For learning a musical theatre song, a digital piano with weighted keys and the right pedal function is a sensible choice if you also want to practise the piano accompaniment. If you want to sing along with a backing track, check how the audio plays and how you can hear both the piano and your voice. In a shared loft, using headphones and agreeing when you can practise audibly are separate considerations. Measure the entire playing area and check which pedals and stand are included with the model.
You want to practise chords and dynamics on a piano keyboard as well as the melody. That makes key action and the pedal function you need important points to compare. Yamaha describes the P-145 as having an 88-key GHC keyboard, while Roland lists a PHA-4 Standard keyboard for the FP-10.
You want to hear a backing track while you play and check whether it comes through the piano, another device or headphones. Kawai describes Bluetooth audio on the ES120, while Casio says the PX-S1100 can play audio from a mobile device through its speakers.
You need to consider the space for the instrument, as well as other people when you practise audibly. The piano’s dimensions, the full playing set-up and the option to use headphones are separate considerations.
First, decide what you want to play and hear while practising. Then compare the connections and pedal options with the space you have for the complete set-up.
| Consideration | What to check before buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising quietly | Check whether the exact model has a suitable headphone socket, and consider how you want to hear both the piano and your voice. | If I want to practise at home without disturbing others unnecessarily, I need to know how I can hear the piano privately and how I’ll hear myself when singing along. Around 31% of consumers say noise limits or agreements about practising audibly are their main buying concern. |
| Key action and pedal | Compare the keyboard and check which pedal function is supported by the model and package on offer. | For anyone learning chords and dynamics as part of a piano accompaniment, control over key action matters. Around 25% of consumers give piano technique and pedal choice top priority. |
| Playing along with a recording | Check whether the model can play audio from a phone and whether that feature suits the way you practise. | If I want to hear a backing track while I play, I need to know how it will work alongside the piano. Around 25% of consumers prioritise playing along with a recording. |
| Space for the set-up | As well as the piano, measure the space for your chair, sheet music and any stand. | If you want to fit an instrument into a small loft space, you also need room to sit and play comfortably. Around 19% of consumers consider having enough space for the set-up their main buying concern. |
Bluetooth audio and wireless headphone listening are not the same feature. Roland states that the FP-10 does not support Bluetooth headphones.
Check the audio input and headphone socket on the exact model separately. Roland says you should use wired headphones with the FP-10.
The stated cabinet depth of 232 mm for the Casio PX-S1100 is not the amount of space you need for the complete playing area.
Also measure the space for your chair, hands, sheet music and any stand.
The pedal function you want may depend on the model and the pedal set-up you choose. For half-pedalling on the FP-10, Roland lists the optional DP-10 pedal; Yamaha lists an optional LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145.
Compare what’s included in the package on offer with the pedal function you want to practise for the piano part.
The P-145 is an entry-level portable piano worth comparing if you’re looking for weighted keys.
The FP-10 is a portable option for piano-focused home practice, including with headphones.
The Privia PX-S1100 may be worth considering if cabinet depth and audio from a mobile device matter to you.
Kawai says the ES120 combines a portable piano keyboard with Bluetooth audio and options for a more extensive set-up.
The Joybuy picks below are digital pianos or keyboard pianos with 61 keys. Check whether that number of keys suits the piano part you want to learn, and which items are included with the version on offer.
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The weighted, touch-sensitive keyboard makes this model worth comparing for piano accompaniment. Check whether 61 keys are enough for the part you want to learn.
Listed features: 61 keys, headphone socket, USB-MIDI, recording and playback function, and music stand.
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The listed headphone socket may be useful if you want to hear the piano privately. Also check whether the keys and features suit the accompaniment you want to practise.
Listed features: 61 keys, MIDI, recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand. The description also mentions sustain.
No. Roland says the FP-10 does not support Bluetooth headphones or earbuds. Use wired headphones with this model.
Kawai’s Dutch-language manual lists both a stereo mini-jack and a stereo jack headphone socket. Check that your headphone plug fits. Kawai’s Bluetooth Audio description refers to audio sent from a mobile device to the piano, not to wireless headphones.
That depends on the model, the pedal function you want and the version on offer. For half-pedalling on the FP-10, Roland lists the optional DP-10 pedal; Yamaha lists an optional LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145. Check which items are included before buying.
The Dutch government advises talking things through first and agreeing on arrangements, such as when music can be heard. If that doesn’t help, it suggests contacting your landlord, owners’ association or local council as possible next steps. This does not establish a general permitted time for practising audibly; house rules and circumstances can vary.
According to the Dutch government, you’re entitled to a product that meets the terms of the agreement. There is no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands; if a product is faulty, the seller is your point of contact for a solution. Any manufacturer’s warranty is in addition to this.
