Piano student who reads sheet music
Practises new pieces from a book or screen and wants to be able to see the notes while playing with both hands. ABRSM and Trinity College London recommend looking through the music in advance.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Player sharing a practice space
Needs to move or put away the instrument after practising, so the dimensions and weight of the complete setup matter. Yamaha Netherlands, Korg Netherlands and Studiologic provide relevant dimensions or weights for their models.
Player in a shared home
Wants to practise using headphones and should check the connection on the version they choose. Korg Netherlands and Studiologic describe headphone use for their models.
What should you look for when choosing?
First measure the complete setup, then work out the keyboard range you need and finally check how you want to listen.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who should prioritise this? |
|---|---|---|
| Displaying sheet music | Check whether a music rest is included and whether the stated depth includes it. | I want to see the notes clearly while playing and keep my hands free; around 36% of consumers put sheet music first. |
| Space and storage | Measure the available width and depth, and compare dimensions measured on the same basis, with or without the music rest. | If I need to move or put the instrument away after practising, the dimensions of the whole setup matter; around 29% of consumers prioritise having limited space to set it up. |
| Keyboard range and touch | Check the number of keys and the type of keyboard on the exact version, then compare them with the pieces you practise. | I want the keyboard to suit my sheet music and playing style, even if that matters more than portability; around 21% of consumers put keyboard range and touch first. |
| Practising with headphones | Check the connection on the exact model and whether your headphones will plug in directly. | At home, I want to practise with headphones without using the speakers; around 14% of consumers prioritise headphone use. |
Common buying mistakes
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Comparing the depth of the piano alone
The music rest may need extra depth. Yamaha Netherlands lists the P-145’s dimensions both with and without the music rest; Korg Netherlands gives the B2+’s depth excluding the music rest.
Measure the complete setup, including sheet music, stand and seating space, before deciding where to put it.
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Assuming a stand and pedal unit are included
The matching LP-5A console for the Yamaha P-145 is optional. Korg states that the STB1 stand and PU-2 pedal unit are available separately.
Check what’s included and whether accessories are compatible with the exact model version.
A permanent setup may require extra accessories.
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Assuming ‘digital piano’ means 88 keys
A product title doesn’t automatically tell you how many keys the instrument has. A 61-key model doesn’t offer the same range as an 88-key keyboard.
Check the number of keys and the key action separately, then compare them with the sheet music you want to practise.
Brands to compare
These examples relate to specific model ranges. Check the features and accessories for each version.
Yamaha
Yamaha Netherlands describes the P-145 as a portable 88-key model with a weighted GHC keyboard.
- Yamaha Netherlands lists a width of 1.326 mm and a depth of 268 mm without the music rest, or 320 mm with it.
- The matching LP-5A console is optional, so measure the complete setup you plan to use.
Korg
According to Korg Netherlands, the B2+ has a weighted NH keyboard with 88 keys; a music rest and sustain pedal are included.
- Korg Netherlands lists the dimensions as 1.312 × 336 × 117 mm, excluding the music rest.
- The STB1 stand and PU-2 pedal unit are available separately. Check whether your preferred setup needs these accessories.
Studiologic
According to Studiologic, the Numa Compact SE is an alternative with semi-weighted keys, built-in speakers and headphone use.
- Studiologic gives its weight as approximately 7 kg, which may matter if you move the instrument regularly.
- Check whether a suitable music rest and pedals are included with your chosen version or need to be bought separately.
Casio
Casio Netherlands presents the PX-S1100BK as a slim Privia model.
- The product page features a specific version you can compare with other models.
- Ask for the exact dimensions, including the music rest, and check what’s included before deciding where to put it.
Joybuy products
The Joybuy products below are 61-key models with a music stand listed. Check that this keyboard range suits the sheet music you want to practise.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
The product title mentions a music stand and a portable instrument, which may be useful if you want to move the piano after practising.
The title also mentions USB-MIDI, speakers and a headphone socket. This model has 61 keys, so check that its range is suitable for the pieces you practise.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
The product title mentions a music stand, so you can display your sheet music while practising.
The title also mentions a metronome, recording function and speakers. Check that the 61 keys cover the range of your sheet music.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a built-in metronome to learn to play from sheet music?
No, a metronome isn’t essential when choosing a piano: you can start by looking through the music in advance. Korg Netherlands lists a built-in metronome on the B2+; check whether this feature suits your practice routine.
How can you avoid the music rest taking up more space than expected?
Only compare dimensions measured on the same basis. Yamaha Netherlands lists the P-145’s depth as 268 mm without the music rest and 320 mm with it; Korg Netherlands gives the B2+’s depth as 336 mm excluding the music rest. Also measure the space for the player and stand.
What maintenance does a digital piano need?
A digital piano doesn’t have acoustic strings that need tuning regularly. Follow the manual for the exact version when cleaning, powering and storing it.
What are the cooling-off period and warranty rules for an online purchase in the Netherlands?
When you buy from a business online at a distance, you’re entitled in many cases to a statutory 14-day cooling-off period, although exceptions may apply. The Dutch government states that there is no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands: if a product is faulty, the seller remains your point of contact.
Does a digital piano sold in the Netherlands need to carry a CE mark?
Electrical or electronic devices covered by applicable EU rules requiring CE marking must carry it. The rules that apply depend on the version; a product listing alone doesn’t prove that a specific item complies.