Who is this buying guide for?

Vocal accompanist who changes key

You accompany different voices or versions of songs and want to be able to change key while practising. The Dutch specifications for the Korg B2 list a transpose function; check how it works on the exact model.

Home musician who rehearses quietly

You practise in a shared home and want to play through headphones, perhaps with a second listener. Roland lists two headphone sockets for the FP-30X, and Kawai lists two for the ES120.

Rehearsal recording creator

You want to listen back to piano parts or connect a piano to recording equipment. Roland’s manual describes recording and playback on the FP-30X; Kawai specifies separate stereo line outputs for the ES120.

What should you look for when buying?

First, decide which need matters most for your rehearsals. A recording function, a separate audio output and a headphone socket each serve a different purpose.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Changing key Check whether the exact model offers transposition and how to use it during rehearsals. If I accompany different voices, I want to be able to change the sounding key quickly. Around 26% of consumers rank this as their top priority.
Silent practice Check how many headphone sockets there are and which plugs you’ll need. In a shared home, I want to practise without using the built-in speakers; sometimes a second person wants to listen at the same time. Around 21% of consumers prioritise silent practice.
Recording and connecting Compare internal recording with separate stereo line outputs or a combined headphone/line output. Plan vocal recording separately. If I want to listen back to my piano part or send it to recording equipment, the connections on my chosen piano need to suit the task. Around 21% of consumers prioritise recording or connecting to equipment.
Keyboard for piano accompaniment Check the number of keys and the key-action specifications; try the feel for yourself if possible. For piano parts, I mainly want a keyboard that suits the way I play, not just extra sounds. Around 16% of consumers rank keyboard feel as their top priority.
Space and setup Measure the space, including the stand, and check which pedals and other components are included with the exact version. If my rehearsal space is used for other things too, I want to know whether a portable model or a permanent setup would suit me better. Around 16% of consumers prioritise space and setup.

Common buying mistakes

  • Confusing Bluetooth audio with an input for vocal recording

    Yamaha describes Bluetooth audio on the P-145BT as playing music from a device through the piano’s speakers. It is not the same as an input for vocals.

    Plan the signal path for the piano, microphone, monitoring and recorder in advance, and check the connections on each component.

    Vocal recording may require separate microphone and recording equipment.

  • Assuming a stand and advanced pedal system are included

    Korg lists a damper pedal with the B2+, but the stand and pedal unit are listed as accessories available separately.

    Check what’s included with the exact version and compare it with the complete setup you need.

    You may need to buy a stand or advanced pedal unit separately.

  • Treating a headphone output as a separate studio output

    The Korg B2 has a combined headphone/line output. Kawai specifies separate stereo line outputs on the ES120, as well as headphone sockets.

    Before buying, check whether you want to listen through headphones and send a separate signal to recording equipment at the same time.

    Your chosen connection setup may require extra cables or a different monitoring arrangement.

Brands compared

Yamaha

The P series includes portable, piano-focused models to compare for practice and recording.

  • Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys and Bluetooth audio on the P-145BT, letting you play music from a device through the piano’s speakers. Yamaha lists internal MIDI recording for the P-225.
  • The optional three-pedal unit is not included as standard with the P-145BT. These are model specifications, not an independent comparison of playing quality.

Roland

The FP-30X is a portable option; the RP107 is designed for a permanent cabinet setup.

  • Roland’s manual describes recording and playing back your own performance on the FP-30X. Roland lists three integrated pedals for the RP107.
  • According to Roland, you cannot add or import sounds, rhythms or accompaniments to the FP-30X. So don’t expect an expandable arranger keyboard.

Casio

The Privia range offers slimline models; the PX-S3100 is an option to compare if a variety of sounds matters to you.

  • Casio lists a depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100 and PX-S3100. Within the range mentioned, Casio positions the PX-S3100 as the model with the most sounds.
  • The number of sounds alone doesn’t tell you whether a model will suit a particular piano part or recording setup.

Kawai

The ES120 is a portable piano to compare if you need headphones and separate audio outputs.

  • Kawai specifies Responsive Hammer Compact, two headphone sockets and separate stereo line outputs for the ES120.
  • Kawai lists a stand and three-pedal board as available accessories; availability may vary by market.

Korg

The B2 and B2+ are portable models to compare for their controls and connections.

  • The Dutch specifications for the B2 list transposition and audio-in. For the B2+, they list USB-C and audio-in.
  • The B2 has a combined headphone/line output. Korg lists an advanced pedal unit as an optional extra for the B2+; don’t assume the B2’s transpose function is also available on the B2+ without checking.

Products at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I record my singing using Bluetooth audio on a piano?

Don’t assume that you can based on Bluetooth audio. Yamaha describes this feature on the P-145BT as playing music from a smartphone or tablet through the piano’s speakers. For vocal recording, work out separately which microphone and recording connections your setup needs.

How can I listen back to my piano accompaniment?

Roland’s manual describes recording and playing back your own performance on the FP-30X. If you want to send the piano sound to an external recorder, Kawai says the ES120 has separate stereo line outputs. Check what kind of recording you want to make before connecting your equipment.

Am I always entitled to only two years of statutory protection in the Netherlands?

No. According to the Dutch government, the Netherlands has no fixed statutory guarantee period: you’re entitled to a product that works as it should, depending on what you can reasonably expect from it. If a product is faulty, the retailer must provide a solution; a manufacturer’s guarantee is an additional benefit.

Can I return a piano bought online in the Netherlands?

For an online purchase from a business, you generally have 14 days to change your mind, according to the Dutch government. Purchases from private sellers are not covered by the rules mentioned for distance selling. So before ordering, check who the seller is and which terms and conditions apply to your purchase.