Player with limited space
You want to practise broken chords and find out in advance which key range and complete setup will fit. The Yamaha CP73 and Korg D1 show why it’s important to compare both width and depth.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Pianist working on their touch
You want to practise dynamics and evenness when playing arpeggios, so you’re comparing the keyboard action and the range your own pieces require. Yamaha, Roland and Korg list different key actions for the models covered here.
Home or stage player
You want to weigh up whether listening through headphones or built-in speakers is enough, or whether connections and controls for use with external equipment matter more. Roland lists built-in stereo speakers for the RD-08; Korg describes the D1 as a model without built-in speakers.
What should you consider when choosing?
73-key stage piano
A good fit when: your exercises fit within 73 keys and a narrower width is important. Yamaha lists the CP73 as 1.086 mm wide.
The trade-off: you get a smaller range than with an 88-key model. Also check your home listening setup.
88-key stage piano
A good fit when: you need the full 88-key range and have room for the complete setup. According to Korg, the D1 is 1.327 mm wide and 263 mm deep without the music rest.
The trade-off: the Korg D1 has no built-in speakers, so you’ll need external sound equipment to practise audibly without headphones.
Portable digital piano for home
A good fit when: practising at home without extra equipment is important and a portable design suits your needs. Casio lists the PX-S1100 as 232 mm deep.
The trade-off: a shallow depth doesn’t necessarily mean it will take up less width. Measure the stand too, and allow room to sit and play.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Space for the instrument and setup | Measure the width and depth, allowing for the stand, music rest, seating position and playing space. | If I have limited space, I want to know whether the stand and seating area will fit too; around 36% of consumers are most concerned about space for both the instrument and setup. |
| Key range and touch | Check that the highest and lowest notes in your exercises fall within the range, and compare the action of the exact models you’re considering. | If you want to practise arpeggios, check whether your own pieces need the full range; around 29% of consumers prioritise range and a piano-like touch. |
| Listening at home | Check whether the model has speakers and a headphone socket, and which connections are included with that version. | If I want to practise at home without a separate sound setup, built-in speakers or headphone listening are important; around 21% of consumers prioritise playing independently or quietly. |
| Connections for use away from home | Compare the audio outputs, pedal connection and controls you need with your own equipment. | If you also want to use the instrument with external equipment or on stage, you can choose connections to suit; around 14% of consumers make this their top priority. |
Common pitfalls
-
Comparing cabinet depth only
An 88-key model can be relatively shallow yet still take up a lot of width. A music rest may also increase the depth you need.
Measure the entire playing area and compare the dimensions of the exact version, including the music rest and stand you plan to use.
-
Assuming every stage piano has speakers
According to Korg, the D1 has no built-in speakers, while Roland lists built-in stereo speakers for the RD-08.
Decide in advance how you want to listen at home and check the connections on the exact model.
With a model that has no built-in speakers, external sound equipment may take up extra space. If you’re not using headphones, you’ll need to connect and position it yourself.
-
Choosing a shorter keyboard without checking your practice range
The Yamaha CP73 has 73 keys, giving it a smaller range than the 88-key models covered here.
Check the lowest and highest notes in your own pieces, and try the action before choosing the shorter format.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The CP73 is a 73-key stage piano; the P-145 is a separate 88-key option for practising at home.
- Yamaha lists the CP73 as 1.086 mm wide with a BHS keyboard; the P-145 is listed as 1.326 mm wide.
- The CP73 has fewer keys than the P-145. Compare the dimensions with your playing space and check that your exercises fit within 73 keys.
Roland
The RD-08 is a stage piano worth considering if you want 88 weighted keys and built-in speakers.
- Roland lists the RD-08 with an 88-key PHA-4 keyboard and built-in stereo speakers.
- Check the dimensions of the complete setup before deciding whether the instrument will fit in your space.
Korg
According to Korg, the D1 combines an 88-key RH3 keyboard with a cabinet that has no built-in speakers.
- Korg lists dimensions of 1.327 × 263 mm without the music rest, as well as a headphone socket and line outputs.
- With the music rest, the listed depth is 375 mm. You’ll need external sound equipment to practise audibly without headphones.
Casio
The PX-S1100 is a portable digital piano worth comparing with stage pianos if cabinet depth is a factor.
- Casio lists the PX-S1100 as 232 mm deep, with 88 hammer-action keys.
- Cabinet depth doesn’t tell you how much room the complete setup will take up; check the width and any accessories you’ll need too.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy products are 61-key instruments for practising at home, with built-in speakers. Check that the key range suits the broken chords you want to practise.
No image available
MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
Built-in speakers and a headphone socket give you listening options for practising at home; check whether 61 keys are enough for your repertoire.
Weighted keyboard; 300 sounds and 300 rhythms; LCD screen; USB-MIDI; music stand.
No image available
Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
The built-in speakers are handy for practising at home without a separate speaker setup; check whether the 61-key range suits your pieces.
MIDI controller; recording function; metronome; music stand.
Frequently asked questions
Are 73 keys enough to practise broken chords?
It depends on the lowest and highest notes in your exercises. The Yamaha CP73 has 73 keys, compared with 88 on the Roland RD-08 and Korg D1 covered here. Check your pieces before weighing up the space saved against the smaller key range.
Can I hear a stage piano without speakers at home without extra equipment?
According to Korg, the D1 has no built-in speakers, but it does have a headphone socket and line outputs. Use suitable headphones or arrange external sound equipment.
What dimensions should I check before positioning a piano?
Compare the dimensions with and without the music rest if they differ, and also allow for the stand, seating position, pedal and cables. Follow the instructions for the exact model when connecting and maintaining it.
What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?
For a standard online consumer purchase, ACM ConsuWijzer says you generally have up to 14 days after delivery to change your mind, although exceptions apply. Your statutory guarantee also depends on what you could reasonably expect from the product with normal use, not just on any stated manufacturer’s guarantee period.