Start by considering the keyboard you want to practise scales on, the space available and how you’ll listen. A stage piano is a good fit if you also use performance features or connect other equipment; for practising at home on your own, a portable digital piano may be simpler. Using headphones doesn’t automatically mean that key or contact noise will be inaudible.
You want to practise scales regularly without using the speakers. So look for a suitable headphone socket, and bear in mind that key noise may still be audible. The Dutch government recommends discussing noise from neighbours and agreeing on arrangements together.
You want to practise fingering, evenness and dynamics. Compare the feel and range of the keyboard, rather than looking only at the number of extra sounds. Yamaha describes scales as exercises for piano technique.
You need to fit the instrument, stand and seating into a limited or multi-purpose space, and may want to use it elsewhere too. Measure the entire playing area and check which accessories are included with the version you’re considering.
A good fit if: you want performance sounds, hands-on controls or connections for other equipment as well as a piano to practise on. Yamaha describes the CK88 as having built-in speakers, as does Roland for the RD-88 EX.
Bear in mind: extra performance features are not, in themselves, a proven benefit if you only want to practise scales.
A good fit if: playing piano and practising on your own are your priorities, without extensive performance controls. Yamaha describes the P-225 as having 88 keys, while Kawai lists a hammer-action keyboard and metronome for the ES120.
Bear in mind: a portable design doesn’t automatically come with a suitable stand, pedal or playing position.
A good fit if: you have suitable headphones or audio equipment and will make use of the performance features or connections. Nord lists a headphone output and separate audio outputs for the Piano 6 88.
Bear in mind: check how you plan to listen; don’t assume the instrument has built-in speakers without checking the specific model.
First compare your main practice needs and the space available for the complete setup. Then consider whether performance features will genuinely add anything for you.
| Point to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising with neighbours in mind | Check the socket and plug size on the exact model. Also assess key and contact noise where you’ll be playing. | If I want to practise without speakers, I need to know whether my headphones will fit and what sounds will still be audible in the room. Around 36% of consumers prioritise practising with consideration for others. |
| Keyboard and technique | Try the feel of the exact model and check that its range suits your exercises. | If I want to work on my fingering and evenness, the main thing I need to know is how the keyboard feels. Around 29% of consumers prioritise piano technique. |
| Space and setup | Measure the instrument, stand and seating area together. Check whether the suitable stand is included with the version you’re buying. | If my loft serves several purposes, I need a playing area that’s practical to set up. Around 21% of consumers prioritise having limited setup space. |
| Performance features and connections | Decide whether you’ll use external audio, layered sounds or computer connections, and check the connections on the exact model. | If I want to use the piano for performance sounds or external equipment too, those features matter to me. Around 14% of consumers prioritise performance flexibility. |
Stage pianos vary: some models have built-in speakers, while others need an external audio setup. Check the specifications for the exact model before deciding how you’ll listen.
Depending on the version, you may need separate speakers, amplification or suitable headphones.
Headphones let you hear the instrument without using its speakers, but they don’t tell you whether key or contact noise will still be audible elsewhere in your building. The Dutch government recommends discussing the specific situation when noise from neighbours is an issue.
Assess the noise where you’ll actually set up the instrument, and agree on arrangements with your neighbours if needed.
What’s included varies by model and offer. For example, Yamaha says the three-pedal unit for the P-225 is optional, while Nord lists a Triple Pedal 2 with the Piano 6.
Check what’s included with the exact version and what you’ll need for your setup.
You may need to buy a suitable stand, seat, pedal or audio setup separately.
Yamaha describes the CK88 as a stage keyboard with built-in speakers, and the P-225 as a compact portable digital piano. They offer different options for a loft setup.
Roland describes the RD-88 EX as a performance-focused model with an 88-key keyboard and built-in speakers; the FP-30X is a portable option for home use.
Kawai describes the ES120 as a portable digital piano for use at home, in the studio and in teaching spaces.
The Privia PX-S1100 is a portable option if you’re not looking for an extensive performance control panel.
The Nord Piano 6 88 is a performance-focused option if you want to use layered sounds and external audio connections as well as practise.
These Joybuy products are 61-key portable digital pianos for practising scales. Check that their range suits your exercises.
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A good fit if you’re looking for a portable instrument with a headphone socket for practising in a loft.
61 keys; the product name lists a headphone socket and USB-MIDI. It has a smaller range than an 88-key keyboard, so check that it’s enough for your exercises.
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A good fit if you’re looking for an instrument with a music stand and 61 keys suit your exercises.
The product name lists a metronome and music stand. Check that the included setup will fit your space; 61 keys offer a smaller range than an 88-key keyboard.
Not for every scale exercise. First decide which exercises, octaves and, if applicable, pieces you want to play. An 88-key keyboard offers a wider range, while a shorter instrument may take up less space. Try the keys too, as the number of keys doesn’t tell you how they feel to play.
No, don’t assume that’s the case. Headphones let you hear the electronic instrument without using its speakers, but they don’t tell you whether key or contact noise will still be audible elsewhere in your building. The Dutch government recommends agreeing on arrangements with neighbours; if necessary, also check the rules set by your landlord or owners’ association.
Measure the playing area, including the stand and seating space, and check that your headphone plug and any pedals are compatible. Practise scales at a tempo that lets you assess your finger movements and evenness. Kawai says the ES120 has an adjustable metronome that can help with this.
Check whether the stand, pedal, headphones and any audio equipment are included with the version on offer; buying items separately can increase the total cost. According to the Dutch government, consumers buying from a business online generally have a 14-day cooling-off period. In the Netherlands, there is no fixed statutory period for the legal guarantee; if a product is faulty, contact the seller.
There’s no single answer that applies to every loft. National government guidance doesn’t set a universal time for this specific type of home use; the circumstances and any agreements with neighbours, your landlord or owners’ association may be relevant. Check what applies to your building and local authority, and don’t assume that using headphones exempts you from the rules.
