Who is this buying guide for?

Beginner pianist with a hymn book

You want to learn the melody and later practise accompaniment and piano technique too. So compare the keyboard range and touch, and consider whether a shorter keyboard suits your plans.

Loft-dweller who practises with headphones

You share your home and want to practise without using the speakers. Check the connection on the exact instrument, and bear in mind that the sound of the keys may still be audible.

Melody player with limited space

You mainly want to learn a melody and are comparing a shorter stage keyboard with a wider portable piano. Measure the space where you’ll play, not just the depth of the instrument.

What should you look for when choosing?

Compact 61-key stage keyboard

Choose this option if: you mainly want to learn a melody and a shorter instrument matters to you.

Bear in mind: it has a smaller range than an 88-key piano.

88-key portable piano

Choose this option if: you want to practise piano accompaniment and technique as well as the melody.

Bear in mind: the space required and the differences in connections and included accessories between models.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important to?
Keyboard range and touch Compare the range of your sheet music with the number of keys, and assess the touch of the exact model. If I want to learn accompaniment as well as the melody, I’ll prioritise a piano-style keyboard. Around 33% of consumers prioritise keyboard range and piano-focused practice.
Practising with headphones Check the headphone connection on the exact model and keep the volume comfortable. In a shared home, I want to listen through headphones without assuming the keys themselves will be silent. Around 27% of consumers prioritise private practice.
Setting up in the loft Measure the available width and depth, including space for a stand, sheet music and a seat. If my playing space is limited, I want to know whether the instrument and seating will both fit. Around 27% of consumers prioritise the space available.
Accessories for home use Check what’s in the box and whether the model includes a suitable stand and pedal. I want to know in advance which parts I’ll need to practise at home. Around 13% of consumers prioritise a suitable, complete set-up.

Common buying mistakes

  • Comparing only the depth of the casing

    A shallow casing can still take up a lot of width. Yamaha lists the P-145BT as 1.326 mm wide; Casio lists the PX-S1100BK as 232 mm deep.

    Measure the entire playing area before choosing, including space for your chair, stand and sheet music.

  • Assuming a stage piano is a complete home set-up straight out of the box

    What’s included varies by model and version. Korg lists a music rest and damper pedal among the B2+’s included items; the stand and PU-2 pedal unit are separate accessories. Roland lists the DP-10 half-damper pedal as optional.

    Check the box contents and the compatibility of the stand and pedal for the version you’re considering.

  • Assuming a headphone socket means you can practise silently

    Headphones change how you hear the instrument, but they don’t stop household members from hearing the mechanical sound of the keys.

    Also think about where to put the instrument in your home, and keep the headphone volume comfortable.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

Yamaha offers two different options here: the P-145BT for piano-focused practice, and the CK61 if you’re looking for a shorter stage keyboard with extra sounds.

  • Yamaha specifies 88 keys and a GHC keyboard for the P-145BT. The CK61 has built-in speakers and piano and organ sounds.
  • These keyboards differ in range and design; the specifications listed don’t determine which option suits your sheet music.

Roland

The FP-10 is a piano-focused option for practising at home using the built-in speakers or headphones.

  • Roland specifies an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard for the FP-10.
  • The DP-10 half-damper pedal is optional. Don’t compare manufacturers’ claims about sound and playing feel with other models unless they use the same testing basis.

Casio

The Privia PX-S1100BK is worth comparing if the available depth is an important consideration.

  • Casio lists the casing depth as 232 mm.
  • Remember to measure the available width too. Casio’s claim about having the slimmest piano referred, according to the brand, to a specific comparison from July 2021.

Korg

The B2+ is a portable digital piano with a piano-focused keyboard and details of the basic accessories included.

  • Korg lists 88 keys, a PHONES connection, a music rest and a damper pedal as included.
  • The STB1 stand and PU-2 pedal unit are separate accessories.

Joybuy products

The Joybuy options below are 61-key instruments for practising a melody. Compare the keyboard range, connections and space needed for the set-up. For the exact model, also check the applicable product requirements and whether a CE mark is required.

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black

Suited to anyone who wants to practise a melody and use headphones or the built-in speakers.

61 weighted keys; the product information lists a headphone socket, built-in speakers, USB-MIDI and a music rest.

This model has 61 keys, rather than the range of the 88-key option considered here. Check that your sheet music and any accompaniment fit within this range.

View at Joybuy
Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black

Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black

Suited to anyone who wants to practise a hymn tune and connect headphones.

61 keys; the product information lists a headphone socket, stereo speakers, USB-MIDI, a recording function, metronome and music stand.

This model has 61 keys, rather than the range of the 88-key option considered here. Check that your music and any accompaniment fit within this range.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is a 61-key stage keyboard enough to learn a hymn?

It can be, if the melody falls within the available range. If you also want to learn piano accompaniment and technique, compare an 88-key piano and check the range against your own sheet music.

What do I need to practise with headphones in the loft?

Check that the exact model has a suitable headphone connection and use a comfortable volume. Yamaha warns against listening for long periods at a high or uncomfortable volume with the P-145BT and P-143BT; headphones don’t automatically stop the keys from being heard.

How can I tell if a digital piano will fit in my loft?

Measure the available width and depth of the whole playing area. Allow space for the stand, sheet music and a seat too; a shallow casing doesn’t tell you how much width you’ll need.

Which accessories should I check for practising at home?

Check whether the exact model includes a stand and the pedal you need. Korg lists a music rest and damper pedal as included with the B2+, while the STB1 stand and PU-2 pedal unit are separate accessories; Roland lists the DP-10 half-damper pedal as optional.

Can an electric stage piano be sold in the Netherlands without further checks?

First check which European product requirements apply to the exact model. The Dutch Government says a CE mark is required for product groups covered by that requirement; don’t assume a product complies based only on a model name or general product specification.