Pianists practising scales
You want to assess the action and keyboard range before letting extra sounds influence your choice. Roland lists 88 keys for the RD-08 and FP-30X; Yamaha specifies 88 keys for the P-225.
Who is this relevant for?
Players with housemates or neighbours
You want to listen through headphones and be considerate of those around you. The Dutch government advises people dealing with noise from neighbours to try agreeing on a solution together first.
Home players who also perform
You want to practise scales at home and may also want to use performance controls or connections. With the speakerless Korg D1, you’ll need to decide in advance how you’ll listen to it at home.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you mainly need an action that suits you and a quiet listening setup, or whether you also want performance features. Then compare the dimensions and accessories of the exact model.
Stage piano with built-in speakers
A good fit if: you want to practise at home and also have direct control over sounds and settings for performances.
Bear in mind: try the action for yourself; the manufacturer’s specifications can’t tell you which keyboard will feel right for you.
Speakerless stage piano
A good fit if: you also want to use the Korg D1 for performances and are happy to use headphones or a separate sound system at home.
Bear in mind: according to Korg, the D1 has no built-in speakers; you’ll need additional equipment to hear it in the room.
Portable digital piano for home use
A good fit if: practising scales is your main priority and you’re looking for a home setup with built-in speakers.
Bear in mind: compare the action and check which stand, headphones and pedals you’ll need for each model.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Action and keyboard range | Try playing slowly and quickly across different registers. Check the number of keys and the exact model version. | If I’m practising scales, I want an action and range that suit the way I play. Around 36% of consumers prioritise action and keyboard range. |
| Practising without disturbing others | Check the headphone socket on the exact model and test your listening setup in the room. | If I want to be considerate of housemates or neighbours, listening without speakers is important. Around 29% of consumers prioritise being able to practise quietly. |
| Positioning in the spare room | Measure the space and compare it with the instrument’s dimensions and your preferred setup, including the stand. | When the available space determines my choice, I want to know whether the instrument will fit with the setup I need. Around 21% of consumers prioritise positioning. |
| Performance features | Decide which sounds and connections you’ll actually use, then compare them across the full model versions. | If I want to perform as well as practise at home, I look for controls and connections that suit my setup. Around 14% of consumers prioritise performance use. |
Things to consider before buying
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Assuming every stage piano can be heard without extra equipment
According to Korg, the D1 has no built-in speakers, while Roland lists built-in speakers for the RD-08. The listening setup therefore varies by model.
Before buying, decide whether you want to listen through headphones, built-in speakers or an external sound system.
To play without headphones, a speakerless model may require external speakers and suitable connecting cables.
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Looking only at the depth of the casing
The space you need also depends on the stand and how you plan to use the instrument. Yamaha gives different dimensions for the P-225 when fitted with the optional stand; Korg lists a separately available stand for the D1.
Measure the complete playing setup and check which parts are included with the model you’re choosing.
A suitable stand may be sold separately.
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Assuming a keyboard will feel the same without trying it
The models reviewed have different keyboard designs. A manufacturer’s description won’t tell you whether the action suits your playing style.
Try the exact model with the scales you usually practise and compare its range and response.
Brands to consider
Roland
The RD-08 is a stage piano for practising at home, with performance controls; the FP-30X is a separate range of portable digital pianos for home use.
- Roland lists a weighted 88-key keyboard, built-in speakers and Scene memories for the RD-08. For the FP-30X, Roland lists 88 keys and speakers, as well as two headphone outputs.
- These are model specifications and manufacturer descriptions, not an independent comparison of action or sound.
Yamaha
The CK88 is aimed at players who want other sounds and performance controls alongside piano; the P-225 is a separate portable digital piano for piano-focused practice.
- Yamaha lists built-in speakers for the CK88. For the P-225, Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys and support for an optional three-pedal unit.
- Features of the CK88 don’t automatically apply to the P-225; manufacturer claims about playing feel are not independent comparisons.
Korg
The D1 is a slim stage piano with no built-in speakers, for players who want to put together their listening setup and any performance equipment separately.
- Korg lists a weighted RH3 keyboard, line outputs, MIDI IN/OUT and a damper pedal supplied in the box.
- You’ll need additional sound equipment to play audibly in the room. Korg’s description of the playing feel is a manufacturer claim.
Casio
The Privia PX-S1100 is a portable digital piano worth considering if the instrument’s depth is an important factor when choosing where to put it.
- Casio lists a depth of 232 mm, 88 keys with a hammer-action mechanism and built-in speakers.
- Casio’s description of it as the ‘slimmest’ refers to its own comparison from July 2021 and is not a current, independent ranking.
Joybuy products
These products are portable digital pianos for practising at home; above all, check whether the keyboard range suits the scales you want to practise.
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MLS-931 digital piano, black, 61 keys
The listed speakers and headphone socket give you different ways to listen while practising; the 61-key range is more limited than an 88-key keyboard.
The product name lists a weighted keyboard, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen and USB-MIDI.
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Electronic keyboard piano, black, 61 keys
This model has 61 keys, which is a more limited range than an 88-key keyboard. Check whether it’s enough for the scales you want to practise.
The product name lists speakers, a metronome, a music stand, a MIDI controller and a recording function.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need speakers to practise scales in the spare room?
No, not if you’re listening through suitable headphones. If you want to play in the room without headphones, check whether your chosen model has built-in speakers or plan to use external sound equipment; Korg describes the D1 as speakerless.
What should I check before setting up the instrument?
Compare the dimensions with the space where you’ll actually play, including your preferred stand and music stand. Also check what’s included: Korg lists a damper pedal supplied with the D1, while a suitable stand is available separately.
Who can help if my piano, bought in the Netherlands, breaks too soon during normal use?
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, the seller is responsible for the statutory guarantee. If the product doesn’t do what you could reasonably expect, the seller must resolve the problem free of charge under the applicable terms; a manufacturer’s guarantee doesn’t replace this right.
Can I still assess a piano after it’s been delivered if I bought it online?
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, online consumer purchases usually come with a statutory cooling-off period that ends 14 days after delivery; there are some exceptions. Before buying, check the information about trying and returning the product for your order.