Student with piano repertoire
Practises concert parts where range, touch and possibly pedal use matter more than having the smallest possible instrument. Yamaha and Korg publish examples of digital pianos with 88 keys.
Which setup is right for you?
Student in a shared room
Wants to practise when housemates are around, and looks for a suitable headphone connection as well as agreement on noise levels. The Dutch government advises people to discuss noise with their neighbours and agree arrangements together.
Student who arranges music digitally
Prepares parts using software instruments and a DAW; a controller is suitable only if your computer, software and audio setup are compatible. Arturia describes the KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 for this way of working.
What should you look for when choosing?
Digital piano with 88 keys
Choose this option if: your concert parts require the full piano range or a weighted keyboard, and you have enough space.
The trade-off: Yamaha says the P-145 is 1.326 mm wide and weighs 11,1 kg; the stand and PU-2 pedal unit for the Korg B2+ are sold separately.
Standalone keyboard with 61 or 76 keys
Choose this option if: your parts fit within the model’s range and you want an instrument that is easier to store or move.
The trade-off: notes outside the selected range cannot be played, so check your own parts and the type of keyboard.
MIDI controller with computer software
Choose this option if: you prepare most of your concert material in a DAW or with software instruments, and already have a compatible computer setup.
The trade-off: a controller does not automatically work as a standalone instrument with its own sound; your computer, software and audio output are all part of the setup.
Your parts, practice situation and available space will determine what works best. The Dutch government states that electrical equipment placed on the EU market must meet the applicable safety requirements and carry the required CE marking; check this for the specific model.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Range and touch | Compare the lowest and highest notes, and the type of keyboard. Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys for the P-145; Korg lists 88 NH keys for the B2+. | When I practise concert parts, I want the range I need and a touch that suits my piano playing. Around 36% of consumers prioritise playing range and piano-style touch. |
| Quiet practice | Check the connection on the exact model. Roland Corporation says the FP-10 does not support Bluetooth headphones; check the features of the model you are considering. | Anyone practising while housemates are at home will want to use suitable headphones and take noise agreements into account; around 29% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Space and setup | Measure the space, including room for a music stand. Yamaha lists the P-145 as 1.326 mm wide and weighing 11,1 kg; also check which stand and pedals are included with the model. | I want to be able to clear my practice space after use, so I need to consider the space available. Around 21% of consumers prioritise a setup that can be stored away. |
| Standalone playing or software | Decide whether you want to practise without a computer; if you choose a controller, check that your computer, software and audio output are compatible. | Anyone who mainly prepares parts using a computer and software instruments needs a different setup from someone who wants to play straight away on a standalone instrument. Around 14% of consumers prioritise software-based arranging. |
Common buying mistakes
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Comparing only the number of keys
A suitable range does not tell you whether the keyboard has the touch you want. Conversely, a weighted keyboard is no use if the complete setup will not fit.
Compare the notes and playing style in your own parts with the range and type of keyboard, then measure your practice space.
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Assuming a MIDI controller is a standalone keyboard
The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 is designed to control software instruments and a DAW.
First, work out what computer, software and listening setup you need, or choose an instrument you can play on its own.
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Assuming accessories and wireless headphones will work automatically
The stand and PU-2 pedal unit for the Korg B2+ are sold separately. Roland Corporation says the FP-10 does not support Bluetooth headphones.
Check what is included in the box, whether the pedal is compatible and which headphone connection the specific model has.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The P-145 is a portable digital piano with 88 GHC keys.
- Yamaha lists 88 keys and a width of 1.326 mm for the P-145.
- Measure your available space; these specifications do not tell you what will suit other Yamaha models.
Korg
The B2+ is a digital piano with 88 NH keys and a headphone connection.
- Korg lists a damper pedal as included.
- The stand and PU-2 pedal unit are sold separately; compare the package with the setup you want.
Casio
The CT-S1 range includes standalone keyboards, including a 76-key model.
- Casio lists 76 keys and built-in instrument sounds for the CT-S1-76BK.
- Casio lists battery operation for the CT-S1; check the features of the specific model, and do not assume that the touch or accessories of one version apply to another.
Arturia
The KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 is a MIDI controller for use with DAWs and software instruments.
- Arturia describes DAW control and a hybrid synth-feel keyboard.
- This is a controller-based setup; check that your computer, software and audio output suit the way you work.
Roland
The FP-10 is a digital piano with 88 keys, worth comparing if you are also considering a PHA-4 Standard keyboard.
- Roland Corporation says you can listen through headphones.
- Roland Corporation says Bluetooth headphones are not supported; check the features and availability of the specific model.
Joybuy products
These product options are standalone keyboards with 61 keys. They are suitable only if your concert parts fit within that range; a MIDI controller or a digital piano with 88 keys is a different setup.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
Suitable only if your concert parts fit within 61 keys; the product name specifies a weighted keyboard.
300 sounds, 300 rhythms, USB-MIDI, built-in speakers, headphone connection and music stand.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black
Suitable only if your concert parts fit within 61 keys and the features described work for your practice setup.
MIDI, recording function, speakers, metronome, headphone port and music stand.
Frequently asked questions
Can I practise in my student room at any time with headphones on?
Headphones stop the instrument playing through its speakers, but that does not mean noise will never be an issue. The Dutch government advises people to discuss noise with their neighbours and agree arrangements together, such as when music can be played; also check any rules where you live.
Do I need anything else to use a MIDI controller?
The setup described by Arturia for the KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 includes a DAW or software instrument. Check that your computer, software and audio output are compatible; if you want to practise without this equipment, choose a standalone instrument.
Does a digital piano come with a complete pedal setup?
Not necessarily. Korg lists a damper pedal as included with the B2+, while the PU-2 pedal unit and STB1 stand are sold separately. Compare what is included with the specific model against the pedal requirements of your parts.
What rights do I have when buying online in the Netherlands?
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, most standard online consumer purchases have a cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, although exceptions apply. Your statutory guarantee is separate from any manufacturer’s or seller’s guarantee: if a product does not do what you could reasonably expect under normal use, the seller is responsible for providing an appropriate solution.
What product safety should I check for an electric keyboard?
The Dutch government states that electrical equipment placed on the EU market must meet the applicable safety requirements and carry the required CE marking. Check the marking and product information for the specific model and power supply; general information about a brand does not prove that an individual listing meets these requirements.