The right piano depends on how you hear the other part of the duet. If you’re practising along with a recording, a suitable headphone output and the right audio or recording features are important. If two people are playing at once, look for two headphone outputs and a split keyboard. In the latter case, also check that both parts fit within the playing ranges in duet mode.
You practise your part while listening back to the other part. The playback route, recording feature and headphone output all matter. Roland describes recording and playback for the FP-30X, while Korg lists an audio input for the B2+.
You want to play at the same time without using the built-in speakers to listen. Check the number of headphone outputs and the range each player gets in a shared keyboard mode. Roland lists two headphone outputs for the FP-30X and describes Twin Piano.
You want to practise quietly, but you also need the piano and its stand to fit in the space available. Compare the keyboard specifications, dimensions and included accessories for the exact version.
Choose this if: you want to play your part while the other part is playing back.
Check: make sure you can hear both the recording and your own playing through your preferred headphone setup. Audio going into the piano doesn’t automatically mean audio can be sent from the piano to wireless headphones.
Choose this if: you want to play at the same time and each need your own section of the keyboard.
Check: Twin Piano splits the keyboard, so check that both parts fit within their respective playing ranges.
Choose this if: you mainly want to practise quietly on your own and don’t need a second player on the same instrument.
Check: a headphone output alone won’t tell you which audio inputs, recording features or accessories are included with that version.
First decide whether you’ll be playing along with a recording or with someone at the keyboard. Then check the listening setup, the range of keys you need and how the piano will be set up.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Listening quietly | Check the type of headphone socket and, if two people will be listening, whether there are actually two outputs. | If I want to practise without the built-in speakers, I want to hear my part through headphones. Around 36% of consumers put quiet listening at the top of their list. |
| Playing along with a recording | Work out where the other player’s part is coming from and whether you can hear that source alongside your own playing through your chosen listening setup. | If I want to practise my duet part with a recorded partner, I need to hear the recording as well as my own playing. Around 29% of consumers rank this as their main buying concern. |
| Playing together at one keyboard | Compare the range of both parts with how duet mode works; check the number of headphone outputs separately. | If we’re playing at the same piano, I want to know whether our parts fit within the split playing ranges. Around 21% of consumers prioritise playing together. |
| Keys and set-up | Check the number of keys, dimensions, stability and which pedal and stand components are included. | If I want to practise my part at home, the keyboard and set-up need to suit my available space. Around 14% of consumers give the greatest weight to key action and positioning. |
A split keyboard gives each player their own playing range. A part that falls outside that range won’t automatically fit the mode.
Before making this feature a deciding factor, compare the ranges of both parts with how duet mode works.
Bluetooth audio may be designed to play sound from a phone through the piano. Kawai says the ES120’s Bluetooth Audio feature doesn’t send piano sound to wireless headphones.
Check the manual for the exact model to see which direction the audio connection supports.
You may therefore need suitable wired headphones for listening.
A product may be called a ‘digital piano’ even if that version has fewer keys than an 88-key keyboard. This can limit the range available for parts that extend beyond those keys.
Check the number of keys, keyboard type and model number, then compare the range with your score.
For the Korg B2+, the stand and an alternative pedal unit are listed as accessories sold separately.
Check the contents of the exact version against the set-up you need.
You may need to buy a suitable stand or a different pedal separately.
The FP-30X is worth comparing if you practise with a recording or play at one piano with two people listening.
The P-225 is a compact P-series option to compare if you’re looking for an 88-key keyboard, Duo mode and a recording feature.
The B2+ is worth comparing if you want to play an external recording through a physical audio input.
The ES120 is worth looking into if you’re considering a portable piano with Bluetooth audio connections.
The Privia PX-S1100BK is a space-conscious option to compare for your practice area.
This product selection focuses on practising digitally with headphones. Check that the number of keys and the listed features suit your duet part and listening setup.
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The listed headphone socket makes this one to consider for quiet practice; check whether 61 keys give you enough range for your part.
61 keys; weighted keyboard; 300 sounds; 300 rhythms; LCD; USB-MIDI; speakers; headphone socket.
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The listed recording feature may be useful if you want to record your playing; check whether the playback setup works for practising with a duet part.
61 keys; MIDI controller; recording feature; speakers; metronome; music stand.
No, you don’t need duet mode for that. It splits the keyboard for two players; when practising with a recording, the main thing is whether you can hear the recording and your own playing at the same time through your chosen listening setup.
Not unless this is confirmed for the exact model. Bluetooth audio may be intended to play sound from a phone through the piano; Kawai says the ES120’s Bluetooth Audio feature doesn’t send piano sound to wireless headphones.
Start at a low volume and only turn it up if needed. Yamaha warns in the P-225 manual against listening at a high or uncomfortable volume for extended periods. Follow the manual for your exact piano model.
Before buying, check which stand, pedal and headphone plug are included with the exact version. The Dutch government states that the statutory guarantee applies in addition to any manufacturer’s warranty, and that you should contact the seller if there’s a problem with a product.
For distance purchases from a business, you usually have 14 days to change your mind, although there are exceptions. The Dutch government explains this period and the exceptions; check which terms apply to your purchase.
