Keyboard player rehearsing with a band
Wants the intro to work with the rehearsal room’s sound system. So check which audio outputs the piano has and whether they’re compatible with the amplification available.
Which features are useful for different players?
Pianist learning the intro independently
Wants to practise the notes and timing separately, perhaps with a metronome or headphones, without having to use a mixer every time. Roland lists built-in speakers and two headphone outputs for the FP-30X; Kawai lists an adjustable metronome for the ES120.
Player who often takes their piano with them
Moves the instrument between locations, so needs to balance its weight and set-up requirements against the keys and connections they want. Yamaha lists the P-225 as weighing 11.5 kg; Korg lists the B2+ as weighing 11.4 kg without the music rest.
What should you look for when choosing?
Portable digital piano with built-in speakers
Best for: practising on your own without constantly connecting external amplification, as well as working on a piano-style touch.
Bear in mind: built-in speakers don’t necessarily mean the piano will be loud enough to cut through the band. Check the audio output for connecting to the sound system too.
Stage piano for use with band amplification
Best for: a set-up where the intro is played through an amplifier or mixer during rehearsals, and the instrument is moved regularly.
Bear in mind: if your chosen model doesn’t have built-in speakers, you’ll need external equipment to be heard when playing with others. Check in advance what amplification and cables are available.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Connecting to the band’s sound system | Compare the output type on the exact model with the input on the amplifier or mixer. Also check whether the headphone and line-out connections are shared. | If I’m playing the intro with the band, I want to be sure I can connect my piano to the sound system available. Around 33% of consumers say connecting to the band’s sound system is their main consideration. |
| Touch, key range and timing | Check the type of keyboard and the number of keys; consider whether you need a metronome or pedal for the intro. Specifications can’t tell you exactly how a keyboard will feel to you. | If I want to learn the notes and tempo of the intro accurately, I prioritise the keyboard and suitable practice features. Around 27% of consumers put learning the intro first. |
| Transport and set-up | Compare the instrument’s weight and factor in any stand and accessories you’ll need for your set-up. Check whether the stated weight includes or excludes any parts. | If I often move my piano between locations, I want to know what I’ll actually need to carry and set up. Around 20% of consumers name transport and set-up as their main consideration. |
| Practising without the band’s sound system | Check whether the model has built-in speakers and a suitable headphone connection. Find out how any shared PHONES/Line Out connection works with your set-up. | If I want to practise outside band rehearsals too, I want to hear my piano through its own speakers or headphones. Around 20% of consumers prioritise practising on their own. |
Common mistakes when choosing
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Assuming built-in speakers are enough to play with others
Built-in speakers don’t remove the need to check that the piano can connect to the rehearsal room’s sound system.
Make a note of the inputs and equipment available there, then compare them with the outputs on the exact piano model.
A set-up with external amplification may also require a suitable cable.
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Assuming a headphone connection is the same as separate line outputs
According to Korg, the B2+ has a combined PHONES/Line Out connection. Roland and Kawai list separate outputs for external amplification on the FP-30X and ES120 respectively.
Compare the connections on the exact model with your rehearsal set-up and check which cable you’ll need.
A different connection may require a different cable or set-up.
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Comparing only the weight of the piano
The stated weight may exclude certain parts. Korg gives the weight of the B2+ without the music rest and says the STB1 stand is sold separately.
Check what comes with the instrument and what else you’ll need to carry and set up.
The STB1 stand for the B2+ is sold separately.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
The P-225 may be worth considering if a weighted keyboard and portability are important to you.
- Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys, a weight of 11.5 kg and a maximum polyphony of 192 notes for the P-225.
- Check which audio connection is compatible with your rehearsal set-up.
Roland
The FP-30X is a portable digital piano for practising on your own and, if needed, connecting to external amplification.
- Roland lists 88 PHA-4 Standard keys, built-in speakers, two headphone outputs and separate outputs for powered speakers on the FP-30X.
- Check that the outputs are compatible with the equipment you use during rehearsals.
Kawai
The ES120 is worth a look if a metronome and separate Line Out connections are important to you.
- Kawai lists a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard, an adjustable metronome and separate Line Out connections for the ES120.
- Check the current weight of the exact model before comparing it with other pianos.
Korg
The B2+ is a portable digital piano with built-in speakers and a shared headphone and line-out connection.
- Korg lists 88 NH keys, a weight of 11.4 kg without the music rest and an included damper pedal.
- The PHONES and Line Out functions share one connection; the STB1 stand is sold separately.
Joybuy products for practising an intro
These Joybuy products have 61 keys and are options for practising a song intro on a digital keyboard.
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MLS-931 digital piano keyboard, 61 keys
A weighted keyboard and metronome are listed as features for practising notes and timing.
The product name lists 61 keys, 300 tones, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone connection and a music rest.
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Electronic piano keyboard, 61 keys, with metronome
The listed metronome may be useful if you want to practise the intro’s timing; the product name also mentions speakers and a headphone socket.
The product name also lists a MIDI controller, recording function and music rest.
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Digital piano keyboard, 61 keys, with three-step learning mode
The three-step learning mode is listed as a feature for practising music; the product name also mentions a stand and bench for your set-up.
The product name also lists 300 tones, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen and USB-MIDI.
Frequently asked questions
How do you connect a digital piano for a band rehearsal?
Compare the audio output on the exact piano model with the input on the amplifier or mixer in your rehearsal room. According to their manufacturers, the Roland FP-30X and Kawai ES120 have separate outputs for external amplification; the Korg B2+ has a combined PHONES/Line Out connection. Check which cable is compatible with the connection you choose.
Can you practise a song intro without switching on the band’s sound system?
Yes, with a model whose manufacturer lists built-in speakers, such as the Roland FP-30X or Korg B2+. Roland also lists two headphone outputs for the FP-30X. Check the features of the exact model you’re considering.
What are your warranty rights if the piano breaks too soon during normal use?
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, the seller is responsible if a product doesn’t meet what you could reasonably expect during normal use. There isn’t a fixed legal warranty period of exactly two years for every purchase; any manufacturer’s warranty is separate from these rights.
What should you look for when it comes to the safety of an electric piano?
According to the Dutch government, electronic devices placed on the EU market must carry a CE marking. Check the product information and marking on the item you intend to buy.