Two players sharing one keyboard
You practise together in the same room. Decide in advance whether a split keyboard offers enough range for both parts. Yamaha describes a Duo function on the P-225, while Roland’s FP-30X manual describes Twin Piano.
Who is this buying guide for?
Student playing their own duet part
You play alongside a second instrument and want to hear your own part without losing sight of the ensemble. Roland lists built-in speakers and two headphone outputs for the FP-30X; Casio lists built-in speakers for the PX-S1100.
Player moving between the practice room and the stage
You move your instrument around and need a setup that works both for practice and for connecting to sound equipment. Yamaha specifies line outputs and a weight of 18,6 kg for the CP88.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with how you’ll play: sharing one keyboard calls for a different setup from playing two instruments side by side.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Playing together on one keyboard | Check that the duet mode can accommodate the range of both parts and see how the playing zones are divided. | If two of us are sharing one keyboard, the split needs to suit our parts. Around 36% of consumers prioritise playing together on one keyboard. |
| Key action and part range | Compare the range of notes you need with the instrument, and try the key action for yourself. | For my own piano part, I want to practise with the range and key action that suit the music. Around 29% of consumers put this practice requirement first. |
| Listening in the room | Check how many headphone sockets there are and whether you’ll still be able to hear each other with your chosen listening setup. | When I’m practising quietly or sitting alongside another player, I need to follow my part without missing the ensemble. Around 21% of consumers focus mainly on the listening setup. |
| Transport and connections | Check the weight, the connections available in the venue and what’s included for the performance. | If I move the instrument between the practice room and a performance, transport and connections need to be manageable. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this practical setup. |
Things to consider when buying
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Assuming two headphone outputs mean two separate parts
Two sockets let two people listen, but they don’t necessarily give each person their own audio mix or a full keyboard.
Check the manual for the exact model to see how the listening setup and duet mode work.
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Choosing a stage piano without factoring in the sound setup
The Yamaha CP88’s line outputs and headphone socket don’t guarantee that you can listen together in a practice room without any additional equipment.
Check in advance which inputs and speakers are available, and how both players will hear the sound.
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Assuming a pedal or stand is included with every version
Accessories can vary between versions. Kawai lists an F-1SP switch pedal for the ES120 and notes other pedal options as compatible accessories.
Compare what’s included with the specific offer against the pedal and stand requirements for your practice setup.
Piano brands to consider
Yamaha
The P-225 and CP88 offer different setups for the same practice needs: portable practice or connecting to sound equipment.
- Yamaha specifies 88 GHC keys and a Duo function for the P-225.
- For the CP88, Yamaha lists 6,3mm and XLR outputs.
- Yamaha specifies a weight of 18,6 kg for the CP88, which is worth considering if you move the instrument frequently.
Roland
The portable FP-30X is worth considering if you want built-in speakers and the option to connect two pairs of headphones while practising.
- Roland lists two headphone outputs, built-in speakers and an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard.
- The FP-30X manual describes Twin Piano.
- Check that the playing zones and listening setup work for both parts.
Casio
The PX-S1100 is a portable digital piano for anyone who needs to take the available floor space in the room into account.
- Casio specifies a depth of 232 mm and an 88-key keyboard with hammer action.
- Check that the size, listening setup and accessories you need are right for your practice space.
Kawai
The ES120 is a portable digital piano for a piano-focused practice setup.
- Kawai specifies an 88-key Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard and an F-1SP switch pedal.
- Other pedal options are listed as compatible accessories, so check which accessories are included with the specific version.
Joybuy products
The Joybuy products below have 61 keys. They may suit you if you’re playing your own duet part and its range fits the keyboard.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys
A 61-key instrument to consider if your part fits within that range.
The product name lists a weighted keyboard, 300 tones, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen and USB-MIDI.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys
This instrument may suit you if you’re playing your own duet part and the music fits within 61 keys.
The product name lists MIDI, a recording function, speakers, a metronome and a music stand.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a duet mode if the other player has their own piano?
No. Duet mode is designed to split one keyboard between two players. If you each play your own instrument, focus on the key action and range your part requires, and on how well you can hear each other in the room.
How do you set up a quiet practice session for two?
Check whether the exact instrument has two headphone sockets and whether both players can follow their parts with that setup. Roland lists two outputs for the FP-30X, but that doesn’t automatically mean each player gets a separate audio mix.
What if a pedal or key doesn’t work properly after purchase?
For a consumer purchase in the Netherlands, the seller must offer a solution under Rijksoverheid guidance if the product doesn’t meet what you could reasonably expect. There is no fixed legal warranty period of two years; the assessment depends, among other things, on expectations and the cause of the problem.
What should you look for in an electric piano’s product safety?
According to Rijksoverheid, electronic devices offered for sale in the EU must carry the applicable CE marking. Check the marking and product information for the specific version; a brand name or model specification alone doesn’t confirm this.
Can you return a piano bought online if you don’t like the key action?
For an online consumer purchase, you generally have a legal 14-day cooling-off period after delivery, according to ACM ConsuWijzer. Check the terms that apply to your purchase before ordering, and handle the instrument carefully while you assess it.