Scale practice
You mainly practise an even touch and timing, and want to assess the feel of the keyboard and the metronome. Yamaha lists an 88-key GHC keyboard for the P-145BT; Korg lists an 88-key NH keyboard and a metronome for the B2.
Who is this buying guide for?
Quiet practice at home
You share your home and want to listen through headphones, without assuming that this makes the keys or pedals silent. Korg lists a headphone socket for the B2; Roland lists two headphone outputs for the FP-30X.
Practising in a shared guest room
The room needs to be available for other activities too, so you’ll need to consider the space required for both the piano and the full set-up. Yamaha publishes the dimensions of the P-145BT, while Korg describes the B2SP as a set with a stand and three pedals.
What should you look for?
First, check that the keyboard range and touch suit your practice. Then measure the complete playing area and check which practice features and components are included with the version you’re considering.
| Buying consideration | What to look for | Who it matters more to |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and keyboard range | Compare the keyboard type and range, and try different touch responses if possible. Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys for the P-145BT; Korg lists 88 NH keys for the B2. | If I want to practise scales with control over my touch, I’ll focus on range and responsiveness. Around 33% of consumers put touch and keyboard range first. |
| Listening with headphones | Check the type of socket on the exact model and make sure your headphones are compatible. Headphones won’t automatically silence the keys or pedals. | When I practise at home with other people around, I want to listen through headphones without assuming the whole practice set-up will be silent. Around 27% of consumers make headphone listening their main buying consideration. |
| Space in the guest room | Measure the space needed for the instrument, music rest, stand and bench. The piano’s casing alone doesn’t show how much room you’ll need for the complete playing set-up. | If the room also needs to stay clear for other uses, I want to know how much space the piano takes up with its stand and seat. Around 20% of consumers put space requirements first. |
| Practice features and what’s included | Check for a metronome and what’s included with the exact version. Korg describes the B2SP as a B2 set with a stand and three pedals; it’s a different set-up from the standalone B2. | Anyone mainly looking for a metronome and the components needed for their practice area will want to distinguish standalone models from complete sets. Around 20% of consumers give these features and included components the most weight. |
Common buying mistakes
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Measuring only the piano casing
You’ll need extra space beside the casing for the music rest, chair and playing position.
Measure the space required for the complete set-up you’ve chosen, including the music rest, stand and bench.
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Treating a standalone piano and a set as the same version
Korg distinguishes between the standalone B2 and the B2SP set, which includes a stand and three pedals. The components you need will therefore depend on which version you choose.
Check what’s included with the exact model. You may need to buy a stand, bench or extra pedals separately.
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Assuming headphones block out all the sound
Headphones are designed to let you listen to the piano sound; they won’t stop the keys or pedals from making physical noise.
Check the socket and, if possible, try the piano with headphones in a similar room.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The P-145BT is a portable option in the P Series for anyone looking for a piano with 88 weighted keys.
- Yamaha lists a GHC keyboard and offers the LP-5A console with three pedals as an optional accessory.
- Descriptions of the playing feel are manufacturer claims, not the result of an independent playing test. Check whether the stand and pedals are included with the version you’ve chosen.
Korg
The B2 is a standalone piano with a metronome; the B2SP is a set with a stand and three pedals.
- Korg lists an 88-key NH keyboard, a headphone socket and an included damper pedal for the B2.
- The B2 and B2SP differ in what’s included. Compare offers by the exact version and included components.
Roland
The FP-30X is a portable option in the FP Series for anyone who values headphone sockets.
- Roland lists two headphone outputs, with an optional stand and extra pedals also available.
- Roland’s statements about sound and playing experience are manufacturer claims. Check which components are included with the specific version.
Casio
The CDP-S110 is a CDP Series option available in Europe for comparing straightforward controls and practice settings.
- Casio lists control of features such as touch response and the metronome through CASIO MUSIC SPACE, as well as an included SP-3 damper pedal.
- App control isn’t essential for practising scales. Check the connections and version of the model on offer.
Joybuy product picks
These Joybuy picks are 61-key keyboards to compare for practising scales in a shared or multi-purpose room. Also check whether the keyboard range suits your learning materials.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
An option to compare if a shorter keyboard range suits your scale practice.
The product name lists a weighted keyboard, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music stand. Check what ‘weighted’ means for the touch of this version.
With 61 keys, the range is shorter than that of an 88-key keyboard; check that it suits your learning materials.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
An option to consider if 61 keys are enough for the major scales you practise.
The product name lists a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand. Check that the connections are compatible with the headphones you want to use.
The range is shorter than that of an 88-key keyboard; whether it’s suitable depends on your learning materials.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need three pedals straight away to practise major scales?
Not if you’re mainly practising individual notes and even timing. Compare the keyboard and metronome first; three pedals are more relevant if your learning materials or later piano pieces require that playing technique. Korg lists an included damper pedal for the standalone B2; the B2SP is the set with three pedals.
How do you practise with a metronome?
Start at a tempo where you can play the notes evenly, and only increase it when you can stay in control. Yamaha describes practising with a metronome as a way to work on your timing. A built-in metronome is handy, but you can also use a separate one.
How much space should you leave for a digital piano?
Measure the space needed for the piano, music rest, stand and bench together. The stated dimensions of the piano casing alone don’t show how much room the complete practice area will take up.
What are your rights when buying online?
When you buy at a distance, the seller must provide you with information including details about the product and the cancellation period. According to the Dutch government, a 14-day cancellation period applies in many cases; exceptions and the seller’s circumstances may be relevant. You also have consumer rights against the seller if a product is faulty.
Is a CE mark relevant for a digital piano?
Yes. The Dutch government states that electronic devices in the EU must carry a CE mark. Check the mark and product information for the specific offer; the language of a webpage doesn’t in itself tell you where the seller is based.