Who practises in a small space?

Practising with limited space

You want a piano keyboard for your tune, but first you need to check whether the instrument, music rest and somewhere to sit will fit in the room. Yamaha Nederland, Casio Europe and Korg Nederland publish model dimensions that you can compare with your own playing space.

Practising in a shared space

You want to practise passages with headphones and perhaps listen along with a teacher at the same time. Casio Europe, Korg Nederland and Roland list different connections for each model.

Beginner piano student

You want to learn the tune and practise timing, dynamics or pedal technique too. Yamaha Nederland, Casio Europe, Roland and Korg Nederland describe differences in key action, metronomes and pedal options.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, measure the space for the instrument and your playing set-up. Then decide whether quiet practice, key response or practice aids matter most.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Space and set-up Measure your playing space and check whether the stated dimensions include the music rest and stand. If I have limited space, I want to know whether I can play comfortably with a chair, music rest and pedal. Around 30% of consumers give available space their highest priority.
Practising with headphones Check the number of outputs, the connection type and whether you need to listen at the same time as someone else. In a shared space, I want to practise through headphones and, if needed, listen along with a teacher. Around 30% of consumers prioritise quiet practice.
Key range and touch Compare the number of keys with your sheet music and try the key action yourself if possible. If I want to practise playing with both hands, I look at the key range and action, not just the number of sounds. Around 20% of consumers make piano touch their top priority.
Practice aids and pedal Check the metronome, pedal connection and which accessories are actually included. For passages with tempo changes or sustain, I want to know in advance which practice aids and pedal will suit my set-up. Around 20% of consumers start with practice features and accessories.

Common purchasing pitfalls

  • Comparing only the cabinet depth with the available space

    The published dimensions may not include the music rest; you also need room for the chair and to use the pedal.

    Draw your complete playing set-up to scale before choosing a model.

  • Assuming accessories are included as standard

    Included and optional pedals or stands vary by model and offer.

    Check the contents of the exact offer and make sure any add-ons are compatible with the instrument.

    An optional pedal unit or stand could mean an extra purchase, so check what the bundle includes.

  • Assuming headphones make practice completely silent

    Headphones limit the sound from the speakers, but they don’t tell you how much noise the moving keys make.

    If you’re sharing a space, try the mechanical key noise on the surface where you plan to play, too.

Brands to consider

Casio

The CDP-S110BK is worth a look if a shallow cabinet and portability are important to you.

  • Casio Europe lists a depth of 232 mm, a weight of 10,5 kg, 88 keys with hammer action and an SP-3 pedal included for this model.
  • The cabinet depth alone doesn’t tell you whether the instrument, music rest, stand and seat will all fit together.

Yamaha

The portable P-145BT is a piano-focused option if 88 keys will fit within the available width.

  • Yamaha Nederland lists a GHC keyboard and a width of 1.326 mm.
  • The three-pedal LP-5A unit is optional. Also check which Bluetooth feature you need: Bluetooth audio isn’t necessarily the same as Bluetooth MIDI.

Roland

The portable FP-10 and FP-30X each have their own features for piano playing and practising with headphones.

  • Roland lists an 88-key PHA-4 keyboard and a metronome for the FP-10; the FP-30X has two headphone outputs.
  • Check the pedal options and accessories for the exact model; FP-30X features don’t automatically apply to the FP-10.

Korg

The B2+ is worth considering if you want to check which basic accessories are included for practice.

  • Korg Nederland lists an 88-key NH keyboard, headphone socket, music rest and damper pedal.
  • The stated depth of 336 mm doesn’t include the music rest; the PU-2 for half-pedalling is sold separately.

Kawai

The portable ES120 is worth a look if you want to listen along with someone else or compare connectivity options.

  • Kawai lists two headphone sockets, Bluetooth MIDI and audio, and a weight of 12,5 kg for the ES120.
  • Kawai notes that availability varies by market; this doesn’t confirm stock for a specific offer.

Joybuy product picks

The product cards below feature digital pianos and keyboards for home practice, with a range of 61 keys.

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black

This option is worth considering if a range of 61 keys is suitable for your festive tune; 88 keys may be more appropriate for more extensive two-handed piano playing.

The product name lists a weighted keyboard, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music rest.

Joybuy
Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black

Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black

This option could suit you if your tune fits within 61 keys; 88 keys may be more appropriate for more extensive two-handed piano playing.

The product name lists a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music rest.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does my digital piano already have the festive tune built in?

Don’t assume it does. The specifications reviewed don’t confirm any particular festive song; check the song list for the exact version or use your own sheet music.

What should I look for when setting up the piano and choosing a pedal?

Allow space for the music rest, chair and pedal, too. Casio lists an SP-3 pedal included with the CDP-S110BK, while Korg lists a damper pedal with the B2+ and sells the PU-2 separately. Follow the manual for the exact model when connecting and powering the instrument.

What if I’m not happy with a piano I bought online, or it develops a fault?

For many online purchases from a business, consumers have a 14-day cooling-off period under the rules set out by the Rijksoverheid; exceptions may apply. If a product is faulty, contact the seller, who is responsible for supplying a product that meets the required standards. The Rijksoverheid states that there is no fixed statutory guarantee period for all products in the Netherlands.

What should I know about CE marking and electrical safety?

The European product rules that apply depend on the product and its version. According to Business.gov.nl, the Dutch government’s business information service, CE marking is not a quality mark. For a specific offer, check the version intended for your market, the power supply included and the product information.