Who is this type of piano for?

Quiet home practitioner

You want to practise in a room that other people also use, so a suitable wired headphone socket matters. Roland lists two headphone outputs for the FP-30X, while Korg lists a headphone/line output for the B2+.

Blues learner looking for accompaniment

You want to practise chords and phrases along with a rhythm or automatic accompaniment built into the instrument. Casio lists both features for the PX-S3100.

Piano learner short on space

You want a full-size keyboard with weighted keys, but also need to allow for the stand, music rest and seat in a spare room. The piano’s stated dimensions won’t tell you how much room the complete playing set-up needs.

What to consider when buying a stage piano for blues

First decide whether you mainly want to practise your timing on your own or play along with built-in accompaniment. Then check that the keyboard, connections, pedal and complete set-up will work in your room.

What to consider What to look for Who it’s for
Practising quietly Check the type of headphone output and the plug you’ll need; also consider whether you want someone else to listen along. I practise in a room used by other people and want to play my parts through headphones. Around 36% of consumers put quiet practice first.
Touch and pedal Compare the keyboards and check which pedal is included and which pedal function you want to practise. I want to practise chords and phrases on my own, so touch and the pedal matter to me. Around 29% of consumers give piano technique top priority.
Rhythms and accompaniment Check whether the exact model has rhythms or automatic accompaniment, and whether the controls suit your practice goals. I want to use a built-in rhythm or automatic accompaniment while I play. Around 21% of consumers choose accompaniment as their main buying consideration.
Space in the spare room Measure the available width and depth, and allow separately for the stand, music rest and seat. I need to fit the piano set-up into a small room, so I’m looking at the whole playing area, not just the instrument. Around 14% of consumers give available space the greatest weight.

Common buying mistakes

  • Confusing Bluetooth audio with support for Bluetooth headphones

    The Roland FP-30X has Bluetooth features, but Roland says it doesn’t support Bluetooth earbuds or headphones.

    Check what Bluetooth is used for on the exact model, and see which physical headphone socket is available.

  • Measuring only the depth of the instrument

    The instrument’s dimensions don’t show how much room you’ll need for the music rest, stand, bench and space to sit.

    Plan out the complete playing set-up and measure the space available. Yamaha provides separate information for the P-225’s depth with the music rest; check the dimensions of the version you’re considering.

  • Assuming every pedal shown is included

    Korg says a damper pedal is included with the B2+; the PU-2 pedal unit for half-pedalling is sold separately.

    Compare what’s included with the exact version against the pedal function you want to practise.

    If you want to practise half-pedalling, remember that the PU-2 is a separate accessory.

Brands worth considering

Yamaha

The P-225 is a portable piano worth comparing if you’re looking for a weighted keyboard in a relatively slim case.

  • Yamaha specifies 88 GHC keys for the P-225, with a case width of 1.326 mm and a depth of 272 mm.
  • The case dimensions don’t show how much space the complete playing set-up will take up.

Roland

The FP-30X is worth considering if you want to practise at home on weighted keys and may want to connect two wired headphones.

  • Roland lists 88 PHA-4 keys, built-in speakers and two headphone outputs.
  • Roland says the FP-30X doesn’t support Bluetooth headphones.

Casio

The Privia PX-S3100 is worth considering if you want to use built-in rhythms and automatic accompaniment while practising.

  • Casio lists rhythm sequences, automatic accompaniment and a case depth of 232 mm.
  • The stated case depth is no substitute for measuring the complete playing set-up.

Korg

The B2+ is a portable piano worth comparing if you’re looking for weighted keys, a headphone output and a basic pedal.

  • Korg specifies 88 NH keys, a headphone/line output and an included damper pedal.
  • The PU-2 pedal unit for half-pedalling is sold separately.

A Joybuy product for practising at home

This Joybuy pick is a 61-key keyboard for practising at home with rhythms and headphones.

Black electronic keyboard with 61 keys

Black 61-key electronic keyboard

The listed headphone socket and rhythm features are useful for practising at home with headphones or a metronome.

The product information lists 61 keys, 300 rhythms, a metronome, a recording function and USB-MIDI. Its 61-key range is more limited than that of an 88-key keyboard.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can you practise quietly with Bluetooth headphones on the Roland FP-30X?

No. Roland says the FP-30X doesn’t support Bluetooth earbuds or headphones. Use wired headphones that fit one of the PHONES sockets.

Do you need to buy a separate pedal straight away for the Korg B2+?

Korg says a damper pedal is included with the B2+. The optional PU-2 pedal unit for half-pedalling is sold separately.

What can you do if you’re unhappy with a piano bought online or it develops a fault?

For eligible distance purchases from a business, the Dutch government generally provides a 14-day cooling-off period; check the terms and exceptions that apply to your order. ACM ConsuWijzer also explains that, subject to certain conditions, you have a statutory guarantee from the seller for faulty goods, in addition to any manufacturer’s warranty.

What should you look for in the CE information for an electric piano?

The European Commission says CE marking is compulsory for product categories where the relevant EU rules require it. Check the information for the exact instrument and power adapter; general guidance about CE marking doesn’t confirm that a specific offer complies.