Beginner piano student
Would you like to learn a tune now and later practise with a full keyboard and a piano-style touch? Compare the key range and touch of the specific version you’re considering.
Who is this buying guide for?
Quiet home practiser
If you share your loft or live close to neighbours, check whether you can connect headphones. This won’t automatically prevent other people from hearing sounds such as the keys.
Pianist short on floor space
Check whether the piano, music rest, stand and seating will all fit in the available space. The instrument’s dimensions alone don’t tell you how much room the complete setup needs.
What should you look for?
Start with your learning goals and the space available. Then consider how you want to practise and which accessories you’ll need for a complete setup.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who should give this extra thought? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and room to progress | Compare the key range and touch of the specific models; try them out yourself if possible. | If you want to take piano lessons after learning your first tune, look for keys and a touch that will support your progress. Around 31% of consumers say that being able to progress to piano playing is their main concern when buying. |
| Practising without speaker sound | Check whether the model has a headphone output and what type of connection it requires. | If you share your loft with others, you may want to practise without sound coming from the speakers. Around 31% of consumers give this option their highest priority. |
| Space and positioning | Measure the width and depth, allowing for the music rest, stand and seating. | If floor space is limited, you’ll want to know whether the piano, music rest and seating will all fit. Around 23% of consumers put the available space for a setup first. |
| Included accessories | Check what comes with the specific version; distinguish between an included damper pedal and a separate pedal unit or stand. | If you want to create a complete practice space, check in advance which accessories you’ll still need. Around 15% of consumers say included accessories are their main concern when buying. |
Common mistakes
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Focusing only on the shallow depth
The stated body dimensions don’t necessarily include the music rest, stand or space to sit comfortably. For example, Korg notes that the music rest isn’t included in the stated dimensions of the B2+.
Measure the available width and depth, and map out the complete setup, including seating, before you order.
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Assuming every included pedal is the same
A damper pedal isn’t the same as a three-pedal unit. The STB1 stand and PU-2 pedal unit for the Korg B2+ are sold separately.
Compare what comes with the specific version against what you need for your lessons and setup.
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Assuming headphones guarantee silent practice
Headphones reduce sound from the speakers, but they don’t mean the keys will be completely inaudible or that you won’t need to agree practice times.
Consider your living situation and, if necessary, agree arrangements with housemates or neighbours. The Dutch Government advises neighbours to discuss noise and agree arrangements together.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The P-145 is a portable model worth considering if you’re looking for a compact setup with 88 keys.
- Yamaha lists the P-145 as 1.326 mm wide and 268 mm deep without the music rest.
- The LP-5A three-pedal unit is optional; the dimensions alone don’t tell you how the keys feel to play.
Roland
The FP-30X is a portable model to compare if the PHA-4 Standard keyboard and headphone practice are important to you.
- Roland lists two headphone outputs.
- A compatible stand and a more comprehensive pedal setup are options to consider separately. Try the keys yourself if their feel will influence your choice.
Casio
The CDP-S110 is worth considering if the depth of your available space is a key constraint.
- Casio lists a body depth of 232 mm, a PHONES/OUTPUT socket and an included SP-3 pedal.
- Its shallow depth doesn’t prove that the complete setup, including the music rest and seating, will fit.
Korg
Compare the portable B2+ with the B2SP bundle if you’re deciding between a standalone instrument and a setup with a stand.
- Korg lists the B2+ as having 88 NH keys, a headphone socket and an included damper pedal.
- The STB1 stand and PU-2 pedal unit are available separately; the B2SP is a different bundle that includes a stand and three pedals.
Kawai
The ES120 is a portable model to compare if you’re considering an optional fixed setup.
- Kawai lists a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard and the optional HML-2 stand and F-351 three-pedal unit.
- When you buy, check which version and accessories are included in the offer.
Joybuy products for practising a tune
The Joybuy products below are 61-key keyboards for practising a tune. They’re not the same as 88-key models, which are better suited to anyone looking to develop their piano technique.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
An option for practising a tune if you’re looking for a keyboard with a headphone socket. Its 61 keys don’t offer the 88-key range needed to develop your piano technique further.
Weighted keyboard, 300 tones, 300 rhythms, LCD, USB-MIDI, speakers, headphone socket and music rest.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys
Suitable for practising a tune if you’re looking for features such as a metronome and recording function. With 61 keys, this model doesn’t offer the 88-key range needed to develop your piano technique further.
MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music rest.
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Keyboard piano set, 61 keys, with stand and bench
A set for creating a place to sit and practise a tune. Bear in mind that 61 keys don’t offer the 88-key range needed to develop your piano technique further.
Stand, bench and music rest; 300 tones, 300 rhythms, three-step learning mode, LCD and USB-MIDI.
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Keyboard set, 61 keys, with stand and stool
An option if you’d like a stand and stool for your practice space. Its 61 keys don’t offer the 88-key range needed to develop your piano technique further.
500 tones, three-step learning mode, dual speakers and LCD.
Frequently asked questions
Are headphones enough to let you practise in your loft at any time?
No. Headphones don’t give you a general right to practise at any time. The Dutch Government advises neighbours to discuss music noise and agree arrangements together; you should also follow any arrangements that apply in your own home.
Do you need to buy a pedal and stand for the Korg B2+?
According to Korg, the B2+ includes a damper pedal, music rest and adapter; the STB1 stand and PU-2 pedal unit are sold separately. Check what’s included with the specific version you’re ordering.
How can you maintain a digital piano safely?
Follow the manual for the specific model. For the P-145BT, Yamaha’s instructions include using the specified voltage and adapter, and unplugging the instrument before cleaning it. Don’t assume these model-specific instructions apply to another piano without checking.
What can you do if the piano turns out to be faulty?
If you bought as a consumer in the Netherlands, you’re entitled to a product that works properly, and the seller must provide a solution if it’s faulty, according to the Dutch Government. The Netherlands doesn’t have a fixed, general statutory warranty period; what you can expect also depends on the product.
Can you return a digital piano bought online?
For a standard online purchase from a business, the Dutch Government says you’ll generally have a 14-day cooling-off period. Check the terms that apply to your specific order.