Start with the keyboard and pedal function. Compare how the exact model feels when playing soft and powerful chords, as specifications can’t tell you which key action will suit you. Headphones are useful when you’re practising close to others, but key and pedal noise may still be audible. If space is limited, factor in the dimensions of the complete set-up too. If you often play electric piano sounds, check which sounds and connections the model offers.
If you want to practise the dynamics and placement of jazz chords, compare the key action and pedal function of the exact model. Yamaha, Roland and Kawai list different keyboard types for their respective models.
Headphones let you listen to the electronic sound privately, but they won’t necessarily eliminate key and pedal noise. Roland and Kawai list headphone sockets for their models; check the mechanical noise in the room itself too.
Measure not just the piano, but also the stand, pedal, seating and space to move around. If you also switch between piano and electric piano sounds, you may want to factor in the sounds available on a model; Nord describes these sound categories for the Piano 6.
When choosing a digital piano for jazz voicings in a loft, the main considerations are key action, practising with others in mind, available space and the sounds and pedal options you want.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Key action and control over voicings | Compare the exact keyboards and play the same soft and powerful chords; pay attention to the response when repeating notes too. | I want to play both soft and powerful chords with control, so I focus particularly on the keyboard’s response. Around 28% of consumers make key action and control over voicings their top priority. |
| Practising with headphones | Check the number of outputs and the plug type. Also test whether the keys, pedal and floor remain audible in your finished set-up. | When I practise close to other people in my home, I want to hear the electronic sound through headphones while also accounting for mechanical noise. Around 28% of consumers prioritise quiet practice above the other considerations. |
| Space for the set-up | Measure the available width and depth, including the stand, music rest, pedal, seating and space to move around. Yamaha lists a cabinet depth of 272 mm for the P-225; Casio gives a depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100BK. | With limited space, I want to know how much room the complete playing set-up will take up, not just how compact the instrument looks. Around 22% of consumers make available space their top priority. |
| Sounds and pedal use | Check which pedal function comes with the model and whether it supports half-pedalling. Compare the piano and electric piano sounds you want too. | If I want to use sustain, pedal nuance and electric piano sounds, I compare these features for each model and version. Around 22% of consumers prioritise switching sounds and pedal use. |
A general description doesn’t tell you on its own what mechanism an instrument has or how its key action will feel.
Check the full model number, the number of keys and the description of the keyboard mechanism. Try the key action if you can.
Headphones replace sound played through the speakers, but that doesn’t mean keys or pedals won’t be audible in your loft. The Dutch government notes that noise nuisance for neighbours can depend on local circumstances.
Test the key and pedal noise where you plan to play. If needed, agree practice times with your neighbours; local rules may also apply.
For the ES120, Kawai distinguishes between the listed F-1SP switch pedal and compatible pedal options that support half-pedalling.
Check which pedal function comes with the version you’ve chosen and whether it suits the pedal technique you want to practise.
The P-225 is a portable, piano-focused digital piano worth comparing if you’re looking for an 88-key keyboard.
The FP-30X is a portable option worth comparing if keyboard feel and practising with headphones are important to you.
The ES120 is a portable option worth comparing for piano playing with headphone and pedal features.
The Privia PX-S1100BK is worth comparing if cabinet depth is a key constraint.
The Nord Piano 6 is a stage piano to consider if you regularly switch between piano and electric piano sounds.
Not necessarily: headphones replace sound played through the speakers, but you should check key and pedal noise in your actual set-up. The Dutch government advises agreeing arrangements first if neighbours are affected by noise; local municipal by-laws may also apply in many areas.
It depends on the model, version and function you want. For the ES120, Kawai distinguishes between the F-1SP switch pedal and compatible options that support half-pedalling. So check which pedal function comes with the version you’ve chosen.
Measure the space for the instrument as well as the stand, music rest, pedal, seating and room to move around. For the P-225, Yamaha lists separate depth measurements for the cabinet and for the piano with the music rest.
When you buy online from a business, you’re often entitled to a 14-day cooling-off period, subject to legal exceptions. You’re also entitled to a product that is fit for purpose; the Netherlands has no fixed statutory warranty period, and you can contact the seller if there’s a fault. The Dutch government explains these consumer rights.
