Melody player with neighbours
You want to practise regularly without the amplified piano sound carrying through your loft. Headphones can help, but Kawai notes that the mechanical sound of the keys may still be audible.
Who is this for?
Beginner pianist
You want to learn folk melodies and perhaps accompany them with both hands later on. Compare the keyboard and touch response of the exact model with what you’ll need for your lessons.
Player short on space
You want to be able to position or move your piano without overlooking the space needed for the stand, music rest and seating area. Casio describes the CDP-S110 as having a shallow body, but the cabinet dimensions don’t account for the whole playing setup.
What should you look for?
Choose according to what you need most often: quiet practice, a keyboard for piano playing, a suitable setup or specific practice features.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising with neighbours in mind | Check the headphone socket and, if possible, assess the key noise in a quiet room. | If I practise in shared or poorly soundproofed accommodation, I want to keep the amplified sound down without assuming the keys will be inaudible. Around 33% of consumers put being considerate of neighbours first. |
| Touch response for melody and accompaniment | Try playing a familiar melody both softly and loudly, and practise a simple accompaniment. Check the keyboard type on the exact model. | If you want to learn melodies with varying dynamics and perhaps a left-hand part, it’s worth comparing keyboards. Around 27% of consumers prioritise piano technique. |
| Space for the complete playing setup | Measure the width and depth, including the stand, music rest, bench and room to move. | If space in my loft is limited, I want to know whether I’ll have enough room to sit and play comfortably too. Around 20% of consumers choose mainly according to the space needed for the setup. |
| Practice features | Check whether the metronome, connection or pedal option you want is included with the model or available separately. | If you want to practise with a focus on tempo or use a specific pedal, compare the features before letting those extras determine your choice. Around 20% of consumers put practice features first. |
Common pitfalls
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Assuming headphones eliminate all sound
Headphones stop the amplified piano sound coming through the speakers, but the keys can still make mechanical noise.
Assess the key noise separately, and discuss practice times with housemates or neighbours if that’s needed in your living situation. The Dutch Government advises people dealing with noise from neighbours to agree arrangements together first.
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Measuring only the piano cabinet
The cabinet dimensions don’t tell you how much room you’ll need for the music rest, stand, bench and a comfortable seating position.
Map out the full playing setup and check which parts are included with the model you choose.
You may also need a suitable stand, bench or other setup.
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Assuming Bluetooth supports every connection you need
Bluetooth audio and connecting to an app or via MIDI serve different purposes. Yamaha lists Bluetooth audio for the P-145BT; Roland warns that Bluetooth availability on the FP-10 may depend on the country where you buy it.
Decide whether you want to play audio, use an app or need MIDI, then check that the exact model supports it.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
Yamaha describes the P-145BT as a portable entry-level piano with 88 GHC keys and Bluetooth audio.
- The Dutch model information lists Bluetooth audio and an 88-key keyboard.
- The LP-5A three-pedal unit is optional, so don’t assume it’s included as standard.
Roland
Roland describes the FP-10 as a portable piano with 88 PHA-4 Standard keys, built-in speakers and headphone use.
- Roland lists a built-in metronome.
- The DP-10 pedal is optional. Also check whether Bluetooth is available with the version you’re buying.
Casio
Casio describes the CDP-S110BK as a piano with a shallow body, powered either by mains electricity or batteries, and compatible with the CASIO Music Space app.
- Casio lists an SP-3 sustain pedal and a PHONES/OUTPUT socket as included.
- The cabinet depth doesn’t represent the full playing space required; app features and connectivity depend on the device you use.
Korg
The Korg B2 is worth comparing if you’re looking for an 88-key keyboard with a metronome and headphone output.
- Korg lists a metronome and headphone output for the B2.
- The STB1 stand and PU-2 pedal unit are separate options, so check what’s included in your chosen bundle.
Joybuy products
These products have 61 keys and are designed for practising melodies. Check that this range suits your repertoire, especially if you need an 88-key instrument.
No image available
MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
A 61-key instrument for practising melodies; the product description also mentions a headphone socket for practising without using the speakers.
The description lists a weighted, touch-sensitive keyboard and a metronome.
The instrument has 61 keys, so check that this range suits your repertoire.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black
A 61-key instrument for practising melodies; the product description mentions a headphone socket.
The product name lists a metronome and a music stand.
The instrument has 61 keys, so check that this range suits your repertoire.
Frequently asked questions
Will practising with headphones make my loft quiet for the neighbours?
Not entirely: headphones reduce the amplified sound, but the keys may still be mechanically audible. The Dutch Government advises people dealing with noise from neighbours to agree arrangements together first; this doesn’t establish a single nationwide practice time for every home.
How do I measure whether a digital piano will fit in my loft?
Measure the space for the complete playing setup, not just the piano cabinet. Remember to allow room for the music rest, stand, bench and a comfortable seating position.
Does Bluetooth mean I can connect any piano to an app?
No. Check that the exact model supports the connection you need. Yamaha lists Bluetooth audio for the P-145BT, while Roland says Bluetooth availability on the FP-10 may vary depending on the country where you buy it.
Are pedals and a stand always included?
No, it varies by model and version. Yamaha lists the LP-5A as optional, Roland lists the DP-10 pedal as optional, and Korg lists the STB1 stand and PU-2 pedal unit as separate options. So check what’s included in your chosen bundle.
What are my rights when buying online or if a product is faulty?
According to the Dutch Government, many online purchases from a business come with a 14-day cooling-off period. If a product is faulty, contact the seller; in the Netherlands, there is no fixed statutory warranty period. Check the terms that apply to your purchase.