First, decide whether you mainly play piano accompaniments or also need organ sounds. Then compare the headphone socket, touch response when playing softly, pedal and complete set-up; features and accessories vary by model and version.
You practise hymns in a shared living space and want the choice of playing quietly through speakers or using headphones. The keys and pedal can still make mechanical noise when you use headphones. Kawai describes the ES60 as having a design that reduces mechanical noise, but this is not a measurement of sound levels in your home.
You play hymns with both hands and want to choose the right piano or organ sound and pedal controls for each piece. The sounds available and pedal options vary by model.
You want to practise on a weighted keyboard, but also need to fit its dimensions and any stand into your room. Compare the measurements for the exact version rather than relying on the word ‘compact’ in the description.
Start by considering how you want to practise quietly; then compare the sounds, keyboard range and the space needed for the complete set-up.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising quietly | Check the headphone socket and that you have a compatible plug. If possible, try the keys and pedal in a quiet room. | If you want to practise at home without playing the electronic sound through speakers, also consider the mechanical noise from the keys and pedal. Around 36% of consumers say quiet practice is their top priority. |
| Sounds and pedal | Listen to the sounds you want and check which pedals work with the exact model and what is included. | If you switch between piano and organ accompaniment, you’ll want to choose sounds that suit your repertoire and find out which pedal controls are available. For around 29% of consumers, hymn sounds and pedal controls come first. |
| Touch response and range | Play quiet passages and chords on the model, and compare its keyboard range with your sheet music. | If you play arrangements with both hands, you’ll want to know whether the keyboard suits your playing style and the range you need. Around 21% of consumers give pianistic touch response and range top priority. |
| Space and set-up | Measure your playing area, including space for yourself and your sheet music; also check which stand and pedals are included in the offer. | If space is limited, you’ll want to know in advance whether the piano and the surrounding set-up will fit. For around 14% of consumers, limited space is the main priority. |
A stand, headphones or additional pedal unit may be included or sold separately, depending on the model and version.
Before buying, check what’s in the box and whether the accessories are compatible with the exact model.
You may need to buy a compatible stand, headphones or pedal unit separately; check for the specific version.
Headphones let you listen to the electronic sound privately, but they don’t tell you how much mechanical noise the keys and pedal will make in your home.
Try the touch response and pedal where you plan to play. If the noise continues to cause a problem, consider talking to your neighbours.
Sounds, connections and pedal options can vary by version. Yamaha, for example, lists organ sounds for the P-225; check the features of the model you’re planning to buy.
Check the list of sounds and connections against the full model number.
The P series includes models such as the compact P-145 and the P-225.
The CDP-S110BK is a compact, portable option with a headphone socket.
The ES series includes portable models for use at home and elsewhere.
The B2+ is a portable digital piano with a specified 88-key keyboard.
The FP range consists of portable piano models.
This selection features portable digital pianos with 61 keys and a headphone socket. A 61-key keyboard has a narrower range than an 88-key keyboard; check whether it’s sufficient for the hymn arrangements you play.
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The headphone socket lets you listen to the electronic sound privately; the keyboard has a limited range of 61 keys.
The product name lists weighted keys, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, built-in speakers and a music rest.
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The headphone socket lets you listen to the electronic sound privately. Check whether 61 keys give you enough range for your arrangements.
The product name lists a recording function, speakers, a metronome and a music rest.
Not always: headphones let you listen to the electronic sound privately, but the keys and pedal can still make mechanical noise. Kawai describes the ES60 as having a design that reduces this noise, but this does not set a sound limit for your home. Check the connection and try the piano where you plan to play.
First, measure the space for the piano, yourself and your sheet music. Then choose a stand and pedal that the manufacturer says are compatible with the exact model. Yamaha lists the optional LP-5A triple pedal unit for the P-145; Kawai lists the optional HML-2 stand and F-351 pedal unit for the ES120.
The Dutch government recommends trying to agree on arrangements together first. If that doesn’t help, it suggests possible next steps depending on your living situation, including contacting your landlord, residents’ association or local council.
For distance sales from a business, the Dutch government says you will often have a 14-day cooling-off period; check the terms of the specific purchase. You are also entitled to a product that is fit for purpose, and the retailer is your point of contact if something is wrong. The Dutch government states that there is no fixed statutory guarantee period covering all products in the Netherlands.
