Who is this relevant for?

Student practising piano technique

If you practise bass lines and chord inversions, compare the key feel and range. For example, Yamaha lists 73 keys for the CP73 and 88 for the CP88; Korg lists 88 keys for the D1.

User of a shared music room

If you switch between quiet practice and playing with others, the headphone socket, built-in speakers and monitoring available in the room all matter. Roland lists built-in speakers for the RD-88 EX; Korg describes the D1 as speakerless.

Blues student who also rehearses

If you travel between lessons and rehearsals and switch sounds during blues practice, weigh up the controls and size. Nord lists several sound categories and versions of the Piano 6 with 73 or 88 keys.

What should you look for when choosing?

What to consider What to look for when buying Who is this important for?
Key action and range Play the same bass line and chord inversions on each instrument; compare the feel of the keys and the range of 73 or 88 keys. If I practise left-hand bass and chord inversions, I want a keyboard that suits my lesson materials. Around 29% of consumers prioritise key action and range.
Quiet practice and playing with others Check the headphone socket, built-in speakers and any monitoring already available in the music room. If I want to play quietly in a shared room sometimes and audibly at other times, I want to know what equipment is already there. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this flexibility.
Electric piano sounds and controls Try the sounds you use in lessons and see how you select them; don’t just compare the number of sounds. If I want to switch between piano and electric piano sounds during blues practice, I look for useful sounds and easy-to-use controls. Around 24% of consumers make this their top priority.
Moving and setting up Compare the stated weight and key range; also check whether a stand, carry case and any amplification are available. If I take my instrument between lessons and rehearsals, I want to factor in its size and the extra equipment I’ll need. Around 18% of consumers prioritise portability.

Buying points not to overlook

  • Assuming a speakerless instrument will fill the room on its own

    Korg describes the D1 as speakerless, while Roland lists internal speakers for the RD-88 EX. To play audibly with others using a speakerless model, you’ll need suitable monitoring.

    Check what monitoring the music room already has before choosing a version.

  • Comparing only the number of keys or sounds

    The Yamaha CP73 and CP88 differ in their key range and keyboard. More sound layers, as found on the Nord Piano 6, don’t in themselves tell you whether the instrument will feel right for your blues practice.

    Try the same bass line, chord inversions and sound changes on the models you’re considering.

  • Assuming transport accessories are included

    Korg states that a suitable soft case for the D1 is available separately.

    Check what’s included with the exact version and factor any accessories you need into your choice.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

The CP73 and CP88 are stage-focused options for comparing electric piano sounds and connections; the P-225 is a portable digital piano alternative.

  • Yamaha lists headphone and line outputs for the CP73 and CP88. The CP73 has 73 keys and the CP88 has 88.
  • The P-225 has built-in speakers; don’t assume the CP models have them.

Roland

The RD-88 EX is worth considering if you’re looking for weighted keys and built-in speakers for a room without fixed monitoring.

  • Roland lists an 88-key PHA-4 keyboard and internal stereo speakers.
  • The manufacturer describes the specifications; they aren’t independent assessments of playing feel or sound quality.

Korg

The D1 is a speakerless option for a room with monitoring or for practising with headphones.

  • Korg lists an RH3 keyboard, headphone and line outputs, and a damper pedal included in the box.
  • To play audibly without existing equipment, you’ll need separate speakers or amplification. A suitable soft case is available separately.

Nord

The Piano 6 range is worth considering if you want to combine piano and electric piano sounds with layers and hands-on effects control.

  • Nord lists versions with 73 or 88 keys, a headphone output and a Nord Triple Pedal 2 included in the box.
  • Check which key version you’re buying; the extra features may not be essential for your first blues lesson.

Kawai

The MP7SE is worth considering if you want live controls and other sound categories as well as piano playing.

  • The manual describes electric piano sounds, organ controls, zones and setups.
  • Whether these features are useful depends on how you use the instrument in lessons and rehearsals.

Joybuy products

The Joybuy products shown are digital pianos and keyboards with 61 keys. Check whether this range suits your blues material and whether the features and connections are right for your music room.

MLS-931 digital piano with 61 keys, black

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black

For anyone looking for a 61-key setup to practise with headphones or through the built-in speakers.

  • 61 keys and weighted keyboard
  • 300 sounds and 300 rhythms
  • LCD and USB-MIDI
  • Built-in speakers and headphone socket
  • Music stand
View at Joybuy
Electronic keyboard piano with 61 keys, black

Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black

For anyone looking for a 61-key keyboard with built-in speakers and a headphone socket for different practice sessions.

  • 61 keys
  • MIDI controller and recording function
  • Built-in speakers and metronome
  • Music stand
View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a separate amplifier for every stage piano?

No, it depends on the version and the monitoring available in the room. Roland lists built-in stereo speakers for the RD-88 EX; Korg describes the D1 as speakerless. To play audibly with others using the D1, you’ll need suitable external monitoring, unless the music room already has it.

How can I keep the piano easy to use when people take turns?

Agree on how users should check the sound, volume and headphone connection, and reset the settings after use. Korg lists a headphone socket and metronome for the D1; Yamaha lists a headphone socket for the CP73.

What extra equipment should I check for each model?

For each version, check whether you’ll need a stand, headphones, a carry case or external monitoring, and what’s included in the box. Korg states that a suitable soft case for the D1 is available separately; if the room has no monitoring, you’ll also need amplification to use the speakerless D1.

If I buy online in the Netherlands, do I have a cooling-off period and a guarantee?

ACM ConsuWijzer states that consumers generally have up to 14 days after delivery to change their mind about an online purchase, with some exceptions. The statutory guarantee is separate from any manufacturer’s guarantee: if a product doesn’t do what you could reasonably expect under normal use, the retailer is your point of contact. Exactly how this applies depends on the purchase and whether you’re buying as a consumer.