Singer learning a song
Wants to practise the melody and vocal cues, with a pianist or a backing track. Music Theatre International describes RehearScore as recorded rehearsal accompaniment that lets you practise without a pianist.
Who is this guide for?
Pianist accompanying a singer
Wants to practise piano parts and dynamics, so pays attention to touch response and how well the instrument can be heard in the room. Yamaha and Roland each describe their own 88-key keyboard on the P-145BT and FP-30X respectively.
Rehearsal pianist working across multiple venues
Takes an instrument between rooms and weighs up its size and set-up against the playing feel they want. Casio gives the PX-S1100BK a depth of 232 mm; Kawai describes the ES120 as a portable instrument suitable for studio use, among other settings.
What should you look for?
First decide whether you’ll be playing yourself or mainly using existing accompaniment. Then compare the keyboard, listening options and practical set-up for your rehearsal space.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Accompaniment and vocal cues | Check that you can use the recording you want and how you’ll play it in the studio. | If I mainly want to practise vocal cues, I’ll first check whether accompaniment for my song is available and how I can play it. Around 37% of consumers put accompaniment and vocal cues first. |
| Touch response when accompanying yourself | Compare the key action and number of keys on the exact model; try the keyboard if possible. | When I play a piano part myself, I want a keyboard that suits my technique and has enough keys. Around 27% of consumers prioritise touch response when accompanying themselves. |
| Practising quietly | Check the number and type of headphone outputs, and how to play the sound in the room without headphones. | If I want to practise on my own without disturbing others, I’ll check which headphone connections are available. Quiet practice is the top priority for around 18% of consumers. |
| Moving and setting up | Compare the dimensions and weight, the stand you’ll need and the accessories included. | When I move between rehearsal rooms, I want to know in advance whether the piano will fit in the space and be practical to move. For around 18% of consumers, moving and setting up is the top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a digital piano always has 88 keys
The number of keys varies from one instrument to another. Yamaha and Roland list 88 keys for the P-145BT and FP-30X respectively; Joybuy Netherlands lists 61 keys for the MLS-931. A smaller range may be limiting for piano parts that require more keys.
Check the number of keys and the key action on the exact version before comparing models.
If the range or touch response doesn’t suit the part, you may need a different instrument later.
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Assuming a pedal or stand is included
Accessories can vary by model and version. Yamaha states that the three-pedal console for the P-145BT is optional.
Check what’s included with the specific version and whether the accessories are compatible with the instrument.
If a part is missing, you may need to buy it separately.
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Confusing Bluetooth audio with included musical theatre accompaniment
Yamaha says that the P-145BT can play audio from a phone or tablet through its speakers. This doesn’t mean that your musical theatre song or its backing track is included with the piano.
Check separately whether the accompaniment you want is available and how you’ll play it during rehearsal.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The P-145BT is a portable piano worth comparing if you’re looking for an 88-key keyboard and Bluetooth audio.
- Yamaha lists a weighted GHC keyboard with 88 keys, as well as audio playback through the speakers from a phone or tablet.
- The three-pedal console is optional, so check which parts are included with the version you choose.
Roland
The FP-30X is worth considering if you want to compare the keyboard and different listening options.
- Roland lists a PHA-4 keyboard with 88 keys, two headphone outputs and outputs for external powered speakers.
- Check that the version and delivery include the stand and pedal set-up you want.
Casio
The PX-S1100BK may be worth considering if space for your piano is limited.
- Casio gives the PX-S1100BK a depth of 232 mm.
- A shallow depth alone doesn’t tell you the total weight or whether you’ll like the touch response; check the other dimensions and the set-up too.
Kawai
Kawai describes the ES120 as a portable instrument suitable for studio use, among other settings.
- Kawai lists a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard, Bluetooth MIDI and Audio, and separate Line Out connections.
- Check that the connections and accessories on the version you choose suit your studio set-up.
Joybuy products
This selection includes 61-key keyboards and a digital piano for independent practice. Check that the number of keys suits the piano part you want to play.
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61-key keyboard with recording function
For independent practice, with a music stand and built-in speakers.
The product name lists 61 keys, a MIDI controller, a recording function and a metronome.
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61-key keyboard with stand and stool
For independent practice; the product name mentions a stand, stool and music stand.
The product name lists 61 keys, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, a three-step learning mode, an LCD screen and USB-MIDI.
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MLS-931 digital piano with 61 keys
For anyone who wants to use a music stand and speakers while practising; the keyboard has 61 keys.
The product name lists a weighted keyboard, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, USB-MIDI and a headphone connection.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a piano with built-in accompaniment for a musical theatre song?
Not necessarily. If someone is playing the part, the keyboard and how well it can be heard are important. You can also use separate recorded accompaniment to practise without a pianist. Music Theatre International describes RehearScore as a source of rehearsal accompaniment; check that the accompaniment you want is available and how to play it.
What should you check when setting up a digital piano in a rehearsal studio?
Check that the piano and stand fit in the space, then decide whether you want to listen through the built-in speakers, headphones or external equipment. Roland lists two headphone outputs and outputs for external powered speakers on the FP-30X; these features are specific to this model.
When buying online in the Netherlands, do you always have 14 days to change your mind?
Not always. The Dutch government states that a 14-day cooling-off period applies in many cases to distance purchases, and lists some exceptions. Check the terms and conditions that apply to your purchase.
Do you have to pay extra for a warranty on a digital piano?
You don’t need an extra warranty to have your statutory rights. According to the Dutch government, if there’s a problem with a product, the seller must provide a solution. Check the terms of any additional warranty to see what extra cover it offers.
What should you check about the electrical safety of a piano on offer?
Check the documentation and the suitability of the exact product and its power supply. Ondernemersplein, the Dutch government’s business portal, outlines the applicable safety requirements for electrical and electronic equipment and states that CE marking is mandatory for certain product groups. This alone doesn’t confirm that an individual product on offer complies.