Piano student tackling a tricky intro
You’re practising touch, dynamics and a part for both hands, and want a keyboard to match. Yamaha and Roland describe weighted keyboards on specific models; try the feel of the keys for yourself.
Who is this for?
Student in a shared practice room
You want to repeat a passage without disturbing others through the speakers. The headphone socket and whether it suits your headphones’ plug are important things to check.
Student who moves their piano
You set the instrument up before a practice session and put it away afterwards. Weight, size, power supply and a stable surface all play a part in your choice.
What should you look for?
Start with the part you want to practise. Then decide whether playing quietly, moving the instrument or listening back matters most to you.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and range | Try the touch sensitivity on the exact model and check that its key range suits the intro. | If you want to practise dynamics and a part for both hands, focus on the keyboard; around 33% of consumers prioritise touch and range. |
| Quiet practice | Check the headphone socket and whether it suits your plug. Also ask about the room’s noise rules. | If you want to repeat passages without disturbing others in the same room, a compatible socket is important; around 27% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Moving and setting up | Measure the available space and check the weight, power supply and whether you’ll need a suitable stand. | If you need to put the instrument away after use, you’ll want to know whether you can move it and set it up securely; around 20% of consumers prioritise set-up and portability. |
| Tempo and playback | Decide whether you only need a metronome or also want to record and listen back to passages. | If you want to practise your timing or hear how a passage sounds, look for those specific practice features; around 20% of consumers prioritise tempo and playback. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming a portable piano comes ready to set up
A stand or an extra pedal may be sold separately with some models. Yamaha lists the LP-5A three-pedal unit as optional; Kawai lists a compatible stand and three-pedal unit as separate accessories for the ES120.
Before you buy, check what’s included in the exact bundle and measure the space where you plan to play.
You may need to buy a stand or an extra pedal separately.
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Assuming every pair of headphones will plug straight in
The models reviewed don’t all have the same type of headphone socket. A headphone socket also doesn’t mean that headphones are included.
Compare the socket on the exact version with your own plug, especially if you want to listen along with a teacher.
You may still need compatible headphones or a plug adapter.
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Using any mains adapter just because the plug fits
Casio warns that using an adapter other than the specified type with the CDP-S110 may cause smoke or malfunctions.
Check which power supply is specified for your model and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the specified adapter is missing or needs replacing, you may need to buy a suitable one separately.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
Yamaha describes the P-145 as a portable entry-level piano with 88 GHC keys.
- Its weighted keyboard may be useful if you’re practising a piano touch.
- The LP-5A three-pedal unit is optional, so check what’s included with the version you choose.
Roland
Roland describes the FP-30X as a portable piano with 88 PHA-4 Standard keys.
- According to Roland, the FP-30X has two headphone outputs, which could be useful for listening together during a lesson.
- Roland’s statements about touch and sound are manufacturer claims. Try the feel of the keys for yourself, and don’t assume they apply to every model.
Casio
Casio lists 88 weighted keys and a headphone output for the CDP-S110BK.
- Casio says it comes with an SP-3 sustain pedal and can be powered by an adapter or batteries.
- Casio lists the weight as 10,5 kg, but that doesn’t automatically tell you how easy the instrument will be for you to move. Also check the bundle offered by the retailer.
Kawai
Kawai lists features for the ES120 including a metronome, song recorder and two headphone sockets in different formats.
- A metronome and recorder can come in handy if you want to practise your timing and listen back to passages.
- Kawai lists a compatible stand and three-pedal unit separately, so check what’s included with the version you’re considering.
Digital pianos at Joybuy
The models shown have 61 keys and features that may suit practice in a shared room. If your intro needs a wider range, the number of keys could be limiting; compare it with the part you want to play.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black, weighted keyboard
Could suit you if you’re looking for a weighted keyboard and a headphone socket, but check whether 61 keys give you enough range for your intro.
61 keys; weighted keyboard; headphone socket.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black
Could suit you if you want to use a metronome and recording function while practising; check that the key range is right for the part you’re playing.
61 keys; metronome; recording function; music stand.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need 88 weighted keys for every song intro?
Not necessarily; it depends on the part. If you’re practising a piano touch and a part for both hands, 88 weighted keys may be useful. Try the exact keyboard and check the range your intro requires.
How do you start practising safely on the Casio CDP-S110?
According to Casio, use only the AD-A12150LW mains adapter specified for the CDP-S110. Switch off the piano before connecting or disconnecting the adapter, and follow the metronome instructions in the quick start guide.
What if a digital piano develops a fault too soon during normal use?
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, the retailer is responsible for providing a solution if the product doesn’t meet what you could reasonably expect during normal use. The Netherlands has no fixed statutory guarantee period that applies to all products; a commercial guarantee doesn’t replace your statutory rights.
When does a digital piano need a CE marking?
According to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency and the European Commission, CE marking is required when a product falls under EU rules that require it. The rules that apply depend on the specific product; CE is not an independent quality mark.
Can you return a piano bought online if you don’t like the feel of the keys?
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, online consumer purchases generally come with a cancellation period that ends 14 days after delivery. Exceptions may apply, so check the terms for trying the piano carefully and returning it before you order.