Jazz pianist practising voicings
You want to practise chords, voice leading and dynamics on a piano keyboard, and would rather judge the key feel for yourself than rely on claims about the sound.
Who is this buying guide for?
Player in an amplified rehearsal
You play the standard with others and need to be able to connect your instrument to the sound system available.
Pianist sharing a studio
You regularly take your instrument with you or practise with headphones when other people are using the room.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, consider whether the keyboard suits the voicings you want to play and how you’ll connect the piano during rehearsals. For the specific version, also check which EU product rules apply and whether the required CE marking is present. The Dutch government and Your Europe explain the relevant product requirements and limits of CE marking.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Key feel and range | Try the key feel of the specific version and play chords across different registers; check the number of keys. | If you want to practise voicings and dynamics, you’ll want to play chords across enough registers and judge the key feel for yourself. Around 33% of consumers put range and key feel at the top of their list. |
| Connecting to the studio | Ask which inputs and cables are available; distinguish line outputs from headphone and USB-MIDI connections. | For rehearsals with others, you’ll want to know in advance whether the piano can connect to the sound system available. For around 27% of consumers, studio connectivity comes first. |
| Transport and placement | Check the weight and dimensions, and whether you have a suitable stand and carrying solution. | If you move the instrument between practice rooms, weight and storage space matter. Around 20% of consumers prioritise transport and placement. |
| Quiet practice and pedals | Check the headphone socket, the required plug size, and whether the pedal you want is included or compatible. | If you share the studio, you’ll want to be able to practise with headphones and know which pedal setup you’ll get. This is the main buying concern for around 20% of consumers. |
Common pitfalls
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Mistaking USB-MIDI for an audio output
USB-MIDI and a line output are different connections. If you want to connect the piano to the sound system, the audio output you choose must match the inputs in the studio.
Ask in advance which inputs and cables are available, and check the connections on the exact model.
You may need extra audio equipment or a suitable cable for a different connection setup.
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Choosing a piano without speakers and no way to hear it
According to Korg, the D1 has no built-in speakers. You won’t hear the instrument without headphones or external amplification.
Choose this option only if the necessary audio equipment is available in the studio or you can provide it yourself.
Allow for the headphones, amplification and suitable cables you’ll need.
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Assuming a pedal shown in a picture is included
Yamaha lists optional three-pedal units for the P-225, and Kawai does the same for the ES120. A product image doesn’t show what’s included with the version you choose.
Check the contents of the exact version and the compatibility of any pedal unit you’re considering.
You may need to buy a compatible pedal unit and a suitable stand separately.
Brands worth comparing
Yamaha
The P-225 is a portable option if you’re looking for a full-size keyboard and practice features.
- Yamaha specifies 88 GHC keys and a weight of 11,5 kg for the P-225.
- The compatible three-pedal unit is optional. Try the key feel for yourself and check which accessories are included.
Roland
The FP-30X is worth considering if you want to compare built-in sound with the option of connecting to external amplification.
- According to Roland, the FP-30X has built-in speakers, headphone sockets and outputs for external amplification.
- These connection options don’t, by themselves, tell you how loud it will be or how it will sound in your rehearsal space.
Kawai
The ES120 is a portable option for comparing a piano keyboard with separate outputs.
- Kawai lists a weight of 12 kg and separate line-outs for the ES120.
- The manufacturer says that specifications and included accessories may vary by market.
Casio
The Privia PX-S1100 is worth considering if the depth of the instrument matters for placement.
- Casio specifies a depth of 232 mm and 88 hammer-action keys for the PX-S1100.
- The dimensions don’t tell you whether the key feel suits your preferences. Try the keyboard and check that it can connect to your studio setup.
Korg
The D1 is an option without built-in speakers for a studio with its own sound equipment.
- Korg lists a weighted RH3 keyboard and line outputs for the D1.
- The D1 has no built-in speakers, so you’ll need headphones or external audio equipment.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy options have 61 keys and built-in speakers. They may suit you if that range is enough; if you need all 88 keys, choose a keyboard with a different range.
No image available
MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
This may suit you if a 61-key keyboard fits the way you practise; it doesn’t offer the range of an 88-key keyboard.
The product name lists a weighted keyboard, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music stand.
No image available
Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
This may suit you if you’re looking for a 61-key instrument; check whether that range is enough for the voicings you want to practise.
The product name lists a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand.
Frequently asked questions
How can you check whether you’ll be able to hear the piano in your rehearsal studio?
Decide whether you want to play through built-in speakers or connect the piano to the studio sound system using an output. Korg describes the D1 as having no built-in speakers; according to Roland and Kawai, the FP-30X and ES120 have built-in sound and outputs for external amplification.
What’s the safest way to clean a digital piano?
Follow the manual for the exact model. For the P-225, Yamaha recommends using a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth, and advises against solvents, alcohol and cleaning products.
Are you always entitled to exactly two years’ warranty in the Netherlands?
No. The legal guarantee doesn’t always have a set duration of exactly two years. According to ACM ConsuWijzer, it depends on what you could reasonably expect from the product. If it develops a fault too soon during normal use, the seller must offer an appropriate solution.
Can you return a digital piano bought online after it’s been delivered?
For an online purchase by a consumer in the Netherlands, the legal cooling-off period is generally 14 days after delivery. Check the terms and any exceptions that apply to your purchase.
Which product safety requirements apply when buying in the Netherlands?
The applicable requirements depend on the EU rules that cover the product. CE marking applies to products covered by specific harmonised EU rules. Check the specific version and its accompanying information, as a brand or model name alone doesn’t confirm compliance.