Who is this buying guide for?

Players with a narrow practice area

You want to practise major scales on a piano keyboard, but first need to check whether the instrument, stand and seating will all fit. Casio lists a casing depth of 232 mm for the CDP-S110; also measure the space needed for the complete set-up.

Learners who care about key action

You practise scales regularly and are looking for a weighted keyboard that suits the way you play. Yamaha and Roland specify different keyboard actions, but how they feel is a matter of personal preference.

Players practising in a shared room

You want to be able to practise with headphones and may need an instrument that can be moved after use. Check the connection on the model you choose and decide where you can safely put the piano.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, measure the available width and depth, allowing for the intended stand, music rest and seating. Then compare keyboard feel, the headphone connection and the accessories included.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Will the complete set-up fit? Measure the width and depth, including the stand, music rest and seating. Casio lists a casing depth of 232 mm for the CDP-S110; Kawai gives the ES120 a width of 130.5 cm. If my practice area is narrow, I want to know whether the piano, stand, music rest and seating will all fit. Around 36% of consumers prioritise the space available when choosing.
Does the key action suit my practice? Compare the keyboard action of the exact model and, if possible, try it for yourself. Yamaha specifies GHC keys for the P-145, while Roland specifies PHA-4 Standard keys for the FP-30X. I practise scales regularly and mainly want a keyboard whose action suits me. Around 29% of consumers put keyboard feel ahead of other purchase considerations.
Can I practise with headphones? Check the connection and whether your headphones will fit. Roland lists two headphone outputs for the FP-30X; Korg lists a combined PHONES/LINE OUT connection for the B2. If I share a room, I want to listen to my practice through headphones. Around 21% of consumers make silent practice their top priority.
What do I need for the set-up? Check which stand and pedals are included with the exact offer. Yamaha lists an optional three-pedal unit for the P-145; Casio lists an SP-3 sustain pedal as included with the CDP-S110. I want to know in advance whether the stand and pedal are included in the bundle, so I know what I need to use the piano in the intended space. Around 14% of consumers prioritise a complete set-up.

Pitfalls to avoid

  • Looking only at the casing depth

    A shallow casing does not guarantee that the piano, music rest, stand and seating will all fit in the room.

    Measure the available space as you would actually use it, allowing for the complete set-up.

  • Assuming weighted keys all feel the same

    Yamaha, Roland and Kawai specify different keyboard actions. A manufacturer's description is not a real-world comparison of how they feel to play.

    Compare the actions of the exact models and, if possible, try them for yourself before deciding.

  • Assuming the stand and pedal set are included

    A stand or a more comprehensive pedal set may be sold separately. Yamaha lists an optional three-pedal unit for the P-145; Kawai and Korg describe different pedal options.

    Check the contents of the exact offer and measure how much space the complete set-up will take.

    For a permanent set-up, you may need to buy a separate stand or pedal upgrade.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

According to Yamaha's specifications, the P-145 is a portable digital piano with 88 GHC keys.

  • Yamaha describes the model as compact; its specified keyboard action helps you compare models on paper.
  • The three-pedal LP-5A unit is optional, so it is not automatically included with every offer.

Casio

The CDP-S110 is worth considering if casing depth is a key constraint.

  • Casio specifies a casing depth of 232 mm, lists battery power as an option and says an SP-3 sustain pedal is included.
  • The casing dimensions do not tell you how much space the complete set-up will need, including the stand, music rest and seating.

Roland

According to Roland, the FP-30X has 88 PHA-4 Standard keys and two headphone outputs.

  • The keyboard and connection specifications are useful if you want to compare key action and headphone practice.
  • A manufacturer's description of playing feel is not an independent comparison with other models; also check the space needed for the set-up.

Kawai

According to Kawai, the portable ES120 has 88 weighted keys and is 130.5 cm wide.

  • The listed width helps you check whether the model will fit in your chosen space; Kawai describes a range of pedal options.
  • Kawai warns that specifications and included accessories may vary by market, so check the UK listing.

Korg

According to Korg's specifications, the portable B2 has 88 NH keys, a metronome and a casing measuring 1.312 × 336 × 117 mm.

  • These dimensions give you specific measurements to compare with your available space; Korg also lists a damper pedal as included.
  • The specifications come from Korg USA. Check the contents of the UK bundle; a three-pedal unit is optional.

Joybuy product selection

This selection is a portable digital piano with 61 keys and a weighted, touch-sensitive keyboard. Check that this range of keys suits the learning materials you use to practise major scales.

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black

This portable model has a weighted, touch-sensitive keyboard and a metronome, features that are useful when practising scales.

61 keys; headphone connection.

With 61 keys, the range may be limited for learning materials that require a full piano keyboard.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an 88-key piano to practise major scales?

Not every individual scale needs the full range. Consider the range required by your learning materials and future piano playing; according to their specifications, the Yamaha, Roland, Kawai and Korg models mentioned here all have 88 keys.

How can I set up a small practice area?

Measure the available width and depth, including the music rest and intended stand, and leave room to sit down too. Kawai gives separate depth measurements for the ES120 with and without the music rest.

Can I practise with a metronome?

It depends on the model. Korg lists a metronome for the B2 with tempo and time signature settings; Kawai lists an adjustable metronome for the ES120.

Which accessories and warranty should I check?

Check which stand and pedals are included with the exact offer. According to the Dutch government, when you buy from a business in the Netherlands, you are entitled to a legal guarantee if a product is faulty; the seller is your point of contact for a solution. There is no fixed statutory guarantee period that applies to all products.

Can I return a digital piano bought online?

According to the Dutch government, when you buy online from a business, you are often entitled to a 14-day cooling-off period. Terms and exceptions apply, so check what applies to your purchase.