For jazz voicings in a practice studio, start by considering the keyboard range and touch response: it needs to suit the notes and two-handed voice leading you want to practise. A portable digital piano with built-in speakers can be handy for practising on your own, while suitable audio outputs are important for connecting to the studio setup. Also check which pedal and connection accessories are included with the exact model and delivery.
You practise chord voicings, voice leading and independence between your hands. Berklee Online describes voice leading as a way to connect notes smoothly between chords, so look for a touch response and range that suit the material you practise.
You switch between practising with headphones and playing through the studio's sound system. Compare the instrument's connections with your setup; Roland, Kawai and Nord list different audio connections for their models.
You want to practise voicings on different piano sounds and perhaps use rhythms or layers. Check the features of the exact model, but also consider whether its touch response and keyboard range suit the way you play piano.
First, decide what you do most often: practise two-handed voicings, connect to the studio sound system, switch between sounds or move the instrument. This will help you compare specifications without mistaking extra features for a keyboard that suits you.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch response and range | Try soft and firm chords, and play with both hands; check the keyboard range and touch-response settings for the exact version. | When I practise voicings with both hands, I want keys that respond comfortably and offer enough range for my repertoire. Around 36% of consumers put touch response and range first for voicings. |
| Connecting to the studio setup | Compare the headphone socket and audio outputs with the available equipment, and check which cables you need. | When I switch between quiet practice and playing through the studio sound system, I want the connections to suit both setups. Around 29% of consumers prioritise compatibility with their studio setup. |
| Sounds and rhythms | Listen to the sounds you actually want to use and try switching between features while practising. | If I want to try voicings on electric piano sounds or with rhythms, those features matter, but they don't replace choosing the right touch response. Around 21% of consumers prioritise sound selection. |
| Moving the piano and pedals | Measure the available space and check the weight, stand, included pedal and compatible accessories for the exact version. | If I move the piano between storage and the practice room, I want to know whether it's practical to set up and which pedal accessories are included. Around 14% of consumers prioritise moving and setting up the piano. |
Having lots of sounds doesn't, in itself, tell you how the keyboard feels when you practise voicings with both hands.
First, try soft and firm touches and practise voice leading with both hands. Then compare the sounds you actually want to use.
Headphones are for a different setup from playing through active speakers or the studio sound system. For the ES120, Kawai advises turning Speaker EQ and Spatial Headphone Sound off when using Line Out.
Compare the piano's outputs with the sound system's inputs and test the signal route you intend to use. You may need a suitable cable or a different listening setup.
Kawai lists an F-1SP switch pedal for the ES120, as well as other compatible pedal accessories. This doesn't mean every delivery includes the same pedal accessories.
Check what's included with the delivery you choose and whether any additional accessories are compatible. You may need to buy a suitable pedal accessory separately.
The P-225 is a portable, piano-focused option to compare if you're looking for an 88-key keyboard and built-in practice features.
The FP-30X is a portable piano to compare if you want to practise using its built-in speakers, headphones or external active speakers.
According to Kawai, the ES120 combines a weighted keyboard with built-in speakers and Line Out connections.
The Privia PX-S3100 is worth comparing if, alongside playing piano, you want to use a wide range of built-in sounds and rhythms.
The Piano 6 is a stage piano range to compare if the studio has a suitable external audio setup and you want to use layers or splits.
This selection includes digital pianos and keyboards with 61 keys and built-in speakers, aimed at practising on your own. Check whether a 61-key range is suitable for the voicings you want to play with both hands.
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Could suit practising on your own if a 61-key keyboard offers enough range for your repertoire.
61 keys; weighted, touch-sensitive keyboard; 300 sounds and 300 rhythms; built-in speakers and headphone socket.
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Could suit you if you want to practise within a 61-key range and use built-in sounds or rhythms.
61 keys; 500 sounds and 300 rhythms; speakers, metronome and recording function.
No, not for regular voicings where you play the notes you want on the same keyboard. Split is useful if you deliberately want to assign two sounds or parts to different keyboard zones; Yamaha Netherlands lists a split function for the P-225, and Nord Keyboards does the same for the Piano 6.
Compare the sound system's inputs with the outputs on the exact instrument, and use suitable cables. For the ES120, Kawai Musical Instruments advises turning Speaker EQ and Spatial Headphone Sound off when using Line Out.
Check what comes with the specific delivery and which accessories are compatible. Kawai Musical Instruments lists an F-1SP switch pedal for the ES120, as well as compatible pedal options, so don't assume a three-pedal unit is included.
No. According to the Dutch government, the Netherlands has no fixed legal guarantee period: a product must be of satisfactory quality for the period you can reasonably expect it to last. If there's a fault, contact the seller; any manufacturer's guarantee is in addition to this.
For eligible consumer purchases made at a distance, the Dutch government says you usually have 14 days to change your mind. Check who the seller is and what returns information applies to your specific purchase; exceptions do apply.
