Student practising left-hand technique
Wants to practise bass patterns and rhythm separately first, then combine them with the right hand. ABRSM and Yamaha Music describe practising hands separately as a way to work on technique and tempo.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Player practising in a shared room
Wants to be considerate of others, so looks at headphone sockets, available space and whether the piano needs to be moved. Roland and Kawai describe models with features suited to these considerations.
Teacher or manager of a permanent practice space
May be looking for a permanent setup where stability, pedals and playing together matter more than portability. Korg specifies three pedals and two headphone sockets, among other features, for the LP-380U.
What should you look for when choosing?
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and key range | Play your left-hand pattern on the exact keyboard and compare its range with your learning materials. | I want to practise bass patterns on a keyboard suited to my learning materials and judge the touch for myself. Around 36% of consumers make touch and range their main priority. |
| Quiet practice | Check for a headphone socket and whether one or two listeners need to connect at the same time. | If I share a room, I want to listen to the piano through headphones without disturbing others. Around 29% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Placement and portability | Measure the available width and depth, and check the weight against the setup you use. | I need to allow for the room being used in different ways and want to know whether the piano, stand and seating will fit. For around 21% of consumers, placement or portability comes first. |
| Pedals and a fixed setup | Compare the pedals you need with what’s included, and check which accessories are compatible. | My learning materials may require a suitable pedal setup, and a permanent space makes a furniture-style setup possible. Around 14% of consumers value a fixed setup with pedals above all. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a split function mutes the right hand
A split function divides the keyboard into sections for different sounds, but it won’t automatically remove the right-hand part from a recorded piece of music.
Check which practice or playback features the exact model has. To practise separately, you can play the part yourself and use a metronome if you wish.
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Comparing the piano on its own
Some portable models list a stand or more extensive pedal setup as optional accessories. The Korg LP-380U, by contrast, comes with three pedals.
Compare the contents of the exact version and check that the stand and pedals you want are compatible.
A suitable stand or upgraded pedal may need to be bought separately.
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Confusing a shallow cabinet with a small instrument
An 88-key piano can still take up a lot of width, even if its cabinet is slim. Yamaha lists the P-145 as 1.326 mm wide.
Measure the available width and depth, and allow for the space you’ll need to play.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
The portable P-145 is worth considering if you’re looking for an 88-key piano and need to make the most of your available space.
- Yamaha lists the P-145 as having a keyboard with 88 GHC keys.
- The LP-5A three-pedal unit is optional. The specified key type alone won’t tell you how the keyboard will feel to play.
Roland
The portable FP models are worth comparing if touch-sensitive practice or listening through headphones is important to you.
- Roland specifies that the FP-10 has a keyboard with 88 PHA-4 Standard keys and a built-in metronome. The FP-30X has two headphone outputs, according to Roland.
- Roland lists stands and pedal upgrades as optional for the FP-30X, so check the version you’re considering.
Kawai
The portable ES120 is worth considering if you need to move the piano between practice spaces.
- Kawai lists a weight of 12,5 kg and a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard.
- A matching stand and triple-pedal unit are described as optional accessories.
Casio
The CDP-S110 is worth considering if placement and alternative power options matter to you.
- Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm, mains or battery power, and an SP-3 sustain pedal included in the box.
- A slim cabinet doesn’t mean a shorter key range. Check that the keyboard suits your learning materials and preferred touch.
Korg
The LP-380U is worth considering for a permanent practice space where three pedals are needed.
- Korg specifies 88 RH3 keys, three pedals, a metronome and two headphone sockets.
- The stated weight, including the stand, is 37 kg, which may make it less practical to move regularly.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy picks are portable models with 61 keys. Check that this range suits the learning materials you use for left-hand patterns; a 61-key keyboard doesn’t offer the same range as a full-size piano keyboard.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys
The listed metronome and headphone socket are useful for practising timing and listening privately.
The product name lists weighted keys and 61 keys.
Check whether the key range is sufficient for your learning materials.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys
The listed metronome and headphone socket may suit practising timing and listening privately in a shared room.
The product name lists 61 keys, a metronome and a music rest.
Check that the key range suits the material you want to practise.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a split function to practise with my left hand only?
No, you can play and practise with your left hand separately without a split function. Check any practice or app features separately: splitting the keyboard for two sounds won’t automatically mute the right-hand part of a recording.
What should I check before using a piano in a music room?
Measure the space for the piano, stand and seat. Also check the power supply and headphone socket, and whether the pedal you need for your pieces is included with the version you’re buying or available as a compatible accessory.
How can I practise a tricky left-hand pattern with a metronome?
Practise the part on its own at a slow tempo first, then gradually bring both hands together. A built-in metronome, such as the one Roland specifies for the FP-10, can help you keep time.
Is the statutory warranty in the Netherlands automatically limited to two years?
No. According to ACM ConsuWijzer, statutory warranty in the Netherlands has no fixed term; what you can expect in terms of a product’s lifespan depends on factors including the product and the circumstances. If a product is faulty, the seller is your point of contact for an appropriate solution.
Can I always return a digital piano bought online within 14 days?
For many purchases made online from a business, you have a 14-day cooling-off period. Check whether your purchase is covered by these rules: the Dutch government lists exceptions, and an online purchase from a private seller does not automatically fall under the same rules.