Student in a shared music room
Want to practise a tune without using the built-in speakers? Look for a suitable headphone socket and somewhere safe to keep the instrument.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Student learning piano technique too
If you’re practising dynamics or pedal technique as well as the tune, compare the keyboard and pedal options for the exact version.
Student who moves the instrument
Do you share the room or put the piano away when you’re not using it? The stated dimensions, weight and power options are all practical points to consider.
What should you look for when buying?
Start with how you plan to practise. Headphones are useful in a shared space, while the keyboard, pedal options and storage requirements can help you weigh up other needs.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising with headphones | Check the socket on the exact version and make sure it suits your headphones. Roland lists headphone use for the FP-10; Casio specifies a PHONES/OUTPUT socket for the CDP-S110BK. | If I want to practise in a shared room without filling it with piano sound, I look for a model with a suitable socket. Around 36% of consumers make quiet practice their top priority. |
| Touch response and key range | Compare the keyboard type, number of keys and touch settings for the version. Yamaha specifies 88 GHC keys for the P-145BT; Roland lists an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard for the FP-10. | If I also want to practise dynamics and piano technique, the feel and response of the keyboard matter to me. Around 29% of consumers prioritise touch response and key range. |
| Setting up and storage | Measure the available space and check the dimensions and weight of the version. Casio lists dimensions of 1.322 × 232 × 99 mm and a weight of 10,5 kg for the CDP-S110BK; Yamaha gives the P-145BT a width of 1.326 mm and a weight of 11,5 kg. | If I need to move or store the piano regularly, I want to know whether its dimensions and weight will suit my space. Around 21% of consumers prioritise portability or storage. |
| Practising in time | Check whether the model has a metronome and whether it’s easy to use while practising. Roland lists a metronome for the FP-10; Kawai lists one for the ES120. | If I want to learn the tune step by step and keep to the tempo, a metronome is an important practice feature for me. Around 14% of consumers make practising in time their top priority. |
What to watch out for when buying
-
Assuming an optional pedal is included
An optional pedal isn’t necessarily included in the package. Yamaha lists the LP-5A unit for the P-145BT as optional, while Roland lists the DP-10 pedal for half-pedalling as optional for the FP-10. Casio says the CDP-S110BK comes with an SP-3 damper pedal.
Compare what’s in the package for the specific version with the pedal you need for your lessons.
-
Measuring only the width of the instrument
The instrument’s dimensions don’t tell you how much space you’ll need for the player and any accessories.
Measure the space you’ll need both to set it up and to store it, then compare this with the stated dimensions of the version you’ve chosen.
-
Using an overseas model specification without checking
The B2 specification we consulted on Korg’s US manufacturer website is for the US market. The model name alone doesn’t confirm that the version sold in the Netherlands has the same specifications or package contents.
Check the sockets, power supply and included parts for the exact version sold in the Netherlands.
Brands to compare when choosing a model
Roland
The FP-10 is a portable digital piano worth comparing if you want to practise piano using headphones or the built-in speakers.
- Roland specifies an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard and a metronome for this model.
- The DP-10 pedal for half-pedalling is optional; check what’s included in the package you choose.
Casio
The CDP-S110BK is worth comparing if storage or moving the instrument is a major consideration.
- Casio specifies a weight of 10,5 kg, mains or battery power, a PHONES/OUTPUT socket and an included SP-3 damper pedal for this model.
- Check that the version and power options in the listing meet your needs.
Yamaha
The P-145BT is a portable model worth comparing if you want a weighted keyboard and the option of a more extensive pedal set-up.
- Yamaha specifies 88 GHC keys and compatibility with the optional three-pedal LP-5A unit.
- The stated width is 1.326 mm; remember to measure the space needed for the full set-up too.
Kawai
The ES120 is a portable model worth comparing if headphone use and connectivity are important to you.
- Kawai lists two headphone socket sizes, a metronome and a weight of 12 kg for the ES120.
- The model information comes from a 2022 announcement and doesn’t, by itself, tell you whether the piano is currently available.
Korg
The B2 is another model to compare if you’re looking for a weighted keyboard and a combined headphone/audio output.
- In its US model specifications, Korg lists 88 NH keys, a metronome, an included damper pedal and a PHONES output that also serves as a line-out.
- Check the exact version sold in the Netherlands before applying these model specifications to a specific listing.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy product picks are relevant if you want to practise digitally with headphones and a metronome. Check which keyboard features and accessories come with each version.
No image available
MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys
Worth a look if you’re after a headphone socket and a metronome for practising in a shared space.
The product name lists a 61-key weighted keyboard and a metronome. The product information also mentions touch sensitivity and a headphone socket.
No image available
Electronic keyboard, 61 keys
This model could suit quiet practice if you also want to compare a metronome and built-in speakers.
The product name lists 61 keys and a metronome; the product information mentions a headphone socket.
Frequently asked questions
Are headphones always the right way to practise in a shared music room?
Not necessarily. Check that the model has a socket that suits your headphones, and think about how you want to practise alongside others. Roland lists headphone use for the FP-10; Casio specifies a PHONES/OUTPUT socket for the CDP-S110BK. Your educational institution may have different rules for using the room.
How do I look after a digital piano in a shared space?
Follow the manual for the model you choose. Kawai, for example, warns against exposing the ES120 to moisture or using a damaged mains cable, and says it must be used with the specified mains voltage. Don’t assume these model-specific instructions apply to another piano.
Should I contact the manufacturer first if something goes wrong?
No. According to the Dutch Government, if you buy a faulty product, the seller must provide a solution. The Netherlands has no fixed statutory guarantee period for all products; a manufacturer’s guarantee is in addition to your statutory rights.
Can I share a recording or sheet music of a copyrighted performance?
Don’t assume you’re allowed to share it just because it’s a folk tune or for a lesson. According to the Dutch Government, you need permission to distribute or make copyrighted music available to the public; a copy for personal use must not be distributed. Whether a particular tune, arrangement or recording is protected must be assessed separately.