Practising in a small space
You want to learn a hymn melody, but need to be able to set up or move the instrument in a small room. That makes the dimensions of the complete setup and its portability important.
Who is this buying guide for?
Quiet practice at home
You practise when others would rather not listen in, so you’re looking for a suitable headphone socket and adjustable volume.
Beginner pianist
You want to practise touch, timing and perhaps accompaniment as well as the melody. In that case, key feel, a metronome and pedal support may all be worth considering.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, measure the space for the complete setup. Then compare the keyboard range and practice features with what you need for the melody and any accompaniment.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and setup | Measure the available width and depth, including the music rest, bench and space to sit or play. | If the piano needs to fit in a cramped room, I want to know how much space the complete setup will take up; around 31% of consumers give available space their highest priority. |
| Keyboard range and touch | Compare the highest and lowest notes in the hymn and any accompaniment with the keyboard’s range. Try the touch if piano technique is important to you. | If I want to practise piano technique as well as the melody, I look at range and touch; around 25% of consumers put these factors first. |
| Quiet practice | Check the headphone socket on the exact version, and whether one or two listeners need to be able to plug in at the same time. | If other people are nearby, I want to be able to practise without disturbing them; around 25% of consumers give headphone use their highest priority. |
| Practice aids and accessories | Check whether a metronome, suitable pedal and the required stand are included in each package. | If I want to get started with tempo exercises and pedal use straight away, I look at both the features and what’s included in the package; around 19% of consumers prioritise having everything included. |
Common buying mistakes
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Measuring only the depth of the piano body
The body dimensions don’t tell you how much space you’ll need for the music rest, bench and player together. Casio specifies a body depth of 232 mm for the CDP-S110; Yamaha gives a depth of 320 mm for the P-145 with the music rest.
Measure the complete setup before buying, and remember to allow space to move around it.
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Assuming a pedal or stand is included
What’s included varies by model and offer. Casio lists an SP-3 pedal with the CDP-S110; Yamaha lists the LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145 as optional.
Check exactly what’s included with the version you want to buy, and make sure any accessories you need are compatible.
If a suitable pedal or stand isn’t included, you may need to arrange a compatible one separately.
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Assuming Bluetooth or two headphone sockets based on a general brand description
Roland says Bluetooth availability for the FP-10 depends on the country of purchase. Kawai specifies two headphone sockets for the ES120 in particular, so don’t assume another model offers the same feature.
Check the features and number of sockets for the exact model and version you’re considering.
Relevant brands to consider
Yamaha
Yamaha describes the P-145 as a portable entry-level piano with 88 weighted GHC keys, designed for playing the piano in a limited space.
- Yamaha specifies a width of 1.326 mm and a depth of 268 mm for the P-145, or 320 mm with the music rest.
- The LP-5A three-pedal unit is optional, so check whether it’s included in your chosen package.
Roland
Roland lists an 88-key PHA-4 keyboard, speakers, headphone use, a metronome and Twin Piano among the FP-10’s features.
- Twin Piano is a listed practice feature for playing side by side.
- Roland says Bluetooth availability depends on the country of purchase. Check this for the version sold in the Netherlands.
Casio
Casio presents the CDP-S110 as a portable option when depth is limited.
- Casio gives the body depth as 232 mm and lists an SP-3 pedal and a PHONES/OUTPUT socket as included.
- The body dimensions don’t automatically include the music rest, stand or playing space. App features require a compatible device and connection.
Kawai
Kawai lists two headphone sockets for the ES120, along with practice features such as a metronome and recording.
- The two sockets may be useful if two people want to listen quietly at the same time.
- Kawai lists a weight of 12,5 kg and offers a stand and upgraded pedal options as accessories. Compare the key feel with other models based on your own preferences.
Product picks at Joybuy
These product picks are 61-key models with features for quiet practice and rhythm practice. Check that the keyboard range suits your hymn and any accompaniment.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys
Could suit you if you’re looking for a portable instrument with a headphone output and metronome for quiet tempo practice.
The product information lists 61 touch-sensitive, weighted keys, a metronome, a headphone socket, USB-MIDI and recording.
The name also mentions 300 tones, 300 rhythms and a music stand. Check that the keyboard range suits your sheet music.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys
Could suit you if you’re looking for a 61-key instrument with a headphone socket and metronome for practising at home.
The product information lists a metronome, headphone socket, beginner lesson function, recording and USB-MIDI.
The product name mentions 500 tones, 300 rhythms, speakers and a music stand. Check that the range is sufficient for the melody and any accompaniment.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always need 88 keys for a single hymn melody?
Not necessarily: compare the highest and lowest notes in your melody and any accompaniment with the available keyboard range. Yamaha lists 88 keys for the P-145, as does Roland for the FP-10. Choose a range that suits what you want to play.
How do I use a metronome when practising?
Start by practising the passage at a tempo that lets you follow the notes, then use the metronome to keep a steady beat. Roland lists a built-in metronome for the FP-10; it’s a practice feature, not a guarantee that you’ll learn a melody faster.
What if the pedal or stand is missing when my order arrives?
Before buying, check which parts are included with the version on offer. Casio lists an SP-3 pedal with the CDP-S110; Yamaha lists the LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145 as optional. If the delivery differs from what was agreed, contact the seller.
What cooling-off period and warranty apply to an online purchase in the Netherlands?
For eligible online consumer purchases, ACM ConsuWijzer generally states that you have up to 14 days after delivery to change your mind, although exceptions apply. The Government of the Netherlands says there is no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands and that you’re entitled to a product that works as it should. If a product is faulty, contact the seller.
What should I check for electrical product safety?
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency explains that the applicable CE requirements depend on the type of device, and that more than one set of rules may apply. For a specific model, check the version, power supply and product information intended for the Dutch market. A model name alone doesn’t establish compliance.