Practising one part of a duet on your own
You play one part and want to hear the other while you practise. So check how recording and playback work; Yamaha lists two-track MIDI recording for the P-225.
Who is this relevant to?
Playing together on one keyboard
You want to play on the same instrument at the same time. Check whether the model has a dedicated Duo mode and what range it gives each player; a sound split serves a different purpose.
Practising in a shared building
You want to be considerate of housemates or neighbours. Check the headphone socket and, if necessary, discuss audible noise with your neighbours; the Dutch government advises people dealing with neighbour noise to agree on arrangements together first.
What should you look for when choosing?
Stage piano with sound zones
A good fit if: you want to combine sounds or set up zones during rehearsals. Yamaha describes three sound parts on the CK88; Roland lists three zones on the RD-88 EX.
Bear in mind: zones or splits don’t automatically mean that two players will each have a suitable playing range. Check that the exact model supports the duet setup you want.
Portable digital piano with Duo function
A good fit if: you want to play together on one instrument or practise on your own with a recorded part. Yamaha lists both Duo and two-track MIDI recording for the P-225.
Bear in mind: the P-225 is an alternative to stage pianos, not a model with the same controls as the stage pianos mentioned here. Try it out to see whether the keyboard split and recording process suit your music.
| Buying concern | What should you check? | Who is this most relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Following the other part | Ask for a demonstration on the exact model of how to record or play back a part while you play. Yamaha lists two-track MIDI recording for the P-225. | Do you want to practise on your own with the other duet part as a guide? Around 36% of consumers put being able to follow the other player first. |
| Practising quietly | Check the headphone socket and try the listening setup you plan to use. Consider the sound in the room separately. | Do you want to be considerate of housemates or neighbours in a loft? Around 29% of consumers make quiet practice their top buying priority. |
| Touch and part layout | Play passages from both parts on the model you’re considering and check whether it has a Duo function. A standard split isn’t automatically the same as Duo mode. | Do you want both the touch and keyboard layout to suit your parts? Around 21% of consumers put playing feel and part layout ahead of other buying concerns. |
| Space and portability | Measure the space, including room to play, the stand and cables. Check which accessories are included with the model you’re considering. | Is the available space in your loft or the ability to move the instrument a deciding factor? Around 14% of consumers put fit and portability first. |
Common mistakes
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Confusing a split function with a Duo function
A split divides sounds or playing areas, but that doesn’t automatically tell you whether two players will each have a usable range. Yamaha lists Split and Duo separately for the P-225; Roland describes layers and splits using zones on the RD-88 EX.
Try both duet parts on the exact model and ask specifically about Duo mode, not just a split.
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Assuming every version has built-in speakers
Korg distinguishes between the SV-2S, which Korg says has built-in speakers, and the SV-2. If there are no speakers, you may need a separate listening setup to play without headphones.
Check the full model name and the speaker specifications for the version you’re considering.
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Measuring only the instrument itself
A keyboard’s dimensions don’t account for your complete playing setup in a loft; a stand, bench and space for cables can all take up room.
Measure the available space, including the playing area and cables, and check which stand, music rest and pedals are included. If they’re not, you may need a suitable version or accessory.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
The CK88 is a stage keyboard with weighted keys, speakers and controls for sound parts. The portable P-225 is a different type of instrument, with a dedicated Duo function and two-track MIDI recording.
- Yamaha lists a stereo headphone socket and speakers that can be switched off for the CK88.
- The Duo and recording features listed for the P-225 don’t automatically apply to the CK88.
Roland
The RD-88 EX is designed for players who want to combine weighted keys, sound zones and connections to computer instruments.
- Roland lists 88 PHA-4 keys, three zones, USB audio/MIDI and built-in stereo speakers.
- Zones for layers or splits don’t, on their own, confirm that the instrument has a Duo function.
Korg
According to Korg, the SV-2 and SV-2S range is designed for stage use and vintage keyboard sounds, with versions featuring 73 or 88 keys.
- According to Korg, the SV-2S has built-in speakers.
- According to Korg, you need the SV-2 Editor to set up your own splits; you can then adjust the split point on the panel. The speaker specification for the SV-2S doesn’t automatically apply to the SV-2.
Studiologic
The Numa X Piano 88 is designed for players looking for a stage piano with independently adjustable zones and connections for external equipment.
- Studiologic lists four zones, USB audio/MIDI, audio inputs and a headphone socket.
- The specifications list one headphone socket and don’t confirm a Duo mode.
Kawai
The portable ES120 is an alternative for home and rehearsal use if you’re considering a digital piano as well as stage models.
- Kawai lists a weighted keyboard, metronome, song recorder and Dual and Split playing modes.
- The listed Split playing mode doesn’t, on its own, show that the instrument has a Duo function.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy picks are digital pianos and 61-key keyboards for practice; check that the keyboard range and the duet setup you want are right for your parts.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys
Could suit anyone looking for a 61-key instrument for practice; check that the range and recording and playback options work for your duet part.
The product name lists a weighted keyboard, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket, a music stand and a portable design. The colour is listed as black.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys
Could suit anyone looking for recording and playback for duet practice; check in advance how these features work with your music.
The product name lists a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand. The colour is listed as black.
Frequently asked questions
Is a split function the same as a Duo function for two players?
No, don’t assume that. Yamaha lists Split and Duo separately for the P-225; Roland describes zones for layers and splits on the RD-88 EX. Check which keyboard range each player gets on the model you choose, and what they can hear.
How can you check whether a piano is suitable for practising your part on your own?
Ask for a demonstration of the recording and playback process using your music. Yamaha specifies two-track MIDI recording for the P-225; check that the controls and playback suit the way you want to follow the other duet part.
Can I always practise using speakers in a Dutch loft?
There’s no general yes or no; it depends on local rules and your living situation. The Dutch government points out that local authorities can set rules about noise between neighbours where there are no national noise standards. If noise is causing a problem, the Dutch government advises agreeing arrangements with your neighbours first; headphones are a listening option, not a legal exemption.
What are my rights if I buy online or receive a faulty product?
According to the Dutch government, many purchases made remotely from a business come with a 14-day cooling-off period, although there are exceptions. In the Netherlands, there’s no fixed statutory guarantee period for products; if there’s a problem with a product, contact the seller.