Start with a keyboard whose touch you can control comfortably, then check whether a metronome or recording function suits the way you practise. Next, make sure the piano, stand and playing position will fit in your loft. Bear in mind that headphones won’t eliminate the mechanical noise of keys and pedals.
You want to repeat patterns in the lower register and are particularly interested in a touch that suits you, a metronome and perhaps the option to listen back to your playing. Yamaha, Roland and Kawai describe models with a range of keyboard and practice features.
You want to practise with headphones, but you also need to consider audible key and pedal noise, as well as vibrations. Roland explains the limitations of settings for reducing mechanical noise; the Dutch government notes that rules on nuisance to neighbours may also depend on local council regulations.
You’re looking for a piano that fits in the space available without making your playing setup unstable. Casio gives the cabinet depth of the PX-S1100; also check that there’s room for the stand, stool and pedal.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should give this extra thought? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and left-hand patterns | Try repeating bass notes and leaps for yourself. Check that the keyboard and its range suit the pieces you practise. | I want to control soft and firm touches when repeating notes; around 36% of consumers give control over touch the highest priority. |
| Noise at home | Check the headphone socket, and test the keys, pedal and placement on the intended floor. | If I practise while housemates or neighbours are at home, I also want to consider noise that headphones won’t eliminate; around 29% of consumers put noise disturbance first. |
| Space and stability | Measure the playing area, including the stool and pedal. Also check which stand is suitable for the model you’ve chosen. | I want to position the piano safely and have enough room to play; around 21% of consumers choose the setup as their main consideration. |
| Practice features | Check whether the piano has a metronome and the recording function you want, and whether they’re easy to use while practising. | If I want to listen back to my tempo and repetitions, these features matter more than extra functions I won’t use; around 14% of consumers give practice aids the highest priority. |
Headphones mean you don’t have to rely on the built-in speakers, but the keys and pedals can still cause mechanical noise and vibrations. Roland Support explains that you can’t completely eliminate this noise through the settings.
Try the piano in the intended spot, and only use any damping material if the piano remains stable.
A suitable noise-dampening surface may take up extra space; check that the setup remains secure.
You’ll also need room in the loft for the player, stool and pedal, as well as a stable stand. The accessories you need will vary by model and offer.
Measure the full playing area and check which parts are included with the exact model.
You may need to buy a suitable stand or pedal unit separately; check what’s included in the bundle before choosing.
The Roland FP-30X manual describes Split as two sound zones across the keyboard. This doesn’t mean every piece automatically plays separate parts for the left and right hands.
Check which function you need and try it with your own practice material.
The P-145 is a portable entry-level piano worth comparing if you’re looking for a straightforward 88-key keyboard.
The portable FP-30X is worth considering if headphone use and practice features are important to you.
The portable ES120 is another option to compare if you want to assess the touch alongside features such as the metronome and recording.
The Privia PX-S1100 is worth considering if the depth of the piano cabinet matters when planning your loft layout.
The B2 is a portable option to look at if you’re after an 88-key keyboard with a metronome.
These Joybuy options have 61 keys and are intended for practice when that range suits your repertoire. Check whether your left-hand pieces need a wider keyboard.
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An option to consider if 61 keys are enough for the pieces you practise; this isn’t a full 88-key keyboard, which some pieces require.
According to the product name: weighted keyboard, headphone socket, music rest, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms and USB-MIDI.
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An option to compare if the listed features suit the way you practise and 61 keys are enough; some pieces require the full 88-key range.
According to the product name: weighted keys, metronome, headphone socket, recording function and music rest.
Headphones mean you don’t have to rely on the built-in speakers, but the keys and pedals can still cause mechanical noise and vibrations. Roland Support recommends checking the placement and only using a noise-dampening surface that keeps the piano stable.
Measure the available space, including the stool and pedal, check which stand suits the exact model, and test its stability. Korg lists a pedal for the B2, while the stand and three-pedal unit are mentioned as accessories.
Using headphones doesn’t automatically mean you can practise at any time without disturbing anyone. According to the Dutch government, nuisance to neighbours may fall under local council regulations; also consider mechanical noise and any rules that apply to your home.
According to the Dutch government, you should contact the seller to resolve the issue. The Netherlands doesn’t have a fixed statutory guarantee period for all products; what you’re entitled to expect depends, among other things, on the product and the sales information.
Check the information for the exact electrical model being sold in the EU. The European Commission explains that CE marking is required when the relevant harmonised EU rules say it is; the product category alone doesn’t confirm every individual claim of conformity.
