Beginner practising piano dynamics
Wants to play the chords and melody of a pop ballad with both hands, and practise playing softly and loudly. Yamaha, Casio and Roland describe weighted 88-key models.
Who is this buying guide for?
Player with limited space
Needs to place the piano in a small space or put it away after practising. Check the instrument’s dimensions, as well as the space required for the complete setup. Casio and Yamaha publish dimensions for their models.
Player in a shared space
Wants to practise without playing the piano through its speakers, while being considerate of others in the building. Check the headphone sockets on your chosen model.
What should you look for when buying?
First compare the keyboard and the space available, then see which connections and accessories suit the way you practise.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch response and playing range | Try your chord changes and melody on the exact model. Check the number of keys and the touch-response settings. | As a beginner, I want to play with both hands and practise varying my touch. For around 31% of consumers, touch response and playing range are the top priority. |
| Space for the setup | Measure the available space and allow for the instrument, stand, music rest and stool. | If the piano needs to fit in a small room or be put away after use, you need to consider the complete setup. Space is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Quiet practice | Check the number of headphone sockets and the plug size. Start with the volume low. | Anyone practising in a shared space may want to switch off the speakers and be considerate of others. This is the main buying concern for around 25% of consumers. |
| Playing along and keeping time | Decide whether you want to hear a recording through the piano speakers or prefer to practise with a metronome or rhythm. Check the model’s connections and features to find out. | If I want to learn the ballad with a recording or rhythm, I check how audio is played through the piano. Playing along and keeping time are the top priority for around 19% of consumers. |
Common buying mistakes
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Comparing only the piano’s depth
The stated instrument dimensions don’t necessarily show how much space you’ll need for a stand, music rest, stool and room to play.
Measure the entire practice area and check which accessories are included with the model you’ve chosen.
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Confusing Bluetooth audio with wireless headphone use
Bluetooth audio for playing sound from a phone or tablet through the piano speakers doesn’t automatically mean you can connect wireless headphones.
Check the headphone output and audio input separately, including the plug size you’ll need.
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Assuming a multi-pedal setup is included
What’s included in the package varies by model. Yamaha lists the LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145BT as optional; Casio lists an SP-3 pedal with the CDP-S110BK.
Compare the package contents with the pedals you want to use, and check whether you’ll need a stand.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The P-145BT is a portable 88-key piano for anyone looking to practise with weighted keys and play audio from a phone or tablet through the piano speakers.
- Yamaha lists GHC keys and Bluetooth audio for this model.
- The LP-5A three-pedal unit is optional. Claims about an authentic playing feel are made by Yamaha.
Casio
The CDP-S110BK is worth comparing if limited cabinet depth and the option to move the piano are important to you.
- Casio lists a depth of 232 mm, 88 weighted keys, power via an adaptor or batteries, and an included SP-3 pedal.
- The instrument’s dimensions don’t tell you whether the complete setup will fit or how the keyboard will feel to you.
Roland
The FP-30X is worth comparing if you’re looking for a portable weighted keyboard and may want to practise with two pairs of headphones or additional pedal accessories.
- Roland lists two headphone outputs and optional stand and pedal solutions.
- Descriptions of sound and touch quality on the product page are claims made by Roland.
Kawai
According to Kawai, the ES60 combines a portable weighted keyboard with a metronome, drum rhythms and separate line outputs.
- Kawai lists a front-mounted headphone socket and a weight of 11 kg.
- Claims in the brochure about playing feel and mechanical noise are not based on an independent playing test.
Korg
The B2+ is an option to compare if you’re looking for a straightforward digital piano with 88 keys, an audio input and a wired headphone socket.
- Korg lists an AUDIO IN socket, a combined PHONES/Line Out socket and an included damper pedal.
- The stated cabinet depth is 336 mm without the music rest; check the version of the model you’re considering.
Digital pianos at Joybuy
These Joybuy picks include digital pianos and keyboards for practising with rhythms, headphones or MIDI. Check each model’s range and features before choosing.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
With 61 keys, this model has a more limited range than the 88-key pianos covered in this buying guide.
The product name lists a weighted keyboard, 300 sounds and rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers and a music stand. Check whether the headphone socket and metronome are included with the version on offer.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
With 61 keys, this keyboard has a more limited range than the 88-key pianos in this buying guide. Check that it suits the full piece you want to practise.
The product name lists a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand. The product information also mentions touch-sensitive keys; check the version and feature description of the offer you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Can I practise with headphones at any time?
Headphones don’t automatically switch off the piano speakers, and they don’t exempt you from general rules or agreements about noise. According to the Dutch Government, nuisance to neighbours may fall under municipal APV regulations; speak to your neighbours where necessary. The World Health Organization also warns that listening at a higher volume for longer increases the risk of hearing damage.
What do I need to play along with a recording of my ballad?
First decide whether you want the sound from your phone to play through the piano speakers. Yamaha lists Bluetooth audio for the P-145BT; Korg lists an AUDIO IN socket for the B2+. Bluetooth audio alone doesn’t confirm that the instrument also has a wireless headphone output.
Do I need to buy a stand or sustain pedal separately?
It depends on the model and package. Casio lists an SP-3 pedal with the CDP-S110BK; Yamaha lists the LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145BT as optional. Before ordering, check what’s included in the package and how much space the stand you choose will take up.
What rights and product safety rules apply when buying online in the Netherlands?
When you buy from a business online, you’ll usually have a 14-day cooling-off period, subject to exceptions described by the Dutch Government. The Dutch Government also states that the Netherlands has a statutory guarantee, with no fixed legal guarantee period. According to the same government information, electronic devices placed on the market in the EU must carry a CE mark; check the specific version on offer.