Pianists working on their technique
You practise major scales to improve evenness, dynamics and tempo. A keyboard that suits your playing and a useful metronome can help.
Who is this for?
Players who take their piano with them
You move the instrument between storage and the rehearsal room. Its dimensions, weight and power supply all affect how practical it is for you.
Players in a shared studio
You want to switch between practising privately and playing with others at an audible volume. So check the headphone and audio connections on the version you’re considering.
What should you look for when buying?
Start with the touch and practice features, then consider portability, connections and how you want to play in a shared space.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and scale practice | Try both soft and firm playing, as well as fast passages; check the keyboard range and whether you can set the metronome as you like. | If you practise scales for tempo and evenness, you’ll want a touch that suits your playing. Around 36% of consumers give touch and practice control top priority. |
| Transport and setup | Compare the stated dimensions and weight with your transport arrangements; also check which accessories and power supply are included. | If you regularly move your piano between storage and the rehearsal room, its weight and setup need to be practical. Transport is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Connecting for playing with others | Compare the output and connector with the mixer or amplifier in the room, and check which cables you’ll need. | If you play with others, you’ll want to connect the piano to the equipment available. Around 21% of consumers care most about being able to connect for playing with others. |
| Private practice in a shared space | Check that the headphone plug fits, where the socket is and how to adjust the volume. | If others use the room, you’ll want to listen to the digital piano through headphones. Private practice is the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Buying pitfalls
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Assuming every digital piano has 88 keys
A product title may name the category even if the instrument has a smaller keyboard. A Joybuy product page for the MLS-931 lists 61 keys; that’s not the same range as the 88-key models considered here.
Check the full model name, number of keys and type of touch on the product page rather than guessing from the category name.
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Confusing a headphone output with a separate mixer output
Korg lists a combined PHONES/LINE OUT for the B2, while Kawai specifies separate line-outs for the ES60. This may call for different cables or a different connection setup.
Check which connections the rehearsal setup requires, then compare them with the piano’s connections.
You may need different cables or a different connection setup.
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Confusing a model with a bundle or related version
Accessories can vary by model or offer. Yamaha lists the LP-5A console for the P-145 as optional; for the B2, Korg distinguishes between the included damper pedal and the optional PU-2 for half-pedalling.
Check the full model number, what the offer includes and whether any accessories you need are compatible.
You may need a separate stand or pedal for the setup you want to use.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
The P-145 is a compact piano in the P series for players looking for an 88-key keyboard and a portable setup.
- Yamaha specifies a GHC keyboard and an instrument weight of 11,1 kg for the P-145.
- The LP-5A three-pedal console is optional. Yamaha’s description of the playing feel is a manufacturer claim, not an independent comparison.
Casio
The CDP-S110BK is a slim digital piano for players who value portability and adjustable touch sensitivity.
- Casio lists 88 keys, three touch-sensitivity levels, mains or battery power, a PHONES/OUTPUT socket and an included SP-3 pedal.
- The stated battery life is a manufacturer specification, not an independently measured usage time.
Roland
The FP-10 is designed for practice, with an 88-key PHA-4 keyboard, built-in speakers and headphone use.
- Roland lists a built-in metronome.
- The DP-10 pedal for half-pedalling is optional. Roland’s statements about sound and touch are manufacturer claims.
Kawai
The portable ES60 may suit a rehearsal setup that needs separate line-outs; according to Kawai, the ES120 offers different practice and connection options.
- Kawai lists separate 1/4-inch line-outs, a front-mounted headphone socket and a weight of 11 kg for the ES60.
- Kawai lists a weight of 12,5 kg and optional stand and pedal solutions for the ES120. These details apply to the models named, not the entire ES series.
Korg
The B2 is an option if you’re looking for an 88-key NH keyboard with a metronome and a combined headphone/line-out.
- Korg specifies a weight of 11,4 kg and an included damper pedal for the B2.
- The PU-2 for half-pedalling is optional. Check the full model name: these details apply to the B2 and not automatically to the B2+.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy products are aimed at scale practice on a 61-key keyboard; check that this range suits your exercises.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
The product name mentions a weighted keyboard and a headphone socket for practice; check that the 61-key range suits the scales you want to practise.
61 keys; 300 tones and 300 rhythms; LCD; USB-MIDI; speakers; headphone socket; music stand.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black
The product name mentions a metronome for tempo practice; check that the 61-key range suits what you want to practise.
61 keys; metronome; MIDI controller; recording function; speakers; music stand.
Frequently asked questions
Should you focus mainly on the number of tones when practising major scales?
No. First, try the keyboard range and touch to see if they suit your exercises, and check that you can set the metronome easily. Connections and accessories also matter if you share the rehearsal room with others.
Can you connect a digital piano directly to the sound system?
That depends on the connections on the piano and the sound system. Kawai lists separate line-outs for the ES60, while Korg lists a combined PHONES/LINE OUT for the B2. Compare the connectors and cables you’ll need before choosing a model.
How can you use the mains power supply safely?
Follow the manual for the model you choose and use a power supply with the specified ratings. In the ES120 manual, Kawai warns against using a wall socket with the wrong voltage and using the supplied power supply with another instrument, among other things; this instruction applies to the ES120.
What are your rights if a piano bought online turns out to be faulty?
For online consumer purchases, you generally have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period from delivery, with some exceptions. Your statutory right to a remedy also depends on what you could reasonably expect from the product under normal use; if a product is faulty, contact the seller. ACM ConsuWijzer explains these rights.
Does a CE mark alone prove that a piano for sale is safe?
According to the European Commission, a CE mark is only required for products covered by applicable harmonised EU rules. Check the information for the specific piano and the power supply included; a general mark doesn’t tell you which instructions apply to your version.