Player in a shared home
Wants to practise a film theme while other people are at home, and is considering the headphone socket, personal listening volume and the possibility of audible key presses.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Beginner piano student
Wants to practise melody, dynamics and possibly pedalling, so looks at the keyboard and essential features rather than just extra sounds.
Player with a small practice space
Needs to fit or store the piano and playing setup in a limited space, so considers the dimensions, music rest and separate components.
What should you look for when buying?
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Private practice | Check whether the piano has a PHONES socket that’s compatible with your headphones and whether you can set a comfortable, low listening volume. | When I practise while other people are at home, I want to keep the piano sound down for them without having to listen at a high volume myself. Around 36% of consumers prioritise private practice. |
| Touch and dynamics | Try the touch for yourself. Yamaha lists an 88-key GHC keyboard for the P-145, while Roland lists an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard for the FP-10. These are manufacturer specifications, not independent assessments of how the keyboards feel to play. | If I want to learn to play soft and powerful passages, I want a keyboard that suits my touch. Around 29% of consumers give learning to play and dynamics the highest priority. |
| Space and setup | Measure your practice space and allow for the music rest and room for the player. Casio lists a depth of 232 mm for the CDP-S110BK; Korg gives the B2+ dimensions as 1312 × 336 × 117 mm, without the music rest. | If my practice space is limited, I want to know whether the complete playing setup will fit, not just the piano itself. Around 21% of consumers give the available space the greatest consideration. |
| Pedal and practice aids | Check which pedal is included and whether the app or sheet music feature works with your device. Casio lists an SP-3 sustain pedal as included and PDF viewing via Music Space; the PU-2 pedal unit is optional for the Korg B2+. | If my arrangement calls for pedalling or I practise with sheet music, I want to know in advance which aids are suitable. Around 14% of consumers put pedals or practice aids at the top of their list. |
Common things to consider
-
Assuming a headphone socket means completely silent practice
The socket tells you something about the piano sound you hear through your headphones, but not how much noise the keys or pedal will make in your space.
If possible, try the setup in a quiet room. Keep the headphone volume at a comfortable level; the World Health Organization points out that both volume and listening time matter.
-
Comparing only the piano body and its dimensions
Your preferred setup will determine whether you also need a stand, bench or more advanced pedal. Korg lists a damper pedal as included with the B2+, while the STB1 stand and PU-2 pedal unit are sold separately.
Compare what’s included with the exact model and measure the space needed for the instrument, music rest and player.
You may need to buy a stand, bench or more advanced pedal separately, depending on the setup you want to use.
-
Treating Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio as the same feature
A Bluetooth listing doesn’t necessarily confirm that an instrument can both send and receive MIDI data and audio. Roland also says that Bluetooth availability for the FP-10 may vary by country of purchase.
Check which connection your app or practice method needs for the exact model.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
Yamaha describes the P-145 as a portable piano with an 88-key GHC keyboard. It’s worth comparing if you’re looking for a full-size keyboard for a limited space.
- Yamaha lists compatibility with the optional LP-5A three-pedal unit.
- Descriptions of how it feels to play come from the manufacturer and aren’t based on an independent comparison. Check which accessories are included with the model on offer.
Roland
For the FP-10, Roland lists an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard and says you can play through its built-in speakers or headphones.
- The manufacturer lists an optional DP-10 pedal for half-pedalling.
- Roland says Bluetooth availability may vary by country of purchase. Its claims about sound and touch aren’t independent comparison results.
Casio
Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm, a PHONES/OUTPUT socket and Music Space support for the CDP-S110BK.
- Casio says an SP-3 sustain pedal is included and that Music Space can display PDF files.
- The connection method for a smart device may vary by device. Descriptions of how it feels to play aren’t the result of an independent comparison.
Korg
According to the manufacturer, the Korg B2+ has 88 weighted NH keys, a PHONES socket, AUDIO IN and USB-C. Korg lists its weight as 11,4 kg without the music rest.
- A damper pedal is included with the piano.
- The STB1 stand and PU-2 pedal unit are sold separately.
Kawai
Kawai describes the ES120 as a portable piano with a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard and Bluetooth MIDI and Audio.
- These connection and connectivity features may be useful if they suit the way you practise.
- Kawai’s claims about authenticity and playing experience are brand claims. Check the model and any required accessories for the offer you’re considering.
Joybuy products
The Joybuy products below are keyboards with 61 keys. Check whether each model has a headphone socket and whether the number of keys suits the passages you want to learn.
No image available
MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys
The product description mentions a headphone socket for private practice.
61 keys; touch-sensitive, weighted keyboard; metronome and recording function.
No image available
Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
The product description mentions a headphone socket for private practice.
61 keys; metronome, music rest and recording function.
No image available
Keyboard set, 61 keys, with stand and stool
The product description mentions a headphone socket and a learning function for practice.
61 keys; the title lists a stand and stool. The learning function has three levels.
No image available
Keyboard set, 61 keys, with stand and stool
The product description mentions a learning function for practice. If you want to practise privately, check whether this model has a headphone socket.
61 keys; three-level learning function and built-in speakers.
Frequently asked questions
Is a pair of headphones enough to practise without disturbing others?
Headphones limit the piano sound that other people hear, but they won’t automatically make every physical key press inaudible throughout your home. Also consider your own listening volume and how long you listen for. The World Health Organization offers listening advice, not a Dutch noise standard for piano playing.
Should I buy an advanced pedal system straight away?
No, not unless your arrangement calls for one. First, check which passages you want to play with a pedal and what’s included: Casio lists an SP-3 sustain pedal for the CDP-S110BK, while Korg includes a damper pedal with the B2+ and sells the PU-2 pedal unit separately.
What warranty applies to a piano I buy in the Netherlands?
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, the statutory guarantee applies alongside any seller’s or manufacturer’s warranty. If a product breaks during normal use sooner than you could reasonably expect, the seller must provide an appropriate solution free of charge. There isn’t one fixed statutory guarantee period that applies to every piano.
Can I always practise the piano at any time in a flat?
The Dutch government doesn’t give general permission to play at any time. It advises people to make arrangements with their neighbours about noise, for example by agreeing when music can be played. If the disturbance continues, the Dutch government lists the landlord, residents’ association or local council as possible next steps.