For rehearsals with singers where you won’t be using a computer, a digital piano with built-in piano sounds and speakers is a practical starting point. Check that the parts feel comfortable to play and that the sound suits the room. A separate audio output is useful for connecting external amplification, while a headphone output is mainly for individual practice.
You play piano parts while someone sings and want to move easily between individual practice and playing together. A piano sound you can use straight away and a suitable audio output matter more than a large selection of extra sounds.
You practise dynamics and pedal technique when accompanying songs. Try the key action for yourself and compare the pedal options available for the specific models.
You sometimes practise alone with headphones or put the instrument away afterwards. Connections, dimensions and weight may therefore all influence your choice.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Playing together and sound | Check the built-in speakers, volume control and whether the model has a separate audio output. | When I accompany a singer, I want to hear the piano clearly without drowning out the vocals. Around 36% of consumers say being able to hear both parts clearly is their top priority. |
| Key action and pedal | Play the same passage on different keyboards and check which pedal is included. | When I want to control dynamics and sustain in piano parts, I want to assess the key action and pedal response for myself. Around 29% of consumers put key action and control of the parts first. |
| Headphones | Check the headphone socket and whether one or two people need to be able to listen at the same time. | When I want to practise on my own in a shared room, I want to listen through headphones without using the speakers. Around 21% of consumers say silent practice is their top priority. |
| Space and portability | Measure the storage and playing area, and compare the weight including the accessories you’ll be carrying. | When I need to put the piano away after rehearsals or move it between rooms, I want to know whether the instrument and the accessories I need are manageable. Around 14% of consumers put space and portability first. |
The Korg B2+ has a PHONES socket that also serves as a line output. Roland lists separate outputs for powered speakers on the FP-30X, so connection options vary by model.
Decide in advance how you want to listen and amplify the sound, then compare the connections on the exact version you’re considering.
You may need to buy additional cables or adaptors, depending on your setup.
Korg lists the stand and pedal unit for the B2+ as separately available. Roland lists additional pedal options for the FP-30X.
Check what’s in the box and whether accessories are compatible before choosing a version.
A suitable stand or pedal upgrade may need to be purchased separately.
Novation describes the Launchkey 88 as a controller for music software with semi-weighted keys, rather than a piano that produces sound on its own.
If you want to practise straight away without a computer, choose an instrument with built-in piano sounds and a listening setup that suits the room.
A controller may require a computer, software and audio equipment to create a playable setup.
These brands are useful points of comparison for portable digital pianos. The features listed apply to the specific models and not necessarily to every product from a brand.
The P-225 is a portable piano with 88 keys and built-in practice features.
The FP-30X is worth considering if you want to compare built-in speakers, headphone listening and connections to external powered speakers.
The CDP-S110BK is a slimline option if easy storage and a simple standalone setup are important to you.
The ES120 is a portable option for comparing built-in speakers with separate line-out sockets.
The B2+ is an 88-key digital piano with built-in speakers for a straightforward rehearsal setup.
These Joybuy product options have 61 keys. Check that this range suits the piano parts you’ll be playing during rehearsals.
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Could suit rehearsals where you’re looking for an instrument with 61 keys and built-in speakers; check that the range covers the parts you need to play.
Weighted, touch-sensitive keyboard; built-in stereo speakers; black.
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Could suit you if you’re looking for a 61-key instrument with built-in speakers; check that its range covers the piano parts for your rehearsals.
61 keys; built-in speakers; black.
Not always: the Roland FP-30X and Kawai ES120 have built-in speakers. Whether they’ll be loud enough in your room when you’re playing together depends on the space and the rehearsal. If needed, check whether the model has a suitable output for external amplification.
Measure the available width and depth, and check which stand and pedal are compatible with or included in the exact version. Korg lists a separately available stand for the B2+; Casio lists an included SP-3 pedal with the CDP-S110BK.
For purchases made by consumers in the Netherlands, statutory warranty rights are separate from any manufacturer’s warranty. According to ACM ConsuWijzer, the seller must offer an appropriate solution at no cost if the product doesn’t meet what you could reasonably expect. There is no single fixed statutory warranty period that automatically applies to every piano.
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, ordinary online consumer purchases generally come with a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery. Before buying, check which exceptions and returns terms apply, especially if you’re ordering a large instrument.
This depends in part on how you use the recording; recording, copying and sharing involve separate rights. The Dutch Government states that copyrighted music cannot simply be distributed or made available to the public without permission. BumaStemra describes a specific licensing route for audiovisual educational productions using existing repertoire, but this does not give general permission to record every rehearsal.
