Who is this choice relevant to?

Jazz pianist practising chord balance

Wants to hear and feel how individual notes stand out in a voicing. Online Muziek Academie explains that the third and seventh, as guide tones, help define a chord’s character.

Pianist in a shared living space

Wants to practise with headphones without assuming they’ll also silence the sound of the keys. Roland lists headphone outputs for headphone practice; for noise between neighbours, the Dutch government recommends agreeing on arrangements together first.

Pianist with limited floor space

Needs to fit a complete playing setup and therefore compares the piano with its music rest, stand, seating space and pedal. Manufacturers such as Yamaha, Casio and Korg publish dimensions for specific models.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with a key action that feels comfortable for your voicings. Then measure the full setup and check the connections, pedals and recording features you need for the way you practise.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Quiet practice Check the type and number of headphone sockets, and, if possible, try the instrument in the spot where you plan to use it. If I practise in a shared living space, I want to be able to use headphones without assuming they’ll silence the sound of the keys; quiet practice is the top priority for around 31% of consumers.
Key action and chord balance Play the same soft and loud voicings on different keyboards and listen through your own headphones. When I practise jazz voicings, I want to control soft notes individually and hear the balance between the notes in a chord; around 25% of consumers prioritise key action and chord balance.
Complete setup Measure the available width and depth, allowing for the music rest, stand, seating space and pedal. When space is limited, I want to know whether the setup is ready to play and will fit—not just the piano cabinet. Space is the main concern for around 25% of consumers.
Pedal and practice features Check what’s included in the bundle, pedal compatibility and how you want to record or listen back to your playing. If I want to use sustain or listen back to my playing, I want to know what the model and bundle support; around 19% of consumers prioritise pedal and practice features.

Common things to watch out for

  • Comparing cabinet depth alone

    The space you need can change when you use a music rest. For example, Yamaha lists the P-225 as 272 mm deep without the music rest and 362 mm with it.

    Measure the space with the accessories and playing position you actually plan to use, and check what’s included with the bundle on offer.

  • Assuming an optional three-pedal unit is included

    With the Korg B2+, the included damper pedal and the separately available PU-2 pedal unit are different items.

    Before buying, check what’s included in the bundle and whether the pedal unit you want is compatible.

  • Assuming headphone practice is completely silent

    Headphones mute the speakers, but that doesn’t mean key presses will be inaudible or that your neighbours won’t hear any sound.

    If possible, try the instrument in the spot where you plan to use it. If there’s a noise issue, the Dutch government recommends agreeing on arrangements together first.

Relevant brands to compare

Yamaha

The P-225 is worth comparing if you’re looking for a portable 88-key keyboard with a relatively shallow cabinet.

  • Yamaha lists a GHC keyboard, adjustable touch sensitivity and a maximum polyphony of 192 notes for the P-225.
  • It measures 272 mm deep without the music rest and 362 mm with it. These dimensions won’t tell you whether you’ll enjoy the feel of the keys.

Roland

The FP-30X is worth considering if you want to try out the keyboard and factor in headphone and recording features.

  • Roland lists an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard, two headphone outputs and the ability to record your own playing.
  • Check which stand and pedal options are included with, or compatible with, the specific bundle.

Kawai

The ES120 is worth a look if two headphone sockets and separate line outputs matter to you.

  • Kawai specifies a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard, Dual and Split modes, and a weight of 12.5 kg.
  • Kawai lists the stand and three-pedal unit as accessories. Check their availability and whether they’re included in the bundle for the offer you’re considering.

Casio

The CDP-S110BK is worth considering if a shallow piano cabinet is essential for your practice space.

  • Casio lists 88 keys, a depth of 232 mm, a headphone/output socket and a maximum polyphony of 64 notes.
  • The specifications can’t tell you how the keyboard will feel to you, so try the key action for yourself.

Korg

The B2+ is worth comparing if you’re considering USB-C and the option to add pedals.

  • Korg specifies 88 keys, a maximum polyphony of 120 notes, a USB-C connection and an included damper pedal.
  • The listed depth of 336 mm is without the music rest; the PU-2 pedal unit is sold separately.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How do you compare two pianos for jazz voicings?

Play the same soft and loud chords on both and listen to whether you can bring out individual notes the way you want. Make a note of which key action and sound you prefer; the manufacturers’ names for their keyboards won’t determine that for you.

What should I measure before setting up the piano?

Measure the space for the piano cabinet as well as the music rest, stand, seating area and pedal you plan to use. For example, Yamaha lists different depths for the P-225 with and without the music rest. Check the dimensions for the exact model and setup.

Does the piano come with a full pedal set as standard?

Not necessarily. Korg lists an included damper pedal with the B2+, while the PU-2 pedal unit is sold separately. So check what’s included in the bundle on offer.

Who can help if a product develops a fault after purchase in the Netherlands?

The seller is responsible for the statutory guarantee if a product doesn’t perform as you could reasonably expect under normal use. ACM ConsuWijzer explains that if a product breaks sooner than expected, the seller must put things right free of charge—for example, by repairing or replacing it, or refunding you. What you can reasonably expect in terms of a product’s lifespan depends on the product and the circumstances.

Can I practise with headphones any time and anywhere?

Using headphones doesn’t automatically exempt you from noise rules. The Dutch government recommends agreeing on arrangements with your neighbours first, and suggests contacting your landlord or owners’ association as a possible next step. If necessary, check which rules apply to your home.