Who is a stage piano or digital piano suitable for?

Players who perform their own patterns

You want to practise chord changes, left-hand patterns and timing. Kawai lists a metronome for the ES120; also consider the keyboard and pedal setup that suit the way you play.

Players who want to hear a band

You’re looking for rhythms or accompaniment that responds to your chords. Kawai lists 100 drum rhythms for the ES120, while Casio specifies automatic accompaniment for the PX-S3100. Check which feature you need.

Players in a shared home

You want to practise in a spare room and need to choose between headphones, built-in speakers or separate audio equipment. Roland describes the FP-30X as having two wired headphone outputs; Korg states that the D1 has no built-in speakers.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you want to play all the parts yourself, practise to a rhythm or hear accompaniment that responds to your chords. Then check that the piano suits the audio setup and available space in your spare room.

What to consider What to look for when buying Who is this important for?
Type of accompaniment Check whether the model has a metronome, drum rhythms or automatic accompaniment; these features are not the same. Do you want to hear a beat or have the parts respond to your chords? Around 36% of consumers prioritise the type of accompaniment.
Quiet practice Check the headphone socket, the plug or adapter you’ll need, and whether the speakers switch off when you connect headphones. Do you practise in a shared home and want to play through headphones? Around 29% of consumers put quiet practice first.
Keyboard and touch Check the specifications of the exact model and, if possible, try out your own chord changes and pedal technique. Do you mainly want to play yourself and control your touch? Around 21% of consumers choose playing feel as their main consideration.
Room setup Measure the available space and check whether the model has speakers, and which stand and pedals are included in the offer. Does the piano need to fit in a spare room with the audio equipment you need? Around 14% of consumers start with the setup.

Common mistakes when choosing

  • Confusing drum rhythms with automatic chord accompaniment

    Kawai lists drum rhythms for the ES120, while Casio specifies automatic accompaniment for the PX-S3100. These descriptions refer to different features.

    Decide whether you want a beat to play along with or accompaniment that responds to your chords, then check the feature on the individual model.

  • Assuming every stage piano has built-in speakers

    Korg states that the D1 has no built-in speakers, while Yamaha specifies built-in speakers for the CK88.

    Check the speakers and connections on the exact model before choosing your setup.

    If the model has no speakers, you’ll need separate audio equipment to play without headphones.

  • Assuming Bluetooth audio means you can listen through wireless headphones

    According to Roland, the FP-30X does not support Bluetooth headphones.

    Check Bluetooth audio and the headphone output separately. For the FP-30X, Roland describes wired headphones connected to the Phones outputs.

Brands to consider

Roland

The FP-30X and FP-E50 have different features, so compare them model by model rather than assuming features of one instrument apply to the other.

  • Roland lists two headphone outputs and built-in speakers for the FP-30X.
  • According to Roland, the FP-30X does not support Bluetooth headphones; the FP-E50 is listed separately as having automatic accompaniment.

Kawai

The ES120 may be worth considering if you want to use a metronome or drum rhythms while playing the piano.

  • Kawai lists a metronome, split function and 100 drum rhythms for the ES120.
  • Drum rhythms do not automatically mean that the instrument offers chord accompaniment.

Casio

Casio lists rhythms and automatic accompaniment for the PX-S3100; the PX-S1100 is a different model.

  • Automatic accompaniment on the PX-S3100 may suit you if you want backing that responds to the chords you play.
  • Features of the PX-S3100 do not automatically apply to the PX-S1100. Casio’s claims about sound and playing experience are manufacturer claims.

Yamaha

The P-225, CK88 and CP88 belong to different series and have different features; check connections and speakers for each model.

  • Yamaha specifies built-in speakers for the CK88 and a headphone output and separate line outputs for the CP88.
  • Specifications for one Yamaha series do not necessarily apply to another without checking. The keyboard specification is not an independent test of touch.

Korg

The D1 is a stage piano without built-in speakers, designed for use with headphones or separate audio equipment.

  • Korg lists an RH3 keyboard and line outputs for the D1.
  • The D1 has no built-in speakers; Korg’s description of its playing feel is a manufacturer claim.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need automatic accompaniment to practise left-hand patterns?

No, not if you want to play all the parts yourself: a metronome can help you practise your timing. Kawai also lists drum rhythms for the ES120. If you want accompaniment that responds to your chords, check that the model you choose has this feature, as Casio says the PX-S3100 does.

Can you use Bluetooth headphones with the Roland FP-30X?

No. According to Roland, the FP-30X does not support Bluetooth headphones. Use wired headphones with one of the two headphone outputs on this model.

What should you check for the setup and accessories?

Check whether the exact model has built-in speakers and which stand and pedals are included in the offer. Korg states that the D1 has no speakers; Roland describes a separate stand and pedal options for the FP-30X. Follow the manual for your chosen model when setting it up and maintaining it.

What are your rights when buying a piano online in the Netherlands?

For distance purchases, the Government of the Netherlands says that in many cases you have a 14-day cooling-off period, although exceptions apply. You’re also entitled to a product that is of satisfactory quality; if there’s a problem, contact the seller. The Government of the Netherlands says there is no fixed statutory two-year guarantee period in the Netherlands.

How can you take noise into account when practising piano at home?

Decide how you want to listen and talk to housemates or neighbours if noise could be an issue. The Government of the Netherlands advises people dealing with noise from neighbours to try to agree on arrangements together first. Also check any rules set by your landlord or owners’ association, as well as the local regulations that apply to your home.