Start by checking the lowest and highest notes in both parts: a duet mode doesn’t guarantee that two different parts will fit on the standard keyboard. A shorter keyboard may be a good solution if the music falls within its range and space is limited; a digital piano with 88 keys offers a wider range but takes up more room. Also measure the space needed for both players and check the pedal and listening options in advance.
You want to play the original left- and right-hand parts together. So check the range of the sheet music and whether there’s room for two players. Yamaha and Roland describe models with different numbers of keys and playing layouts.
If the guest room has to serve several purposes, the instrument’s dimensions and how easily it can be put away matter. Compare more than just the casing: allow space for a stand, sheet music and two seats as well.
If you want to avoid disturbing others, check how both players can listen to the same signal at the same time. A headphone socket on an instrument doesn’t, by itself, confirm that you can connect two headphones at once.
Choose this if: the highest and lowest notes in both parts fit on the standard keyboard and a compact set-up is important.
Bear in mind: duet mode doesn’t automatically make the keyboard’s range suitable for two different parts.
Choose this if: the sheet music calls for a wider range and there’s room for the instrument and two players.
Bear in mind: an 88-key instrument may take up more width, so measure the space needed for the whole set-up.
Choose this if: the guest room is becoming a permanent practice space and built-in pedals are important.
Bear in mind: a furniture-style set-up is harder to put away; allow space for the players and sheet music too.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Range of both parts | Compare the lowest and highest notes with the standard keyboard range; also check whether the score calls for pedal use. | If you want to play the original left- and right-hand parts, range is the most important factor. Around 36% of consumers put it first. |
| Space for two players | Measure the instrument, stand and music rest, and make sure there’s room for two seats together. | If you need the guest room for other things too, you’ll want to be able to set up and clear away the whole arrangement. Around 29% of consumers give limited space top priority. |
| Listening together | Check the number of headphone outputs and how both players can hear the same piano signal. | If you want to practise together quietly, one socket may not be enough for your listening set-up. Around 21% of consumers choose this as their main consideration. |
| Complete set-up | Check which pedals and stand are included with the version you’ve chosen, and whether optional parts are compatible. | If you don’t want to work out which parts to buy later, compare everything you’ll need as a complete set-up in advance. Around 14% of consumers care most about buying everything together. |
Duet or Twin Piano mode can split the keyboard so that players sitting side by side can practise in the same pitch range. Different duet parts may need a different range.
Check the highest and lowest notes in the actual score and compare them with the standard keyboard range.
Two players, a music rest and a stand, if needed, take up more space together than the instrument alone.
Mark out the full set-up to scale in the guest room.
A PHONES socket doesn’t tell you whether two headphones can be connected to the instrument at the same time.
Before buying, check how both players can hear the same signal and whether any solution you’re considering will work with your chosen instrument.
According to Roland, the RP107 has built-in pedals. For the FP-40, Roland lists a specific stand and pedal unit as optional extras.
Check what’s included with the version you need and which compatible parts go with it.
The PSR-E383 is a shorter keyboard, while the P-145BT is a portable digital piano with 88 keys. These models differ in their set-up and keyboard range.
The portable FP models and the fixed RP107 offer different set-ups for piano-focused practice.
The B2 is a portable digital piano with 88 weighted keys; the B2SP is a version that comes with a stand and three pedals.
The CT-S300 is a short keyboard with touch-sensitive, piano-style keys.
These picks are 61-key instruments for practising in a compact set-up. Check that both duet parts fit within the standard range.
No image available
The 61 keys may suit a compact practice set-up if the notes in both parts fall within its range.
The product is described as having weighted, touch-sensitive keys, built-in speakers, a headphone socket and a music rest.
USB-MIDI is listed; check that the connections meet your needs and that there’s room for the complete set-up for two players.
No image available
A 61-key instrument is suitable for your duet only if both parts fit within the standard keyboard range.
The product name lists MIDI, a recording function, a metronome and a music rest; the description mentions built-in stereo speakers and a headphone port.
Check in advance how two players can listen together and whether the set-up will fit in the room.
Not necessarily. Roland describes Twin Piano as two zones that let players sitting side by side practise in the same pitch range. If you’re playing two different parts, first compare the highest and lowest notes with the standard keyboard range.
Check the exact version and number of outputs before you assume so. The Korg B2 specifications list a PHONES socket, but that doesn’t confirm that two headphones can be connected at the same time.
Measure the instrument, stand and seating space together. If you’re buying a keyboard on its own, check which stand and pedals are included with the version you’ve chosen; Roland lists a pedal switch as included with the FP-40 and a specific stand and pedal unit as optional extras.
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, the cooling-off period for an online purchase ends 14 days after the product has been delivered; exceptions may apply. This is separate from your rights if the product doesn’t meet what you could reasonably expect: if a product is faulty, the seller is responsible for putting things right.
