Start by thinking about how you want to practise left-hand accompaniment: with a metronome and playback, with different sounds for each hand, or by recording to a computer. Then compare the key action and feel of the pedal for yourself, and check the connections and space you have available. Split divides sounds across sections of the keyboard, but it does not automatically mean that the left and right hands are recorded separately.
You want to practise accompaniment patterns in time, listen back to them and combine them with your right hand later. Yamaha, Kawai and Roland describe features such as split and recording; check separately which models offer multi-track recording.
You want to assess the effect of dynamics and pedal use on bass notes and chords. Specifications help you compare models, but playing one yourself is still important for judging how the keyboard feels.
You want to set up a piano and connect it to recording equipment or software, perhaps somewhere where practising with headphones would be useful. Kawai, Roland and Casio list connections or dimensions that may help you make your choice.
First decide how you want to practise and record your accompaniment. Then test the key action and check that the connections and setup suit your home studio.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising and listening back to your left hand | Check the metronome, recording function, number of tracks and split function separately. Yamaha lists one two-track MIDI song for the P-225. | If I want to practise and listen back to an accompaniment pattern on its own, I need to know exactly what the recorder captures. Around 33% of consumers prioritise practice features for this. |
| Key action and pedal feel | Play the same pattern on different keyboards and check which pedal options and extensions are compatible with the model. | If you mainly want to assess dynamics and pedal feel with bass notes and chords, it’s worth trying the piano for yourself. Around 27% of consumers give key action and pedal feel top priority. |
| Connecting to your home studio | Decide whether you need MIDI note data, audio or both, then compare the piano’s connections with those on your computer and audio equipment. Kawai lists Bluetooth MIDI and stereo line outputs for the ES120; Roland lists separate outputs for the FP-30X. | If I want to record using software, I need to know whether I need MIDI, audio or both. Around 20% of consumers rank studio connectivity above their other buying priorities. |
| Space and practising with headphones | Measure the space, including the stand and room for your seat. Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100BK; using headphones does not necessarily eliminate audible key or contact noise. | If you want to fit a piano into a small space or practise with headphones, remember to consider the whole setup and the noise around you. Around 20% of consumers prioritise space and quiet practice. |
Split divides sounds across sections of the keyboard, but it does not by itself create separately playable recording parts.
Check the recording function and number of tracks separately. Yamaha lists split and two-track MIDI recording as separate features on the P-225.
These connections and features can serve different purposes. Models offer different connections, so don’t assume they’ll suit your recording workflow without checking the signal path.
Work out whether you want to use MIDI, audio or both, then compare your needs with the connections on the exact model.
You may need extra cables or a different audio or MIDI setup for the signal path you choose.
The stand, pedals and space for your seat all take up room too. Manufacturers may also list accessories that are not necessarily included with every offer.
Measure your complete playing area and check which stand and pedals are included with the specific version.
You may need to buy a separate stand or pedal extension if it is not included with the version you choose.
The P-225 is worth comparing if you’re looking for a compact practice piano with split and built-in MIDI recording.
The ES120 combines practice features with connections that may suit a home studio.
The FP-30X is worth looking into if you want to compare split, recording and connections for active speakers.
The B2 is worth considering if you’re looking for a weighted-key piano with a metronome.
The PX-S1100BK may be worth considering if cabinet depth is an important factor when choosing where to put your piano.
No. Split only divides sounds across the left- and right-hand sections of the keyboard. Check the recording function and number of tracks separately; Yamaha specifies two MIDI recording tracks for the P-225.
First decide whether you want to record MIDI note data, audio or both, then check the connections on the exact model. Kawai lists Bluetooth MIDI and separate stereo line outputs for the ES120; Korg lists USB-B and a combined headphone/line-out socket for the B2.
Follow the manual for the exact model. For the ES120, Kawai instructs users to use the specified mains voltage and to switch off and unplug the instrument if there is smoke or an unusual smell. These are the manufacturer’s instructions for that model.
For an online consumer purchase covered by the rules, you generally have up to 14 days after delivery to change your mind; exceptions may apply. ACM ConsuWijzer explains this cooling-off period. If a product is faulty, contact the seller; according to the Dutch government, the Netherlands does not have a fixed statutory warranty period of two years.
