Who is this for?

Blues learner practising their touch

You’re practising chord changes and dynamics, and want to find out which key action suits your playing. Yamaha, Korg and Roland describe different keys and key actions across their models.

Home musician making recordings

You want to listen back to your playing or work with it in a DAW. It’s therefore important to distinguish between MIDI, USB audio and analogue audio outputs; Kawai and Yamaha specify different connection options.

Player exploring blues sounds

You switch between piano and electric piano sounds, and pay attention to the effects and controls. Korg describes vintage electric piano sounds and hands-on effects controls for the SV-2.

What should you consider when choosing?

Yamaha CK88

A good fit if: you’re looking for weighted keys, speakers and USB audio in one instrument.

Bear in mind: the CK88 has 88 GHS keys and weighs 13.1 kg without batteries, according to Yamaha; also check the power supply and your computer setup.

Korg SV-2 or SV-2S

A good fit if: you want to control vintage electric piano sounds and effects as you play.

Bear in mind: the 73- and 88-key versions have weighted RH3 keys; Korg specifies that built-in speakers are exclusive to the SV-2S.

Roland RD-88

A good fit if: you’re looking for a weighted stage piano with electric piano sounds and built-in speakers.

Bear in mind: check the connections on the version being offered; the RD-88 EX is a separate version with a different product name.

Portable digital piano

A good fit if: weighted keys, headphones and built-in speakers matter more to you than stage-focused controls.

Bear in mind: Roland lists separate outputs for the FP-30X, while Kawai lists stereo line outs and USB-MIDI for the ES120. USB-MIDI does not mean you can record audio over USB.

Start by deciding which key action and listening setup suit your practice space. Then choose the sounds and controls you’ll actually use.

What to consider What to look for Who is this important for?
Key action and chord changes Check the number of keys and key action on the exact version; according to Yamaha, the CK88 and CK61 have different keys. If I’m practising chord changes and dynamics, I want a key action that suits my playing. Around 36% of consumers put key action at the top of their buying priorities.
Recording connection Decide whether you want to record MIDI data or audio, and check whether the version you’ve chosen offers USB audio, USB-MIDI or audio outputs. If I want to record my playing in a DAW, I need to be able to capture the right type of signal. Around 29% of consumers prioritise the recording connection.
Electric piano sounds and effects Check the sounds and controls for the full model name; don’t compare models based on sound category alone. If I want to explore blues sounds, I look for electric piano sounds and effects I can control while playing. Around 21% of consumers prioritise these sounds.
Quiet practice and space Check the headphone socket, speakers on the exact version, and the space available for the instrument and stand. If I want to practise quietly at home and keep my setup compact, I consider how I’ll listen and how much space I have. Around 14% of consumers prioritise these practice conditions.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming USB means USB audio

    USB-MIDI and audio transfer are different functions. Kawai lists USB-MIDI and separate stereo line outs for the ES120; Yamaha specifies a USB audio interface for the CK88.

    Decide whether you want to record note data or the piano sound itself, then check the connections on the exact version.

    Depending on your recording setup, you may need a different audio connection or additional audio equipment.

  • Assuming the SV-2 and SV-2S have the same speakers

    Korg lists built-in speakers for the SV-2S versions, so don’t assume that every SV-2 has them.

    Check the full model name and decide whether you want to use headphones, speakers or another listening solution.

  • Overlooking the key action on a more compact version

    According to Yamaha, the CK88 has 88 GHS keys, while the CK61 has 61 FSB keys. They therefore have different key configurations.

    If possible, try playing chords on the key action you’re planning to buy, and check the exact model.

Brands to consider

Yamaha

According to Yamaha, the CK series combines piano, organ and other sounds with built-in speakers and specified USB audio.

  • Yamaha specifies 88 GHS keys for the CK88 and 61 FSB keys for the CK61.
  • Key action differs between versions; also check the power supply and USB audio connection that suit your setup.

Korg

The SV-2 series focuses on vintage piano and keyboard sounds, with physical effects controls.

  • Korg specifies 73- and 88-key versions with RH3 key action.
  • According to Korg, the SV-2S versions have built-in speakers; check the full version name.

Roland

The RD-88 is a stage piano with hammer action, electric piano sounds and built-in speakers; the FP-30X is a separate option for portable home use.

  • Roland lists a PHA-4 keyboard for the RD-88 and a PHA-4 Standard keyboard for the FP-30X.
  • The similar keyboard names don’t make these models the same product. Roland describes the EX sound expansion for the RD-88 as optional.

Kawai

The ES120 is a portable digital piano to consider if weighted-key practice at home is your priority.

  • Kawai lists headphone sockets, stereo line outs, USB-MIDI and built-in rhythms.
  • USB-MIDI on its own doesn’t mean that the piano’s internal sound can be recorded as audio over USB.

Casio

The Privia PX-S3100 is a digital piano option for home use, with sounds and accompaniment features.

  • Casio lists rhythm patterns, automatic accompaniment and a depth of 232 mm.
  • These features can help you compare the PX-S3100 with your needs; check the other connections and features on the version being offered.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I learn a blues progression without a built-in lesson function?

Yes. Yamaha identifies the I-IV-V progression as a blues essential; in C, that means the chords C, F and G. Practise the changes slowly, then choose a sound that suits your playing. You don’t need a specific piano model for this.

Is USB-MIDI the same as recording the piano sound?

No. Kawai lists USB-MIDI and separate stereo line outs for the ES120, while Yamaha specifies a USB audio interface for the CK88. First decide whether you want to record MIDI note data or audible audio.

What do I need to play at home?

Check the power supply, where you’ll place the instrument and how you want to listen for the exact version. Yamaha lists built-in speakers and a headphone socket for the CK88, but notes that the supplied adaptor may vary by region. Korg lists the SV-2S as the version with built-in speakers.

What are the warranty and cooling-off period rules in the Netherlands?

For a consumer purchase, the seller is responsible if the product doesn’t perform as you could reasonably expect under normal use, according to ACM ConsuWijzer. For a standard online purchase, you usually have a 14-day cooling-off period from delivery, subject to legal exceptions. A manufacturer’s warranty does not automatically replace your statutory rights.

Does a CE mark prove that a stage piano is right for my setup?

No. According to the European Union, CE marking is only required for products covered by applicable harmonised rules; the manufacturer uses it to declare that the product meets the relevant requirements. The mark does not independently assess whether the key action, sounds or recording connections suit your needs.