First decide how you want to listen at home: through headphones, built-in speakers or a separate sound system. Then compare the sounds, keyboard type, width and pedal connection. A more compact model may take up less space, but it won’t have the same number of keys as an 88-key model. And using headphones doesn’t automatically make the physical sound of the keys inaudible.
If you regularly repeat progressions without amplifying the sound in your living space, look for a headphone socket and the option to switch off the speakers. Roland, Yamaha, Studiologic and Nord list connections or speakers for specific models; using headphones doesn’t guarantee that the sound of the keys will be inaudible to your neighbours.
If you’re practising chords and timing and want to explore piano and electric piano sounds, compare the feel of the keys, sound options and pedal use. Roland, Yamaha and Studiologic’s specifications describe different keyboards and sound options for each model.
If you need to fit or store an instrument within an existing loft layout, compare the dimensions and number of keys of 73- and 88-key versions with the space available. Yamaha lists different widths for the CP73 and CP88; Studiologic gives the Numa X Piano 73 a width of 105,2 cm.
First decide how you want to listen and how much space the complete set-up will take. Then compare the keyboard and the sounds you want to use for blues progressions.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet practice | Check for a headphone socket, whether the speakers work when headphones are connected, and whether there’s enough room for a stable set-up. | If I often repeat progressions at home, I want to be able to listen through headphones and take the sound in my home into account. Quiet practice is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Blues sounds | Listen to the piano, electric piano and any organ sounds you want; check how you switch between sounds and effects. | If you value useful variations in sound while practising, check whether the sounds you want are easy to access. Sound choice comes first for around 29% of consumers. |
| Key action and number of keys | Compare the exact keyboard type for each version and try the key action if it matters to you; check whether 73 or 88 keys suit your practice goals. | If I also want to practise full piano parts, I look at the number of keys and playing feel rather than just the series name. That piano-style key action is the main consideration for around 21% of consumers. |
| Size and set-up | Measure the space for the instrument, stand, pedal and cables; check which items are included with the specific offer. | If you have limited space, you’ll want to know how much room the complete set-up takes and which items you need. Size is the top consideration for around 14% of consumers. |
Roland specifies built-in stereo speakers for the RD-88 EX. The fact that other models have connections doesn’t in itself mean they also have speakers.
Check whether the exact model has speakers and a headphone output before choosing your listening set-up.
If you want to play without headphones and your chosen model doesn’t have built-in speakers, you may need a separate sound system.
Models with the same number of keys can have different types of keyboard. For example, Yamaha specifies different keyboards for the CP73 and CP88; versions of the Nord Electro 6 also differ from one another.
Compare the full model name and version, and try the key action if it matters to your piano technique.
The instrument’s dimensions don’t tell you how much room you’ll need for the stand, your seating position, the pedal and connecting cables together.
Measure the entire playing area and check which items are included with each offer.
A suitable stand or other set-up equipment may need extra space and may not be included.
The RD-88 EX is worth comparing if you’re looking for an 88-key stage piano with built-in speakers.
The CP73 and CP88 let you compare 73- and 88-key versions.
The Numa X Piano 73 is an option to compare if you’re looking for a narrower instrument and electric piano sounds.
The Nord Piano 6 is geared towards piano and samples; the Electro 6 is a separate option to compare if organ is important to you.
The MP7SE is another stage piano worth considering if weighted keys and a wide range of sounds are important to you.
The Joybuy products below are 61-key keyboards for practice; they aren’t any of the stage piano models compared above.
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A 61-key option for practising progressions; the product name also mentions a metronome and automatic bass chords.
The product name lists a weighted keyboard, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, speakers, a headphone socket, USB-MIDI and a music stand.
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A 61-key option to compare for practice; the product name also mentions a recording function and metronome.
The product name lists speakers and a music stand.
There’s no single nationwide answer; it depends on your local council and living situation. The Dutch government says that in many municipalities, nuisance caused to neighbours is covered by the General Local By-law (APV). Check the rules that apply locally and any agreements for your home; talking to your neighbours may also help.
No, not with every model: Roland specifies built-in stereo speakers for the RD-88 EX. For other models, don’t rely on the product category alone; check the exact version and decide in advance between headphones and a suitable external sound system.
Measure the available space and leave room for a stable stand, pedal and cables. Yamaha specifies a width of 1.086 mm for the CP73 and 1.298 mm for the CP88; follow the instrument and stand instructions when setting everything up.
For a standard online consumer purchase, you generally have up to 14 days after delivery to change your mind, although exceptions apply. ACM ConsuWijzer explains this cooling-off period; check the applicable returns policy before you order. If a product doesn’t perform as you could reasonably expect during normal use, your statutory warranty rights are separate from any commercial guarantee.
