Who is this piano for?

Pianists looking to practise their touch

If you use broken chords to practise evenness and dynamics, it’s important to try the keyboard for yourself. A description such as ‘weighted keyboard’ won’t tell you whether the feel will suit your hands.

Pianists who want to practise quietly

Headphones can be useful if you share a room or want to avoid sound from speakers. Bear in mind that key and pedal noises may still be audible.

Pianists with limited space

In a small room, you need space for more than just the piano: the stand, music rest, pedal and room to sit comfortably all matter too. So compare the complete set-up.

What should you look for when buying?

Start with a keyboard action that suits your practice goals. Then consider how you want to listen and whether the complete playing set-up will fit in your room.

What to consider What to look for Who should focus on this?
Touch and keyboard Play the same broken chord slowly and quickly, softly and loudly. Compare how the keys respond and whether you can make the notes sound even. If I want to practise control over touch and dynamics, I want to try the keyboard for myself first; around 33% of consumers put control over touch first.
Quiet practice Check whether there’s a headphone socket and whether you’ll need built-in speakers or external audio equipment when not using headphones. Korg says the D1 has no built-in speakers; Roland lists them for the RD-08. If I share the room or want to play without sound from speakers at certain times, listening through headphones is important; around 27% of consumers prioritise quiet practice.
Space for the set-up Measure the available width and depth, including the music rest, legroom, pedal and bench. Korg gives the D1’s depth as 263 mm without the music rest and 375 mm with it; Casio lists the PX-S1100’s cabinet depth as 232 mm. These measurements aren’t directly comparable as dimensions for complete set-ups. In a small room, I want to know whether I’ll have enough space to sit and play comfortably as well as fit the piano; around 27% of consumers prioritise space for the set-up.
Pedal and set-up Check which pedal functions the model supports and what’s included in the specific bundle you’re buying. Korg lists a damper pedal as included with the D1; don’t assume another model or bundle will include the same items. If using a pedal is part of my practice, I want to know whether the pedal and stand will suit my set-up; around 13% of consumers prioritise these practical considerations.

Common pitfalls

  • Looking only at the cabinet depth

    The space you need may change when you use a music rest. The stand, pedal and your playing position also take up room.

    Measure the complete set-up and, if needed, mark out space for the piano, your legs and the bench before choosing a model.

  • Assuming every stage piano has built-in speakers

    According to the Korg manual, the Korg D1 has no built-in speakers. You’ll need external audio equipment to hear the instrument without headphones.

    Decide in advance whether you want to practise with headphones, built-in speakers or external audio equipment, and check the features of the exact model.

Brands to consider

These models offer different options for practising in a small space. Product specifications aren’t an independent assessment of how an instrument feels to play, and don’t in themselves tell you whether it’s available.

Roland

The RD-08 is a stage piano for anyone who wants to combine practice with stage controls.

  • Roland lists a weighted 88-key PHA-4 keyboard and built-in stereo speakers for the RD-08.
  • These details don’t tell you whether the touch will feel comfortable for your playing style, so try the keyboard for yourself.

Korg

The D1 is a stage piano without built-in speakers, for anyone who usually plays with headphones or external audio equipment.

  • Korg lists an 88-key RH3 keyboard, a headphone socket and an included damper pedal.
  • To play audibly without headphones, you’ll need external audio equipment and a suitable connection.

Casio

The portable PX-S1100 is an option if a shallow cabinet is important and specific stage controls are less of a priority.

  • For the European PX-S1100, Casio lists a depth of 232 mm and an 88-key keyboard with hammer action.
  • The cabinet depth doesn’t show how much room you’ll need for a stand, pedal and playing position. Casio’s comparison of its slim design dates from 2021 and isn’t a current, independent comparison of the market.

Yamaha

The portable P-225 is a digital piano to consider alongside stage pianos if practice is your main focus.

  • Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys and a width of 1326 mm.
  • Yamaha gives the depth as 272 mm without the music rest and 362 mm with it; you’ll also need room for the stand, pedal and seat in your complete playing set-up.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a stage piano to play broken chords?

No. A portable digital piano may also be suitable if you mainly practise at home. Compare the touch, dimensions, pedal options and listening options. Try the keyboard for yourself to see whether it suits you.

How can I hear a Korg D1 without external speakers?

Connect suitable headphones or connect the line outputs to external audio equipment. According to the Korg manual, the D1 has no built-in speakers.

How can I check whether a piano with a stand and pedal will fit in my room?

Measure the available space with the music rest and stand in place, and allow for your legs, bench and pedal too. For example, Korg gives the D1’s depth as 263 mm without the music rest and 375 mm with it. Also check which items are included in the bundle you’re buying.

What can I do if my neighbours can hear me practising?

The Dutch Government advises talking to your neighbours first to agree how to deal with noise issues. If the disturbance continues, it suggests contacting your landlord, local council, residents’ association or enforcement officers, among others. Also check which agreements or rules apply to your home and location.

What are my rights if a product is faulty or I buy online in the Netherlands?

When you buy as a consumer in the Netherlands, you’re entitled to a product that works properly. The Dutch Government states that there’s no fixed statutory warranty period and that you should contact the seller if there’s a problem. For online purchases from a business, you’ll usually have a 14-day cooling-off period, subject to conditions and exceptions.