Who is this choice relevant to?

Pianist practising touch

You want to work on the phrasing, dynamics and repeated notes in a recital piece, so you’re comparing the feel of specific 88-key models.

Loft-dweller who wants to practise quietly

You want to practise at quieter times and are looking for an instrument with a headphone socket, without assuming that this will make the keys and pedal silent.

Player short on space

You have limited room for the instrument, music stand, stand and seat, but want to keep the key range your piece requires.

What should you look for?

Start with the key range and touch that suit your recital piece. Then measure the whole playing area and check what pedal equipment you need. If you’re concerned about noise for your neighbours, assess your practice set-up separately.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this most important for?
Touch and key range Compare your piece with the range and touch of the specific model. Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys for the P-145BT; Roland specifies 88 keys for the FP-10, and Kawai 88 keys for the ES120. If I want to practise the dynamics and repeated notes in my recital piece, I want to assess the keyboard itself. Around 31% of consumers put touch and range first.
Practising with headphones Check the socket and test whether the keys and pedal can still be heard. Roland describes headphone use with the FP-10; according to the Dutch Government, local council rules may be relevant if neighbours are disturbed. If I practise in a shared building or at a quiet time, I want to avoid sound from the speakers without assuming that the whole set-up will be silent. Around 31% of consumers give top priority to practising without sound from the speakers.
Space for the set-up Measure the instrument, music stand, stand, seat and room to move around together. Yamaha lists the P-145BT as 1.326 mm wide and 268 mm deep without a music stand; Casio gives the PX-S1100 a depth of 232 mm. If my loft has little suitable space, I want to know whether I can sit and play comfortably without giving up the range I need. Around 19% of consumers put available space first.
Pedal and complete set-up Check which pedal suits your piece and what is included with the specific model. Yamaha lists the LP-5A three-pedal unit as optional; Roland lists the DP-10 for half-pedalling as optional. If my piece calls for a specific pedalling technique, I want to know whether the right pedal is included in the set-up. Around 19% of consumers put the pedal and complete set-up first.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming that a keyboard with ‘piano’ in its name has a full piano keyboard

    According to the product information, the Joybuy MLS-931 has 61 keys. That’s a different range from the 88-key digital pianos featured in this comparison.

    Check the range your piece requires and try it on the specific model before you decide.

  • Assuming an optional pedal is included

    Manufacturers describe pedal add-ons for models such as the Yamaha P-145BT and Roland FP-10 as optional.

    Compare what’s included in the offer with the pedalling technique your piece calls for, such as half-pedalling or using multiple pedals.

  • Expecting headphones to make the entire set-up silent

    Headphones can prevent sound coming from the speakers, but they don’t tell you whether the keys, pedal or contact noise will still be audible at home.

    Test the set-up at your usual practice time and talk to your neighbours if there’s a disturbance.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

The P-145BT is a portable option to compare if you’re looking for a piano-focused keyboard.

  • Yamaha specifies 88 GHC keys for the P-145BT.
  • The LP-5A three-pedal unit is optional, so check whether the offer includes the pedal you want.

Roland

The FP-10 is a portable digital piano to compare if an 88-key keyboard and practising with headphones are important to you.

  • Roland specifies a PHA-4 Standard keyboard with 88 keys for the FP-10.
  • The DP-10 for half-pedalling is optional. Roland warns that Bluetooth may vary by country of sale, so check the version sold in the Netherlands.

Casio

The PX-S1100 is an option to compare if the instrument’s depth matters and you want to keep a full key range.

  • Casio specifies 88 hammer-action keys and an instrument depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100.
  • The instrument’s dimensions don’t show how much total space you’ll need for the stand, music stand, seat and player.

Kawai

The portable ES120 is worth comparing if an 88-key keyboard and pedal options are important to you.

  • Kawai specifies Responsive Hammer Compact and 88 keys for the ES120.
  • Check which pedal and accessories are included with the specific offer in the Netherlands.

Joybuy products

These compact 61-key keyboards may suit you if space and headphone use are important. That’s not the same range as 88 keys, so check whether it works for your recital piece.

MLS-931 digital keyboard, 61 keys

MLS-931 digital keyboard, 61 keys

The product name mentions a weighted keyboard and headphone socket; check whether the range and touch suit your piece.

The product name lists 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers and a music stand.

Joybuy
Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black

Electronic keyboard, 61 keys

The product description mentions a headphone socket; try the keyboard and check whether its range suits your recital piece.

The product information lists a built-in metronome and music stand.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Are headphones enough to practise in your loft without disturbing anyone?

Headphones can prevent sound coming from the speakers if the model has a suitable socket. The keys, pedal and contact noise may still be audible, so test the set-up at home and talk to your neighbours if there’s a disturbance.

Do you need three pedals for your recital piece?

That depends on the pedal notation and technique in your piece. Check the score, then check what’s included with the exact model: Yamaha lists the LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145BT as optional, and Roland lists the DP-10 for half-pedalling on the FP-10 as optional.

What should you check before putting the piano in your loft?

Measure the space with the music stand, stand, seat and pedal in place, and check that the set-up fits securely. The stated depth of an instrument is just a product measurement, not the total space you’ll need.

What are your rights when buying a digital piano online?

According to the Dutch Government, distance purchases usually come with a 14-day cooling-off period, although exceptions may apply. In the Netherlands, there is no fixed statutory two-year guarantee for products that meet requirements. If a product is faulty, the seller must provide a solution.

Can you practise the piano at any time in your loft?

The Dutch Government’s national guidance does not specify generally permitted practice hours. Disturbing neighbours may be covered by local council rules, so check the rules and any agreements that apply to your council area and building.