Student who accompanies themselves
Practises chords, bass lines and rhythmic patterns with both hands. Roland lists 88 weighted keys for the RD-88 EX; Yamaha specifies 88 weighted keys for the CP88.
Who is this buying guide for?
Student who practises with backing
Wants to combine their own patterns with rhythms or backing parts. Casio lists rhythm sequences and automatic accompaniment for the Privia PX-S3100BK; Kawai lists a Rhythm Section with 100 backing accompaniments for the ES920.
User of a shared music room
Needs to consider the sound system, quiet practice and setting up or moving the instrument. Check which speakers and connections are available on each model, and what equipment is already in the room.
What should you look for when buying?
First decide whether you’ll play the accompaniment part yourself or want to hear backing too. Then check how the instrument sounds in your music room and whether it will fit in the available space.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who will find this important? |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard and key range | Play a pattern from your lesson material and compare the number of keys, the feel of the keyboard and the pedal function on the exact model. | If I play chords and bass notes at the same time, the range needs to suit my lesson material; around 33% of consumers prioritise key range and keyboard feel. |
| Rhythms and automatic accompaniment | Ask for a demonstration of the mode you want: does the instrument simply play a rhythm, or do the accompaniment parts also respond to the chords you play? | If I want to practise my own patterns with backing, I want to know how the accompaniment works; around 27% of consumers prioritise rhythms or chord-controlled accompaniment. |
| Playing aloud or quietly | Check for built-in speakers, a headphone socket and outputs that suit the room’s sound system. | If I want to practise in a shared room without having to set up equipment first, built-in speakers or a headphone socket matter; around 20% of consumers prioritise playing aloud independently or practising quietly. |
| Setup and portability | Measure the space, including the stand and cables, and compare the model’s full dimensions and weight. | If the piano needs to fit in a limited space or be moved between rooms, I want to know whether the whole setup will work; around 20% of consumers prioritise space and portability. |
Buying pitfalls
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Confusing a rhythm function with full automatic accompaniment
A rhythm and accompaniment that responds to the chords you play are different practice features. Casio lists both rhythm sequences and automatic accompaniment for the Privia PX-S3100BK.
Ask for a demonstration of the practice mode you want on the exact model, or check the manual.
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Assuming every stage piano has built-in speakers
Roland says the RD-88 EX has built-in stereo speakers, but that doesn’t mean every other model does too. In a room without suitable equipment, a piano without the right sound output may need extra connections and monitoring equipment.
Check the sound output for each model and see what equipment is already in the music room.
If there’s no suitable sound system, you may need an external amplifier or monitoring equipment, as well as connection cables.
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Comparing only cabinet depth or the number of sounds
Cabinet depth doesn’t tell you whether the piano, stand and connections will all fit together. The number of sounds alone also won’t tell you whether the practice mode you want is available.
Measure the full setup area and play a pattern from your own lesson material before you decide.
You may need a suitable stand or a different setup to use the piano in the space available.
Stage piano brands to consider
Roland
The RD-88 EX is worth considering if you’re looking for a stage piano with a weighted keyboard and built-in sound output.
- Roland lists 88 PHA-4 keys, stereo speakers and three zones for the RD-88 EX.
- These features don’t automatically turn layered sounds or splits into chord-controlled accompaniment; check that the practice mode you want is available.
Casio
The Privia PX-S3100BK is a digital piano to consider if you want to use rhythms or automatic accompaniment while practising.
- Casio lists rhythm sequences, automatic accompaniment, 88 keys and a cabinet depth of 232 mm for this model.
- Cabinet depth isn’t the same as the total space needed for setup. Casio’s own claim about its compact design isn’t an independent measurement.
Kawai
The ES920 is worth considering if you want to focus on piano practice with built-in backing accompaniments.
- Kawai lists a Rhythm Section with 100 backing accompaniments and a 40 W stereo speaker system for the ES920.
- These manufacturer specifications aren’t an independent comparison of volume or sound quality against other models.
Yamaha
The CP88 is a stage piano designed for the stage, for players who mainly perform themselves and want direct access to piano and electric piano sounds.
- Yamaha’s European specifications list 88 weighted keys, headphone and line outputs, and a weight of 18,6 kg.
- Don’t assume the CP88 has built-in speakers or automatic accompaniment without checking first.
Joybuy product selection
This Joybuy pick is a digital piano with rhythms and automatic accompaniment for practising with backing. Its 61-key range may be limiting if your lesson material requires the full range of 88 keys.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
Suitable for practising with rhythms and automatic bass and chord accompaniment. With 61 keys, this model has a smaller range than an 88-key keyboard.
- 61 keys and weighted keyboard
- 300 rhythms and automatic bass and chord accompaniment
- 300 sounds and LCD
- Speakers and headphone socket
- USB-MIDI and music rest
Frequently asked questions
Do you need automatic accompaniment to learn accompaniment patterns?
No, not if you want to play the accompaniment part yourself. Start by choosing a suitable key range and a practical setup for practising. If you want extra backing, check whether the model plays rhythms or also offers automatic chord accompaniment. Casio lists both features for the Privia PX-S3100BK.
What do you need to connect in the music room?
That depends on the model and the equipment available. Roland lists built-in speakers for the RD-88 EX; Yamaha lists headphone and line outputs for the CP88. Before setting up, check which stand, cables, headphones and sound system are available.
How can you make a stage piano suitable for shared use?
Agree on how the stand, pedal and cables will be connected and stored. Follow the manual for your chosen model when cleaning and maintaining it.
Does the Netherlands always have a statutory two-year warranty period?
No, two years isn’t a fixed statutory limit. ACM ConsuWijzer explains that, with normal use, you’re entitled to a product that works properly for as long as you could reasonably expect. If a product is faulty, the seller must offer a solution. The manufacturer’s warranty is separate.
Can you assess a stage piano bought online before returning it?
For a standard online consumer purchase, ACM ConsuWijzer says the statutory cooling-off period usually ends 14 days after delivery. Exceptions may apply, so check the terms that apply to your purchase and handle the instrument carefully while assessing it.