Who should consider these factors?

Waltz learner with housemates

You want to practise melody and accompaniment without relying on the speakers all the time. As well as a headphone socket, consider key and pedal noise: Roland says this mechanical sound may still be audible.

Beginner practising piano technique

You want to practise a waltz with both hands, a steady pulse and, perhaps, sustain. Roland and Korg list a metronome on specific models; also check that the keyboard and pedal setup suit your practice goals.

Player with limited space

You need to fit the piano into your home or move it around, so compare the instrument with the complete setup. Korg offers the standalone B2 and the B2SP set, which includes a stand and three-pedal unit.

What should you look for when choosing?

When choosing a digital piano for learning waltzes in a shared home, quiet practice, the keyboard, available space and the complete setup could each be the deciding factor.

What to consider What to look for when buying Who this matters most to
Quiet practice Check for a headphone socket and bear in mind that mechanical key and pedal noise may still be audible; Roland says this can be the case. If I’m playing while my housemates are at home, I want to listen through headphones and know how much sound can still be heard. Around 36% of consumers put quiet practice first.
Keyboard and pedal use Compare the range of your sheet music with the keyboard, and check the key action, metronome and included pedals. Roland and Korg list 88 keys and a built-in metronome on specific models. If you mainly want to practise the parts, time signature and pedal technique required for a waltz, look for a keyboard and pedal setup to suit. Around 29% of consumers put these learning goals first.
Space and setup Measure the space and compare it with the dimensions of the exact model, including any stand. The standalone Korg B2 and the B2SP set have different setups. If I need to fit the piano into a shared room, I need to allow space for both the instrument and the stand. Around 21% of consumers give fitting the piano into their space top priority.
Complete purchase Check which stand and pedal are included with each model, and review the delivery and returns terms. If you want a setup that’s ready to use straight away, you’ll want to know in advance which parts are included. Around 14% of consumers put the complete setup and purchase terms first.

Common buying pitfalls

  • Assuming headphones make the piano silent

    Headphones reduce sound from the speakers, but they don’t automatically eliminate the mechanical noise of the keys and pedals. Roland says this sound may still be audible.

    Check how audible the piano is where you plan to practise and, if needed, agree practice times with your housemates. If you use any damping, position it so the piano remains stable.

  • Treating a standalone piano as a complete setup

    The Korg B2SP includes a stand and three-pedal unit; the PU-2 for half-pedalling is sold separately for the standalone B2. Don’t assume the standalone piano includes the same parts as the set.

    Compare the parts included with the exact model against the setup you want to use.

    A suitable stand or more advanced pedal may need to be bought separately.

  • Treating the Yamaha P-145 and P-145BT as the same model

    The model names are different. Yamaha lists Bluetooth audio for the P-145BT; don’t assume the P-145 has this feature without checking.

    Check the full model number and the features of the version on offer before comparing specifications.

Brands to compare

Roland

The FP-10 is a portable option for comparing a piano-focused keyboard, headphone use and a metronome.

  • Roland lists an 88-key PHA-4 keyboard and a built-in metronome for the FP-10.
  • For half-pedalling, Roland lists the optional DP-10 pedal. Headphones don’t necessarily prevent mechanical key or pedal noise.

Korg

The standalone B2 and the B2SP set differ in their setup and the parts included.

  • Korg lists an 88-key NH keyboard, a PHONES socket and a metronome for the B2. The B2SP includes a stand and three-pedal unit.
  • For half-pedalling with the standalone B2, Korg lists the PU-2, sold separately. Check which version you’re comparing.

Yamaha

The P-145BT is a portable P-series model; keep this model designation separate from the P-145.

  • Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys and Bluetooth audio for the P-145BT.
  • Bluetooth audio alone doesn’t mean you can use wireless headphones. The LP-5A three-pedal unit is optional.

Casio

The CDP-S110 is a model to consider when comparing a slim design with an included basic pedal.

  • Casio lists a Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II and an included SP-3 sustain pedal for the CDP-S110.
  • Check which other parts are included with the exact version.

Kawai

The ES120 is a portable digital piano to compare if the keyboard and connections matter to you.

  • Kawai lists a portable body and Bluetooth MIDI and audio for the ES120.
  • These features alone don’t prove that the model is a better fit for a beginner or quieter to play.

Joybuy product picks

This selection focuses on digital pianos and 61-key keyboards for practising with headphones and a metronome. Check that a 61-key keyboard covers the range of your waltz.

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black

A good option if you’re looking for a 61-key instrument with a headphone socket and metronome; check that this keyboard covers the range of your waltz.

Weighted keys and 61 touch-sensitive keys; 300 tones, 300 rhythms and USB-MIDI.

Mechanical key noise may still be audible, even with headphones.

View at Joybuy
Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black

Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black

A good option if you’re considering a 61-key keyboard with a headphone socket and metronome; check in advance what range your waltz requires.

61 keys, metronome, recording function and MIDI controller.

Mechanical key noise may still be audible, even with headphones.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can I practise with headphones without my housemates hearing anything?

There’s no guarantee. Headphones reduce sound from the speakers, but Roland says mechanical noise from the keys and pedals may still be audible. If needed, agree practice times with your housemates.

Do I need a three-pedal unit straight away to learn a waltz?

Not for every waltz; first check what your sheet music and practice goals require. If you want a permanent three-pedal setup, compare the Korg B2SP set with the standalone B2. For half-pedalling with the standalone B2, Korg lists the PU-2 as an optional extra.

What can I do if key or pedal noise carries through?

Depending on your home, Roland recommends a vibration-damping mat or isolators, placed on a stable surface and away from the wall. This manufacturer’s advice doesn’t guarantee that your housemates won’t hear any noise.

What are the rules on returns and guarantees for online purchases in the Netherlands?

For a qualifying distance sale from a business, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period; according to the Dutch government, an online purchase from a private individual doesn’t meet this definition. There’s no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands: if a product is faulty, contact the seller, who is responsible for ensuring it is fit for purpose.

When is the best time to practise in a shared home?

Agree practice times with your housemates. The Dutch government recommends discussing noise issues together first, for example by agreeing what time you can play music.