Piano accompanist learning hymns
You mainly practise touch, chords and transitions on the piano, and want to play at home with headphones too. Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys for the P-145BT; Roland lists an 88-key keyboard for the FP-30X.
Who is this guide for?
Player who also practises organ parts
You’re looking for a specifically named church organ sound and may want to practise in a different key. A digital piano with an organ sound doesn’t automatically replicate the controls or pedals of a church organ.
Home musician who records rehearsals
You want to listen back to the parts you’ve played or edit them using software. So, distinguish between MIDI data, a built-in MIDI recording and a recording of the instrument’s sound.
What should you look for?
First decide whether piano playing, a particular organ sound or recording is your main priority. Then check that the connections and complete setup meet your needs.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard feel | If possible, try the keyboard; check the number of keys, the keyboard action and which pedals come with the instrument or bundle. | If you mainly practise chords, touch and transitions on the piano, you’ll want a keyboard that suits the way you play. Around 31% of consumers put playing feel first. |
| Church organ sound | Check the exact sound name and any transpose function in the manual for the complete model number. | If you also practise organ parts, a specifically named church organ sound is more relevant than a general mention of organ sounds. Around 25% of consumers put this sound first. |
| Recording and studio use | Decide whether you want to capture MIDI data, a built-in recording or the sound of the instrument itself. Check the connections and any software or equipment you’ll need. | If you want to listen back to parts or edit them in software, it matters whether you need MIDI or audio. Around 25% of consumers put recording first. |
| Quiet practice and setup | Check the number of headphone sockets, the instrument’s dimensions and what stand and pedals are included in the offer. | If you want to practise quietly at home or have limited space, the whole playing area needs to fit, not just the keyboard. Around 19% of consumers put a compact, quiet setup first. |
Common buying mistakes
-
Confusing USB-MIDI with audio recording
For the Kawai ES120, Kawai describes USB-MIDI as a way to transfer performance data. You’ll need a separate audio connection to record the sound you hear from the instrument.
Before buying, decide whether you want to edit the notes or capture the piano’s actual sound. Check the connections and any additional equipment you’ll need.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The P series includes options for those who mainly play piano, including the P-145BT and the more fully specified P-225.
- Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys and Bluetooth audio for playback from a mobile device for the P-145BT.
- The P-225 specifications include features such as split mode and a two-track MIDI recorder. Don’t assume these features are available on the P-145BT without checking.
Roland
The FP-30X is a portable piano worth comparing if keyboard feel, headphone use and external audio connections matter to you.
- Roland lists a PHA-4 Standard 88-key keyboard, two headphone outputs and separate outputs for powered speakers for the FP-30X.
- Compatible stands and pedals aren’t automatically included with every bundle, so check the specific offer.
Kawai
The ES120 is worth considering if you want to combine piano playing with a specifically named church organ sound and MIDI use in a home studio.
- Kawai lists the ‘Church Organ’ sound, USB-MIDI and separate line outputs for the ES120. MIDI and audio use different connections.
- A matching furniture stand and a triple pedalboard are listed as accessories; check whether they’re included in the bundle you choose.
Casio
The European Privia PX-S1100BK is an option to compare if the available depth for your setup is a key consideration.
- Casio specifies a cabinet depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100BK and provides a jazz organ sound sample.
- A jazz organ sample doesn’t confirm that the model has a church organ sound. Check the sound list if that’s your main reason for buying.
Digital pianos at Joybuy
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is USB-MIDI enough to record the sound of my piano as an audio file?
No, USB-MIDI alone doesn’t record the sound you hear from the piano. Kawai describes USB-MIDI on the ES120 as transferring MIDI messages for uses such as software recording. For audio, check for a separate connection, such as the line outputs listed by Kawai, and the recording equipment you’ll need.
Can I practise a hymn quietly with someone else?
Yes, with suitable headphones on models with two headphone outputs. Roland lists two outputs for the FP-30X, while Kawai lists dual headphone sockets for the ES120. Check that the connections work with the headphones you want to use.
Do portable pianos always come with a stand and three pedals?
No, don’t assume they do. Yamaha lists the LP-5A triple-pedal unit for the P-145BT as optional; Kawai lists a furniture stand and triple pedalboard for the ES120 as accessories. Check what’s included in the specific bundle.
What cooling-off period and warranty apply to an online purchase in the Netherlands?
According to the Dutch government, a 14-day cooling-off period applies in many cases to distance purchases; this doesn’t cover an online purchase from a private individual. In the Netherlands, goods are also covered by a statutory guarantee that they’ll be of satisfactory quality, with no fixed statutory guarantee period. If a product is faulty, contact the seller.
Can I share a recording of a copyrighted hymn publicly?
According to the Dutch government, a private copy for personal use must not be distributed or made public. Before publishing copyrighted music, check which rights and permissions apply to your performance and any source material you’ve used. Practising in private isn’t the same as sharing something publicly.