Who is this guide for?

Pianists working on expressive detail

You want to practise the passages, dynamics and, if needed, pedal use in a particular piece. Try the keyboard, then use the score to work out which pedal controls you need.

Players with limited space

You need to fit the instrument, music rest, a suitable stand and your seat into a small practice space. Measure the whole playing area, not just the piano.

Players in a shared space

You want to practise regularly with headphones or listen along with a teacher. Also consider the volume and the sound made by the keys and pedals in the room.

What should you look for?

Start with what the score requires, then check that the complete set-up will fit and that you can use the pedals you need.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Touch and keyboard range Compare the highest and lowest notes in your piece with the keyboard, and try soft, loud and repeated passages. Yamaha, Roland and Casio specify 88 keys for the models mentioned. If I want to practise the touch and dynamics of specific passages, I need to know whether the keyboard suits them. Around 31% of consumers say touch is their top priority.
Practising with headphones Check the connections on the exact model. Roland and Kawai each list two headphone sockets for the models mentioned. In a shared space, I often want to practise without sound from the speakers; two sockets can also be useful when playing with a teacher. Around 25% of consumers prioritise quiet practice.
Space for the set-up Measure the space for the piano, music rest, stand, seat and pedals. Casio lists a depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100BK; Yamaha gives the P-225's width as 1.326 mm and its depth as 272 mm. If space is limited, I want to know in advance whether I can sit and play comfortably with the complete set-up in place. Around 25% of consumers put available space first.
Pedal controls Check the pedal instructions in the score and find out which pedals are included with the exact version or are compatible as an add-on. Roland and Kawai describe separate pedal add-ons. When my piece calls for a specific pedal technique, I want to be able to use the right controls and know which parts I need. Around 19% of consumers make pedal technique their top priority when choosing.

Common buying mistakes

  • Comparing the depth of the piano alone

    The music rest and your chosen stand also take up space. So the piano's stated dimensions alone won't tell you whether the complete playing area will fit.

    Measure the available width and depth, and check what the manufacturer has included in the stated dimensions.

    A suitable stand may be a separate item; remember to allow for the space the complete set-up will take up.

  • Assuming three pedals are included

    A manufacturer's description of a compatible pedal add-on doesn't mean it's included in every bundle.

    Compare the pedal instructions for your piece with what comes in the exact version, and check which add-on is compatible.

    A full pedal set-up may require a suitable stand and extra parts.

  • Assuming headphones make practice completely silent

    Headphones won't necessarily stop the keys or pedals from making noise in the room. According to the World Health Organization, hearing risks are also linked to volume and listening time.

    Listen at a low volume, take breaks and consider the mechanical noise in your practice space too.

Piano brands to consider

Yamaha

The P-225 is a portable option to compare if you're looking for a full range of keys and a relatively shallow case.

  • Yamaha specifies 88 GHC keys, adjustable touch sensitivity and a case measuring 1.326 × 272 mm for the P-225.
  • Specifications can't tell you whether the touch suits your piece. Remember to allow space for the music rest and your chosen stand too.

Roland

The FP-30X is a portable option to compare if you want a hammer-action keyboard and possibly two headphone sockets.

  • Roland specifies a PHA-4 hammer-action keyboard and two headphone outputs for the FP-30X.
  • Check which pedal add-on suits the way you play and the exact version. Try the keyboard to see how it feels for yourself.

Casio

The Privia PX-S1100BK is worth considering if the piano's depth is a key constraint in your practice space.

  • Casio lists a case depth of 232 mm and 88 hammer-action keys.
  • That measurement is for the piano alone. Also measure the space needed for accessories, the stand and your seat.

Kawai

The portable ES120 is an option to compare if you're considering a piano-focused keyboard and practising with one or two pairs of headphones.

  • Kawai describes the Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard and two headphone sockets. A compatible stand and a three-pedal accessory are available.
  • Check availability and what's included in the package for the version sold in the UK.

Joybuy products

These Joybuy products are 61-key models for a compact practice set-up. Check whether the more limited keyboard range suits the score for your recital piece.

MLS-931 digital piano with 61 keys

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys

Could suit you if you're looking for a portable model with a headphone socket for your practice piece, and 61 keys are enough.

The keyboard has 61 touch-sensitive, weighted keys; the product description also lists a music stand and headphone socket. Its range is smaller than that of an 88-key keyboard.

Joybuy
Black electronic keyboard piano with 61 keys

Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black

Could suit you if you'd like to use a metronome and music stand while practising, and 61 keys cover the range in your score.

The product information lists 61 keys, a metronome, recording function, speakers, a MIDI controller and a music stand. A headphone socket is also mentioned. Its range is smaller than that of an 88-key keyboard.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does my digital piano need 88 keys for this recital piece?

Not necessarily. First, compare the highest and lowest notes in your piece with the keyboard's range. The Yamaha, Roland and Casio models discussed have 88 keys according to their manufacturers, but only the score can tell you whether you need the full range.

How do I set up a small practice space?

Measure the complete set-up, including the music rest, stand, seat and pedals, rather than just the case. Yamaha gives different dimensions for the P-225 depending on the set-up, so check which parts are included in the stated measurements.

Can I practise with headphones for as long as I like?

No. Keep an eye on both the volume and how long you listen for. The World Health Organization identifies both as factors in hearing risks, so listen at a low volume and take breaks. Headphones won't automatically silence the keys and pedals.

What can I do if the piano develops a fault after I buy it?

If there's a problem with a product, contact the seller to find a solution. According to the Dutch Government, the Netherlands has no fixed statutory guarantee period; any manufacturer's warranty is in addition to your statutory rights.