Piano student learning a folk tune
Wants to learn the tune while also practising touch and timing. Yamaha, Roland and Korg describe features that are relevant to piano-focused practice.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Musician playing with others in a practice studio
Wants to know in advance how others will hear the piano part, for example through a connection to the studio equipment. Casio and Korg describe audio connections on specific models.
Quiet or mobile player
Shares a practice space or moves the instrument between practice locations. A suitable headphone socket, the dimensions and the power supply may all be important.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether key range and touch, practising timing or connecting to studio equipment matters most to you. Then measure the available space and check how you want to listen.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is it mainly for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and key range | Compare the keyboard type and number of keys, and measure the width you’ll need. | I want to practise touch and a wider range as well as the tune. Around 26% of consumers prioritise touch and key range. |
| Melody and timing | Check whether the model has a metronome and whether you can repeat sections on the instrument itself or need an app. | I want to learn a tune and its tempo at a steady pace, perhaps by repeating sections. Around 21% of consumers prioritise melody and timing. |
| Being heard when playing with others | Ask which input the studio uses, then check the output, cable and options for listening at the same time. | I need to make my piano part audible through the studio equipment. Around 21% of consumers prioritise playing with others. |
| Quiet practice | Check whether there’s a wired headphone socket and which plug size you need. | I want to practise without disturbing others in a shared space through the speakers. Around 16% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Moving and setting up | Measure both the width and depth, allowing space for the music rest, stand and cables. Check which power supply and accessories come with the model. | I want to set up or take the piano to different places. Around 16% of consumers prioritise portability. |
Things to consider when buying
-
Bluetooth doesn’t automatically mean wireless headphone audio
Roland states that the FP-10 doesn’t support Bluetooth headphones or earbuds.
Check the audio options on the exact model and choose wired headphones if needed.
Depending on your setup, you may need a cable, stand or a different pedal.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
Yamaha describes the P-145BT as a portable entry-level piano with 88 GHC keys. The P-225 has a split function, among other features, according to Yamaha; this feature isn’t automatically available on the P-145BT.
- Yamaha lists the P-145BT as weighing 11.1 kg and measuring 1,326 mm wide.
- Its shallow cabinet doesn’t change the fact that you’ll need to measure the available width.
Roland
According to Roland, the FP-10 is designed for piano-focused practice and has an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard.
- Roland lists a metronome and Twin Piano mode for the FP-10.
- According to Roland, the FP-10 doesn’t support Bluetooth headphones; use a wired connection.
Casio
According to Casio, the Casio CDP-S110BK has a slim body and can run on mains power or batteries.
- Casio lists an SP-3 pedal and a PHONES/OUTPUT socket as included.
- Check whether CASIO Music Space works with your device and which connection it requires.
Korg
According to Korg, the Korg B2 has an 88-key keyboard, a metronome, AUDIO IN and a combined headphone/line-out socket.
- These connections may be useful if you want to connect the instrument to studio equipment.
- The headphone and line-out functions share a socket, so check that it suits your setup.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy products are digital pianos with 61 keys. Check that this key range suits what you want to practise.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys
Could be a good fit if you’re looking for a weighted keyboard and are happy with a range of 61 keys.
The product name lists 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music rest.
With 61 keys, you have a more limited range than on an 88-key model.
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Electronic piano, 61 keys
Could be a good fit if you want a metronome and recording function, and find a range of 61 keys sufficient.
The product name lists a metronome, recording function, speakers and a music rest.
With 61 keys, you have a more limited range than on an 88-key model.
Frequently asked questions
How can I practise a folk tune in time?
Choose a tempo at which you can play the phrase evenly and use the model’s metronome. Roland and Korg list a metronome; Casio describes tempo adjustment and section repeat in CASIO Music Space. Check that your device and piano can be connected correctly for this.
Can I use Bluetooth headphones with a Roland FP-10?
No. According to Roland, the FP-10 doesn’t support Bluetooth headphones or earbuds. Use wired headphones.
What extra items might I need for my setup?
That depends on the connections and what’s included with the version you choose. Korg lists a damper pedal as included with the B2, with a stand and three-pedal unit available as optional extras. Also check which headphones and cables will suit your setup.
Does the Netherlands have a standard legal guarantee of exactly two years?
No. According to the Dutch government, there’s no fixed legal guarantee period of exactly two years in the Netherlands. If there’s a problem with a consumer purchase, you should contact the seller for a solution. What you’re entitled to expect depends, among other things, on the product, its price and the information provided.
Do I have a cooling-off period when buying online?
For online consumer purchases from a business, a 14-day cooling-off period applies in many cases, with some exceptions. The Dutch government explains this right for distance selling; check the information that applies to your purchase.