Who is this buying guide for?

Ballad player practising piano technique

You want to practise melody, chords and dynamics with both hands, and are particularly interested in the keyboard and pedal options.

Player rehearsing with a band

You want to hear the piano through the studio’s existing sound system, so you’re comparing audio connections.

Player who practises in different places

You move the instrument or sometimes practise alone, and want to know about setup, transport, headphones and features for practising on your own.

Which buying considerations matter?

Start with what your practice setup requires, then check the connections, pedal and setup for the exact model.

What to consider What to check before buying Who is this more important for?
Touch response and pedal control Try the keyboard if possible, and check the key type for each model, as well as whether your preferred pedal is included or optional. Yamaha, Roland and Korg describe different keyboard and pedal options. I want to practise both soft and powerful passages and use sustain with control; around 33% of consumers make touch response and pedal control their top priority.
Audio connection for playing with others Check which input the studio uses and which audio output the piano has. Kawai lists separate Line Out connections for the ES120; Korg describes a combined PHONES/Line Out connection for the B2+. When I play with the band, I want to know in advance how to connect the piano to the studio sound system; around 27% of consumers put this audio connection first.
Transport and setup Compare the dimensions and weight of the exact model, and check what’s included in the offer. Yamaha lists the P-145BT as 1.326 mm wide and weighing 11,1 kg; Korg lists the B2+ as 1.312 × 336 × 117 mm and 11,4 kg without the music rest. I need to be able to take the piano with me after rehearsal and set it up to fit; transport and setup come first for around 20% of consumers.
Practising on your own Check whether each model has a headphone socket and metronome, and decide separately how the piano will be amplified when playing with others. Roland lists a metronome and headphone use for the FP-10. When I practise alone, I want to use a metronome and headphones; practising on your own is the top priority for around 20% of consumers.

Common pitfalls when buying a digital piano

  • Confusing MIDI with the audio connection to the studio

    Kawai lists USB-MIDI and separate Line Out connections as different options for the ES120. MIDI therefore doesn’t replace the audio connection you need to hear the piano through the studio sound system.

    Check which audio output the exact piano has and which input the studio uses.

  • Assuming all pedals offer the same features

    Korg lists an included damper pedal with the B2+ and describes the PU-2, which offers half-pedalling, as available separately. The pedal’s features and what’s included in the offer are both worth checking.

    Compare the pedal function you want with the accessories included with the exact model.

    The separately available PU-2 may be required for half-pedalling with the Korg B2+.

  • Assuming a headphone socket means it’s suitable for playing with a band

    Listening on your own and playing through an amplified setup have different connection requirements. A headphone socket alone won’t tell you how to connect the piano to the studio equipment.

    Decide separately how you’ll practise privately and how the band will hear the piano.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

The P-145BT is a portable, piano-focused option for comparing touch response, setup space and pedal configurations.

  • Yamaha specifies 88 GHC keys, adjustable touch sensitivity and a weight of 11,1 kg for the P-145BT.
  • Yamaha describes the LP-5A three-pedal unit as optional. Check what’s included in the specific offer.

Kawai

The ES120 is worth considering if you want to connect the piano to the studio sound system using separate audio outputs.

  • Kawai lists Responsive Hammer Compact keys, separate Line Out connections, and recording and metronome functions.
  • Check which cable and studio input will work with your setup.

Korg

The B2+ combines a portable keyboard with a combined headphone/line-out connection.

  • Korg specifies an NH keyboard, a PHONES/Line Out connection and an included damper pedal.
  • Korg lists the PU-2, which offers half-pedalling, as available separately; the audio output is combined rather than a separate Line Out.

Roland

The FP-10 is a piano-focused practice option for comparing touch response, metronome features and headphone use.

  • Roland lists an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard, a metronome and headphone use.
  • Roland describes the DP-10, which offers half-pedalling, as optional. Check whether this pedal function suits your model.

Casio

The CDP-S110 is worth considering if you’re comparing a compact scaled keyboard and basic practice features.

  • Casio lists a compact scaled hammer-action keyboard, an included SP-3 damper pedal and a PHONES/OUTPUT connection.
  • Check whether the audio connection works with the equipment you want to use in the rehearsal studio.

Joybuy products for this practice setup

This Joybuy selection includes two 61-key models for piano-focused practice. Check that their range suits the part you want to learn, especially if you’re also considering an 88-key option.

MLS-931 digital piano with 61 keys

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, weighted keyboard

The product title describes a weighted keyboard; its 61 keys offer a more limited range than an 88-key option for piano-focused practice.

The product title also lists 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen and USB-MIDI.

View at Joybuy
Electronic keyboard with 61 keys, metronome and recording function

Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, with recording function

The metronome mentioned in the product title may be useful for practising in time on your own; check whether 61 keys give you enough range for your piano part.

The product title lists a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music rest.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

What should you check if you want to rehearse the ballad with a band?

First, check which audio input is available in the studio. Kawai lists separate Line Out connections for the ES120; Korg describes a combined PHONES/Line Out connection for the B2+. Then check which cable you’ll need and how you plan to listen.

Are a stand and pedal always included?

It depends on the model. Korg lists a damper pedal as included with the B2+, while the stand and PU-2 pedal unit are available separately; Roland lists the DP-10 as optional for the FP-10. So check what’s included in the specific offer.

How can you practise your timing on your own?

A metronome is one feature to compare: Roland lists one for the FP-10. Casio mentions metronome settings via CASIO Music Space for the CDP-S110. Check which controls you want to use and whether you’ll need to connect another device.

What guarantee and cancellation period apply to an online purchase by a consumer in the Netherlands?

If a product is faulty, the seller is responsible for the statutory guarantee. What you can expect depends on the product and the circumstances, not just on the manufacturer’s guarantee period. According to ACM ConsuWijzer, online purchases usually come with a cancellation period of up to 14 days after delivery; check whether a statutory exception applies.