Who is this buying guide for?

Singer accompanist

You play piano parts for a singer and want to be able to change the key while rehearsing together.

Player with a small rehearsal space

You want to play piano parts, but need to measure the complete set-up and may have to pack it away afterwards.

Player who also practises alone

You often rehearse without a singer and want to practise with headphones or backing audio.

What should you look for?

First, check that the keyboard covers the range of your parts and can be set to the keys you need. Then measure your playing space and choose connections that suit playing with others or practising alone.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Key range and transposition Play the lowest and highest notes in your parts and check whether the model can transpose. When I accompany songs with a singer, I don’t want to find that any notes in the parts fall outside the keyboard’s range, and I need to be able to change the key. Around 31% of consumers put range and key choice first.
Space and portability Measure the space needed for the piano, stand, player, music rest, cables and pedal. Also consider the weight if you pack the piano away regularly. In a small room, I need to know whether the whole playing set-up will fit, not just the piano case. Space and portability are top priorities for around 25% of consumers.
Audible playing together and audio Check whether you can play a track through your preferred wired or wireless connection, and whether the piano will be audible when playing with others. When I rehearse with a singer or recording, I want to know in advance how the piano and any backing track will sound in the room. Around 25% of consumers prioritise playing together and backing audio.
Solo practice and set-up Check the headphone socket, supplied pedal and adapter, and whether you’ll need to buy a stand or bench. If I also practise alone, I want to be able to play with suitable headphones and have everything I need for the basic set-up. Around 19% of consumers prioritise quiet practice and the set-up.

Common buying mistakes

  • Comparing only the depth of the piano case

    The piano’s dimensions won’t tell you how much space the stand, seating position, music rest and cables will take up together.

    Measure the complete playing set-up before choosing a model. Bear in mind that you may also need a suitable stand and bench.

  • Confusing Bluetooth MIDI with Bluetooth audio

    A MIDI connection doesn’t automatically mean you can play a recording through the piano’s speakers.

    If you want to rehearse with backing tracks, check whether the model has Bluetooth audio or a suitable audio input.

  • Assuming headphones are suitable for playing together

    Headphones are great for private practice, but the singer needs to be able to hear the piano during a joint rehearsal.

    For playing together, check the built-in speakers or an output that’s compatible with your external sound equipment.

Brands to consider

Yamaha

The P-145BT is a portable 88-key option for anyone looking for a straightforward piano set-up.

  • The Dutch product listing specifies weighted GHC keys, Bluetooth and a supplied sustain pedal.
  • Check which type of Bluetooth connection you need and whether the stand and seat will suit your set-up. These features apply to the model mentioned, not all Yamaha pianos.

Roland

The Dutch product listing describes the FP-40 BK as having transposition and a range of audio options for rehearsals.

  • Thomann Netherlands lists Bluetooth audio and MIDI, a headphone output and separate stereo outputs.
  • The same listing gives a weight of 14,0 kg and a case depth of 332 mm. Bear this in mind if you’re short on depth or pack the piano away often. Manufacturer claims about how it feels to play aren’t independent performance tests.

Casio

The Privia PX-S1100BK is worth considering if a shallow 88-key case is important to you.

  • Thomann Netherlands lists a case depth of 232 mm and two headphone outputs.
  • Measure the complete playing set-up; a slim case on its own doesn’t determine how much floor or playing space you’ll need.

Kawai

The ES-120 B is a portable option with features such as transposition, rhythms and Bluetooth audio and MIDI that may be useful for rehearsals.

  • Thomann Netherlands lists transposition, two headphone sockets and separate stereo outputs.
  • The 100 drum rhythms mentioned won’t necessarily provide suitable musical theatre accompaniment. Check whether they’ll work for your songs.

Korg

The B2+ Black is an 88-key option for anyone who prefers to connect a track by cable via AUDIO IN.

  • Korg and the Dutch retailer list an audio input and a combined headphone/line-out socket.
  • If you need a separate output for additional amplification, check whether the combined socket will suit your set-up.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a 61-key model enough for my musical theatre songs?

That depends on the lowest and highest notes in your own parts. Compare their range with the keyboard before choosing a shorter model. The Joybuy listing for the MLS-931 specifies 61 keys, but doesn’t guarantee that its range will suit your music.

How can I rehearse a song in a different key?

Check whether the specific piano has a transposition function and agree the required key with the singer. Thomann Netherlands lists transposition for the Kawai ES-120 B and Roland FP-40 BK.

What should I check before setting up the piano?

Check the adapter, pedal, music rest, stand, bench and headphone connection for the specific model. The product listings mentioned vary in which accessories they specify. Follow the safety and maintenance instructions in the manual before use.

What if a piano bought online isn’t suitable or breaks down too soon?

For a standard online consumer purchase in the Netherlands, you generally have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period after delivery, subject to legal exceptions. Separately, under the statutory guarantee, the seller must put things right if a product used normally doesn’t meet what you were entitled to expect. ACM ConsuWijzer explains these rights; a commercial warranty doesn’t replace the statutory guarantee.

What safety rule applies to digital pianos sold in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, electronic devices placed on the EU market must meet the applicable safety requirements and carry the required CE marking. Check the information for the specific piano and the supplied power supply; don’t judge compliance by the brand name alone.