Learner with limited space
You want to learn a folk tune on your own and be able to move the instrument afterwards. So look at how much space the complete playing set-up takes up, not just the piano itself. Yamaha describes the P-145BT as portable.
If you’re learning a single folk tune in a loft, a portable digital piano is a sensible place to start if you want to keep floor space free. Just measure the full playing set-up, not only the piano itself. If you also want to practise piano technique on a full-size keyboard, compare 88-key models and how their keys respond to your touch. Headphones reduce the sound from the speakers, but they won’t eliminate audible key noise or prevent disturbance to your neighbours.
You want to learn a folk tune on your own and be able to move the instrument afterwards. So look at how much space the complete playing set-up takes up, not just the piano itself. Yamaha describes the P-145BT as portable.
You share your space or building and want to play with headphones, but you also need to consider audible key noise and arrangements with your neighbours. The Dutch government advises speaking to your neighbours and agreeing some ground rules together if noise becomes a problem.
You want to move on from your first tune and keep practising, so you’re comparing the keyboard’s range and touch, as well as the pedals and connections that suit your lessons. Yamaha and Roland list 88-key keyboards for the models mentioned here.
Start by asking yourself whether you’ll move the instrument regularly or have a permanent place for it. Then check that the keyboard, headphone socket and included accessories suit what you want to practise.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising more quietly | Check the type of headphone socket on the exact model. Roland confirms that the FP-10 does not support Bluetooth headphones, so you’ll need wired headphones. | If I practise in a shared building, I want to avoid using the speakers while also bearing audible key noise in mind. Around 33% of consumers put quiet practice first. |
| A keyboard to keep learning on | Compare the number of keys and the keyboard action. Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys for the P-145BT; Roland specifies an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard for the FP-10 and FP-30X. | If I want to practise piano technique as well as folk tunes, I’m looking for a keyboard that suits my lesson materials. Around 27% of consumers prioritise learning piano technique. |
| Space for your set-up | Measure the space for the piano, stand, bench and cables. Yamaha lists the P-145BT as 1.326 mm wide and 268 mm deep without the music rest; Casio lists the CDP-S110 as 232 mm deep. | If my playing space is limited, I want to know in advance how much room the instrument and playing position will take up together. Around 20% of consumers put available space first. |
| What’s included with your purchase | Check what’s included with the exact version, such as a pedal, adapter, music rest and stand. Yamaha lists the LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145BT as optional; Casio says the CDP-S110 comes with an SP-3 sustain pedal. | If I want to start playing at home straight away, I want to know what else I’ll need and whether it’s compatible with the piano. Around 20% of consumers make a complete set-up their main priority. |
Bluetooth doesn’t automatically tell you which way audio travels or which devices it works with. Roland specifically states that the FP-10 does not support Bluetooth headphones.
Check the manual for the exact model to find out how to connect headphones. You’ll need wired headphones for the FP-10.
Depending on what you already own, a suitable pair of wired headphones or an adapter may be a separate purchase.
An 88-key piano can take up a lot of width, even if it isn’t very deep. A stand and bench also need space.
Before you buy, mark out the full playing set-up on the floor and allow room for your legs, hands, music rest and cables.
What’s included varies by version. Yamaha lists the three-pedal unit for the P-145BT as optional, while Casio says the CDP-S110 comes with an SP-3 sustain pedal.
Check the contents of the specific offer and compare them with what you need for your lessons.
If your chosen version doesn’t include a suitable stand or pedal set, adding one may mean a separate purchase.
The P series includes portable digital pianos such as the P-145BT, for anyone looking for a set-up they can move around.
The FP-10 and FP-30X are portable models worth comparing if the keyboard and connections matter to you.
The CDP-S110 is worth considering if the depth of the piano and an included sustain pedal are important to you.
The ES series offers portable digital pianos with different keyboards to compare.
The B2+ is a portable 88-key model you can compare for its keyboard and connections.
The Joybuy options below are 61-key instruments for practising a melody. Compare their range and listed features with what you need if you plan to keep learning.
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Suitable if you’re looking for a portable instrument to practise a melody on; its 61 keys offer a narrower range than an 88-key keyboard.
61 keys; weighted keyboard; USB-MIDI; headphone socket; 300 sounds and 300 rhythms.
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A 61-key instrument for practising a melody; check whether this range also suits your plans for developing your piano technique.
61 keys; speakers; recording function; music rest.
No, not directly: Roland says the FP-10 does not support Bluetooth headphones, so you’ll need wired headphones. For other models, check separately which types of headphone connection they support.
Measure the space, including room for a bench and stand, and compare it with the dimensions of the portable piano. Also check which accessories are included with your chosen version: Casio says the CDP-S110 comes with an SP-3 sustain pedal, while Yamaha lists the three-pedal unit for the P-145BT as optional.
The Dutch government advises speaking to your neighbours and agreeing some ground rules together, such as when you can play music. If that doesn’t help, it suggests contacting your landlord, residents’ association or local council. This general advice does not set a specific permitted playing time for every loft.
According to the Dutch government, you’re entitled to a product that works properly. If there’s a problem, the seller—not the manufacturer—must provide a solution. For distance purchases, you’ll also usually have a 14-day cooling-off period. Check the terms and any exceptions that apply to your purchase.