Who is this choice relevant to?

Musical performer with limited space

You want to accompany a singer or learn a piano part, but need to fit the instrument and your complete playing set-up into a small space.

Singer’s accompanist

You’re practising a song in a suitable key and want to rehearse with a vocal or backing track. Check which transposition and audio features are available on each model.

Practising in a shared home

You want to listen to the piano through headphones and be considerate of housemates or neighbours.

What should you look for when choosing?

What to consider What should you check? Who is this most relevant to?
Key range and touch Compare the lowest and highest notes in your sheet music with the keyboard’s range. Also assess the touch of the exact model. If I want to play the complete piano part, the keyboard needs to cover the notes I need and feel comfortable to play. Around 33% of consumers give key range and touch top priority.
Space for your playing set-up Measure the available width and depth, and allow for a music stand, a seat and a pedal. Compare the dimensions of the version you’re considering. In a small room, it’s not just the piano that needs to fit; I also need space to sit and play. Around 27% of consumers prioritise space for the complete set-up.
Singing and key Check whether the exact model supports transposition and how to play any practice track. Try the chosen key with the whole song. If the original key doesn’t suit the singer, I want to check whether a different key and a backing track will work for my rehearsal. Around 20% of consumers put vocal accompaniment and key at the top of their list.
Practising with headphones Check which headphone socket the model has and whether the plug will fit. If you share your home, agree on practice times if needed. If I don’t want to disturb housemates with sound from the speakers, I want to be able to listen to my practice session through headphones. Around 20% of consumers make consideration for housemates their main priority when choosing.

Common purchasing mistakes

  • Comparing cabinet depth alone

    A shallow piano won’t necessarily fit the space available: width and room for a music stand, seat and pedal matter too.

    Measure the width and depth of the space where you plan to play, and include the complete set-up in your comparison.

  • Confusing Bluetooth audio with MIDI or transposition

    Playing audio, exchanging performance data and changing the key of the notes you play are separate functions. Having one doesn’t mean the instrument has the others.

    Check the features of the exact model individually, and practise your intended set-up before a performance.

  • Assuming a portable piano comes with everything you need

    Accessories vary by model and version. For example, Kawai lists the stand and triple pedal unit for the ES120 as optional, while Casio lists an SP-3 pedal for the CDP-S110.

    Check what’s included in the offer and which accessories you need for your set-up.

    You may need to buy a suitable stand or a more comprehensive pedal separately.

Brands to consider

Yamaha

The portable P-145 is an example to consider if you’re looking for a full-size keyboard with weighted keys.

  • Yamaha lists 88 keys and a GHC keyboard for the P-145. According to the specifications, the cabinet is 1.326 mm wide and 268 mm deep, excluding the music rest.
  • Bluetooth audio is listed for the separate P-145BT; don’t assume the P-145 has this feature.

Roland

Roland describes the FP-30X as designed for piano playing and practice. It has 88 PHA-4 Standard keys.

  • Roland lists two headphone outputs and Bluetooth audio for the FP-30X.
  • Check the dimensions of both the instrument and your complete playing set-up; a compact product description doesn’t tell you how much space the whole set-up needs.

Casio

The CDP-S110 is worth considering if a shallow cabinet and a set-up you can move are important to you.

  • Casio lists a depth of 232 mm, a PHONES/OUTPUT socket and an SP-3 sustain pedal included with the CDP-S110.
  • Cabinet depth alone won’t tell you whether the width and complete playing space will fit too; check the dimensions for your set-up.

Kawai

Kawai describes the portable ES120 as an option for anyone who wants to combine piano playing with audio playback from a smart device via Bluetooth.

  • Kawai lists Bluetooth audio, USB-MIDI and a weight of 12,5 kg for the ES120.
  • Kawai describes the HML-2 stand and F-351 triple pedal unit as optional. Bluetooth audio alone doesn’t tell you whether the instrument has a transposition function.

Joybuy products

These Joybuy products are 61-key digital pianos for practising a part that fits within that range. Before choosing, check that the notes in your musical number fall within the keyboard’s range.

MLS-931 digital piano with 61 keys

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys

This model may suit you if you’re practising a part that fits within its 61 keys; the product information lists transposition and a headphone socket.

The product has a weighted keyboard and lists 300 tones, 300 rhythms and USB-MIDI. Check that its key range covers your part.

View at Joybuy
Black 61-key electronic keyboard piano

Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black

This model is designed for practice when your part fits within 61 keys; the product information mentions a headphone socket and a learning system.

The description lists 500 tones, 300 rhythms, a metronome, a recording function and USB-MIDI. It also mentions a music stand.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do I always need 88 keys for one musical number?

Not necessarily. Compare the lowest and highest notes in your part with the instrument’s range. Choose a full-size keyboard if piano technique or a wider range is important too.

Will transposition help if the original key is uncomfortable to sing in?

A different key may help if some notes fall outside the singer’s range. Check whether your chosen model has a suitable transposition function, then try the whole song together.

What should I check before setting up the piano at home?

Compare the dimensions of the exact model with the space available, including room for the music stand and your seat. Also check which stand and pedals are included with that version; Kawai lists the HML-2 and F-351 for the ES120 as optional.

Can I practise at home with headphones if my neighbours are disturbed by the noise?

Headphones don’t replace agreeing on noise levels. The Dutch government (Rijksoverheid) advises neighbours to discuss and agree on arrangements first. If the disturbance continues, your landlord, residents’ association or local council may be able to help.

What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?

ACM ConsuWijzer states that online purchases generally come with a cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, subject to exceptions. You’re also entitled to a legal guarantee if a product used normally doesn’t meet your reasonable expectations; in that case, contact the seller.