Who is this choice relevant to?

Pianist refining their scales

You’re practising fingering, evenness and dynamics in minor scales, and want to assess the keyboard’s feel for yourself.

User of a shared practice space

You want to listen on your own and check that the headphone connection suits the way you practise.

Pianist setting up a studio

You move the piano or connect it to a shared listening setup, so its dimensions, weight, outputs and included accessories all matter.

What should you consider when choosing?

This table is for consumers considering a digital piano for practising minor scales in a rehearsal studio; each row covers one key priority.

Consideration What to look for when buying Who is this more important for?
Key feel and range Yamaha lists 88 keys for the P-225, as does Roland for the FP-30X. Try the exact model to assess its feel (Yamaha; Roland). I want to practise minor scales with both hands and across the range I need; around 33% of consumers prioritise key feel and range.
Listening in a shared studio Roland lists two headphone outputs for the FP-30X; Korg lists a PHONES connection for the B2+. Also check that the connection is compatible with the studio equipment you need to use (Roland; Korg). If I want to practise with headphones while others are using the room, listening on my own is a priority; around 27% of consumers place emphasis on this.
Rhythm and playback Kawai lists an adjustable metronome and song recorder for the ES120; Yamaha lists MIDI recording for the P-225. Check how the controls work and exactly what you can play back (Kawai; Yamaha). I want to set the tempo or review my playing as I practise; around 20% of consumers put practice feedback first.
Positioning and connections Measure the space, including the stand and pedal. Kawai lists separate Line Out connections for the ES120; check they’re compatible with your studio equipment (Kawai). When I move the piano or connect it to the studio equipment, I want to know whether the setup will work in practice; around 20% of consumers make positioning and connections their main consideration.

Pitfalls to avoid when buying

  • Choosing a shorter instrument without checking its range

    The Joybuy product page for the MLS-931 lists 61 keys. That range may be limiting if you want to practise scales across more octaves.

    Compare the stated number of keys with the scales and number of octaves you want to play; don’t rely on the category name alone.

  • Assuming the stand and pedal are always included

    Yamaha lists the LP-1/FC35 three-pedal unit as optional for the P-225. Korg says the B2+ includes a sustain pedal, while the stand is sold separately.

    Check what’s included in the offer and whether any separately sold parts are compatible with your chosen piano.

  • Assuming a headphone output is the studio connection you need

    The models described have different connections for headphones and external audio equipment.

    Before buying, compare the connection on the exact model with the input on your studio equipment.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

The P-225 is a useful point of comparison if you’re looking for a portable piano with 88 keys and a GHC keyboard.

  • Yamaha lists the P-225 as 1.326 mm wide and weighing 11,5 kg, with MIDI recording.
  • The LP-1/FC35 three-pedal unit is optional, so check what’s included in the offer you choose. These specifications alone don’t tell you how the keys will feel to you.

Roland

The FP-30X is worth considering if you want to combine an 88-key piano with headphones and a studio setup.

  • Roland lists a PHA-4 Standard keyboard, two headphone outputs and separate outputs for external powered speakers.
  • Stands and pedal setups are optional, so check which parts are included in the offer you choose.

Kawai

The ES120 is a useful point of comparison if you want to look at practice features and connections for studio equipment.

  • Kawai lists an adjustable metronome, song recorder and separate Line Out connections for the ES120.
  • Check how the features are operated and whether the Line Out connections are compatible with the equipment in your rehearsal space.

Korg

The B2+ is a useful point of comparison if you want to check which parts come with the instrument.

  • Korg lists a PHONES connection and an included adapter, music rest and sustain pedal.
  • The STB1 stand and PU-2 pedal unit are sold separately. Check that the PHONES/Line Out connection suits your studio setup.

Casio

The Privia PX-S1100 is worth considering if the available depth of the space is a key limitation.

  • Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm and an 88-key keyboard with hammer action.
  • The stated depth is for the cabinet; allow space for the stand, pedal and player too.

Joybuy product

A shorter keyboard for scale practice that fits within its range; it isn’t an equivalent substitute for every exercise on an 88-key piano.

MLS-931 digital piano with 61 keys, black

MLS-931 digital piano with 61 keys

This model is suitable only if the scales you want to practise fit within its 61-key range.

Weighted keyboard; headphone connection; built-in speakers.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do I need 88 keys to practise minor scales?

Not for every exercise: check the range and number of octaves you want to play. Yamaha, Roland, Kawai and Korg list models with 88 keys; the Joybuy product page for the MLS-931 lists 61 keys. You should also try the keyboard yourself to see how it feels.

What should I check when positioning and connecting the piano in the studio?

Measure the available space, including the stand, room for the seat and pedal, and check which connection you need. Roland lists separate outputs for external powered speakers on the FP-30X, Kawai lists separate Line Out connections on the ES120, and Korg lists a combined PHONES/Line Out connection on the B2+.

What should I check when using a shared practice space?

Before use, check that the power supply, pedal and headphones are connected properly, and put away any loose parts afterwards. What’s included varies by model and offer; Korg, for example, lists a sustain pedal with the B2+, but the stand is sold separately.

What are your rights when buying online in the Netherlands?

For many distance purchases made by consumers, you have a 14-day cooling-off period; the Dutch government explains the conditions. You’re also entitled to a product that meets legal requirements. According to the Dutch government, there’s no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands, and the seller is your point of contact if a product is faulty.

Is a CE mark an independent safety approval?

No. For products covered by the relevant harmonised EU rules, the manufacturer uses the CE mark to indicate that the product complies with those rules. According to the European Union, there is no central EU body that issues a general permit or certificate for this; check the specific product’s compliance.