Duet players with set sheet music
You play different parts at the same time and want to know whether both will fit on the same keyboard. Yamaha describes Duo for the P-145, while Roland describes Twin Piano as playing in duplicated octaves.
Who is this relevant to?
Duet players with limited practice space
You want to be able to move the instrument after playing, or fit the set-up around your furniture. The depth of the piano and the space needed for both players are separate things to consider.
Players who teach side by side
You demonstrate passages and then play them back in similar ranges. A shared lesson mode may be useful for this, but it is not automatically suitable for two different parts in their original registers.
What should you look for?
Standard playing mode
Choose this if: you are playing two different written parts at the same time.
Bear in mind: the range you need and the width of the instrument. Yamaha, Roland and Korg specify 88 keys for the models discussed here.
Shared lesson mode
Choose this if: you mainly demonstrate and play back the same passages; Yamaha lists Duo for the P-145 and Roland lists Twin Piano for the FP-10.
Bear in mind: Roland describes Twin Piano as playing in duplicated octaves. This is not the same as playing two duet parts in their original registers.
A shallow cabinet
Choose this if: the depth of your set-up is the main constraint; Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm for the CDP-S110BK.
Bear in mind: the cabinet measurement does not tell you how much space the stand, chairs and pedals will take up together.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard range | Compare the highest and lowest notes in both parts with the combined keyboard range. Yamaha, Roland and Korg list 88 keys for the P-145, FP-10 and B2+ respectively. | If I’m playing two different parts at the same time, I want to know in advance whether they both fit within the range. Around 36% of consumers rank keyboard range as their top priority. |
| Space for the set-up | Measure the instrument, stand, space for sheet music, chairs and pedals together. The Korg B2+ measurements exclude the music stand; the cabinet measurements given are not for the complete set-up. | When practice space is tight, the instrument needs to fit alongside two seats. Around 29% of consumers rank available floor space as their top priority. |
| Shared lesson mode | Decide whether you’ll be demonstrating and playing back the same passages, or playing two different parts. Try Duo or Twin Piano with your own sheet music. | If I mainly want to demonstrate and repeat passages alongside a partner, I want to know how the mode divides up the keys. For around 21% of consumers, a shared lesson mode is their main purchasing concern. |
| Playing together quietly | Check how both players will hear the sound and what connections or extra equipment you’ll need. Korg lists one PHONES connection on the B2+, which also functions as a line-out. | If I want to practise without speakers, we both need a practical listening set-up. Around 14% of consumers prioritise playing together quietly. |
Common pitfalls
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Assuming duet mode makes room for two original parts
Roland describes Twin Piano on the FP-10 as playing in duplicated octaves. This is a different arrangement from playing two parts in their original registers.
First compare the parts with the keyboard in standard mode. Only then try a lesson mode with your own sheet music.
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Measuring only the depth of the piano cabinet
The stated cabinet measurements don’t tell you whether the instrument will fit in your practice space with the music stand, stand, pedals and two seats.
Sketch or measure the complete set-up before choosing a model. Korg’s measurements for the B2+ exclude the music stand.
Korg lists the stand and PU-2 pedal unit for the B2+ as separate accessories. Check which items are included with the version you’re considering.
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Assuming one headphone socket will work for two players
A headphone socket doesn’t automatically mean that two players can connect and listen separately.
Before buying, check how you’ll both be able to hear the sound and what connections or extra equipment you’ll need.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
According to Yamaha Netherlands’ specifications, the Yamaha P-145 is a portable digital piano with 88 keys and a Duo function.
- Yamaha lists the P-145 cabinet dimensions as 1.326 × 272 mm.
- The cabinet measurements don’t represent the total space needed for two players, a stand and pedal operation. Also check whether the Duo layout works for your parts.
Roland
Roland Netherlands’ product information lists an 88-key keyboard and a Twin Piano mode for teacher and student on the FP-10.
- Roland describes Twin Piano as playing in duplicated octaves.
- This layout doesn’t confirm that both original duet parts will fit in their own registers. Roland also notes that Bluetooth availability may vary by country of purchase.
Korg
According to Korg’s specifications, the Korg B2+ has 88 weighted keys and may be worth considering for playing together on one keyboard.
- Korg lists cabinet dimensions of 1.312 × 336 mm, excluding the music stand. Accessories included are an adaptor, music stand and damper pedal.
- The stand and PU-2 pedal unit are listed separately. The B2+ has one PHONES connection, which also functions as a line-out; these details apply specifically to the B2+.
Casio
Casio’s UK product information lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm for the CDP-S110BK, which may be useful if space for your set-up is limited.
- Casio lists an SP-3 sustain pedal and a PHONES/OUTPUT connection as included.
- The product information consulted does not confirm a shared lesson mode for this version. Don’t assume it has this feature based on information about other models.
Joybuy product options
These Joybuy options are electronic keyboards with 61 keys. Compare their range with your duet parts before deciding whether they’re suitable for rehearsals.
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MLS-931 digital piano keyboard, 61 keys, black
The product name mentions built-in speakers; check that they suit your rehearsal set-up.
61 keys; MIDI; recording function; speakers; headphone socket; music stand.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
The product name mentions speakers; check that they suit the way you want to listen together.
61 keys; weighted keyboard; MIDI; recording function; speakers; metronome; music stand.
If you want to move the instrument after your rehearsal, check that your chosen set-up makes this practical.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to switch on duet mode to play a piano duet?
Not necessarily. If you’re playing two written parts, first check whether both players can play their notes together on the standard keyboard. Roland describes Twin Piano on the FP-10 as using duplicated octaves; Yamaha lists Duo for the P-145. Try any such mode with your own score.
What should you check before setting up the instrument?
Measure the space, including the stand, music stand and both chairs. According to Korg, the B2+ cabinet measurements exclude the music stand. Follow the set-up instructions for your chosen model: Roland’s FP-10 manual lists suitable stands and warns that incorrect placement may make the instrument unstable.
What costs and consumer rights should you consider after buying?
Check whether the stand, suitable pedal and any extra listening equipment are included with the version you’ve chosen. Korg lists the stand and PU-2 pedal unit for the B2+ as separate accessories. According to the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets, the seller is responsible for the statutory guarantee if a product is faulty. For online purchases, you generally have up to 14 days after delivery to change your mind, subject to legal exceptions.
What should you look for when buying an electronic keyboard offered from abroad?
For purchases from online shops outside the European Union, the Dutch Government says that products such as electronic devices must carry a CE marking. Also check the product information for the specific version and its required power supply. A similar model name doesn’t prove that the version on offer is the same.