Who is this for?

Four-hand duet players

Two players who want to practise a piece together on one full keyboard. Yamaha lists a Duo function for the P-225 and P-525; check whether this layout suits your score before choosing it as your playing mode.

Duos who want to practise quietly

Two players who want to listen through their own headphones at the same time. Roland lists two headphone sockets on the FP-30X; the Kawai ES120 manual describes simultaneous use of two different stereo headphone plugs.

Duos who move between practice spaces

Players who move their piano regularly and are weighing up a portable instrument against a setup with a stand and pedals. Korg describes the B2+SP as a set with a stand and three pedals; check which parts are included with other versions.

What should you look for?

Start with the score: a duet that uses the full keyboard calls for something different from two equal playing areas. Then consider whether you want to listen quietly at the same time and which setup will work in your studio.

What to consider What should you check? Who will find this most important?
Room for both duet parts Play your own passage with two players in the standard mode, then test the Duo, Twin Piano or duet function separately. If our four-hand piece uses the full keyboard, I want to be able to play it in the standard mode first and only then assess a split mode. Around 33% of consumers prioritise having room to play the original duet parts.
Listening quietly together Check whether two headphones work at the same time and whether the plugs fit. According to Roland, the FP-30X has two sockets, while the Kawai ES120 supports two different plug types simultaneously. If we both want to practise through headphones, I want to know whether we can use our connections at the same time. Around 27% of consumers prioritise listening quietly together.
Key action and pedal use Play the same passage on the models you’re considering and check which pedal functions work with your chosen unit. Yamaha lists three pedals for the P-525 when used with the LP-1 or FC35 unit. If we want to practise dynamics and pedal use together, I want to compare the key action for myself and find out which pedal unit goes with the setup. Around 27% of consumers prioritise key action and pedal use.
Space and completeness Measure the available space, including room for two players to sit, and compare what’s included with each version on offer. According to Korg, the B2+SP is a set with a stand and three pedals. If the layout of our studio changes, I want to weigh up whether a portable piano or a complete setup would be more practical. Around 13% of consumers prioritise space and a complete setup.

How to avoid common buying mistakes

  • Assuming duet mode works for every four-hand score

    A Duo, Twin Piano or similar mode splits the physical keyboard. Your piece may need the full range or different registers instead.

    Play your own passage on the unsplit keyboard first, and only use the split mode if it suits the way the parts are arranged.

  • Comparing a portable piano with a complete set without considering the setup

    A stand or more extensive pedal unit may be a separate option for a portable model. Korg describes the B2+SP as a set with a stand and three pedals.

    Check what’s actually included with the version on offer before assessing the complete setup.

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

  • Assuming two players can use headphones at the same time

    For silent playing together, the number of usable sockets and the plug sizes matter.

    Check that both headphones work at the same time and that their plugs fit the sockets.

    If a plug doesn’t fit, you may need a suitable adapter.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

The P series includes portable models such as the P-225 and P-525, while the CLP-845 is a larger piano designed for a fixed setup.

  • Yamaha lists a Duo function for the P-225 and P-525.
  • According to Yamaha, the P-225 weighs less than the P-525. For three pedals with the P-525, Yamaha specifies a compatible unit.

Roland

The portable FP-30X is worth comparing if two players want to practise side by side and use headphones at the same time.

  • Roland lists Twin Piano and two headphone sockets for the FP-30X.
  • Roland lists the KPD-70 three-pedal unit as an add-on; check which parts are included with your chosen version.

Kawai

The ES120 is worth considering for listening together, while the larger CA901 suits a different, fixed studio setup.

  • The ES120 manual confirms that a stereo mini-jack and a standard stereo jack can be connected at the same time.
  • Kawai describes the CA901 as having a wooden keyboard action and an advanced speaker system; this product description alone doesn’t prove that it performs better for duets.

Casio

The Privia PX-S1100 is a compact option worth comparing if you’re looking for a duet practice mode.

  • The PX-S1100 user guide describes a function that splits the keyboard for duet playing.
  • Check that the split playing areas suit your score; this function doesn’t automatically replace the unsplit keyboard.

Korg

The B2+SP is worth comparing if you’re looking for a home setup with a stand and pedals.

  • Korg describes the B2+SP as a set with a stand and three pedals.
  • What’s included with the set doesn’t confirm whether two-player playing and two headphones are supported; check these features for the version you’ve chosen.

Products at Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do we need a duet mode to play a four-hand score?

No, not necessarily. A Duo, Twin Piano or similar practice mode splits the keyboard for two players. Play a piece that needs the full range in the standard mode, and try out your own music.

Can we both practise with headphones?

You can with models that have two sockets that work at the same time. Roland lists two headphone sockets for the FP-30X; the Kawai ES120 manual confirms simultaneous use of a stereo mini-jack and a standard stereo jack. Make sure the sockets are compatible with your headphones.

What should we consider when setting up and using the piano?

Place your chosen setup on a suitable, stable stand and follow the safety instructions for the adapter. The Kawai ES120 manual specifies the required mains voltage and advises disconnecting the instrument and contacting the seller if, for example, liquid is spilt or the piano overheats abnormally.

Who can help if the piano develops a fault after purchase in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, if a product is faulty, the seller must provide a solution; responsibility doesn’t rest solely with the manufacturer. There is no fixed statutory guarantee period for all products in the Netherlands. What you can reasonably expect depends, among other things, on the product and the sales information.

Is there a cooling-off period for online purchases?

According to the Dutch government, you generally have 14 days to change your mind when you enter into a distance contract with a business. Check the seller’s information and any applicable exceptions. A purchase from a private individual isn’t covered by the same definition of distance selling.