, you’re also entitled to a legal guarantee, with no fixed statutory guarantee period. If a product is faulty, contact the seller.
According to Milieu Centraal, you can hand in an old, similar electrical appliance free of charge when you buy a new one, including when buying online. If the instrument still works, the organisation suggests reuse as an option.
