Start by playing repeated soft notes and changing the pedal on the exact piano you’re considering. A keyboard description can’t predict which playing feel will suit you. Then decide whether you want to practise independently using built-in speakers or connect to the rehearsal room’s PA. Check which pedals and cables you’ll need, too. The stage pianos mentioned here are options to compare: before buying, check the version and the relevant product information, including any applicable CE marking.
If you play broken chords, you’ll want to assess soft playing, repeated notes and pedal changes for yourself. Yamaha, Nord and Studiologic provide keyboard or pedal specifications for the models mentioned here, but trying them out is still important.
If you practise in different rehearsal rooms, you’ll want to know whether you can listen without external amplification. Roland lists built-in speakers for the RD-88; check what listening options are available with other models.
If you connect to an existing sound system, check the outputs, cables you’ll need and how the sounds are controlled. Yamaha and Studiologic describe the outputs on the models mentioned here; check that they’re compatible with the equipment in your rehearsal room.
A good fit if: you sometimes practise without a PA or monitor. Roland lists built-in speakers for the RD-88.
Bear in mind: built-in speakers don’t remove the need for suitable connections and pedal equipment.
A good fit if: the rehearsal room has suitable amplification and you need direct audio connections. Yamaha lists XLR and 6,3mm outputs for the CP88.
Bear in mind: Yamaha gives the CP88’s weight as 18,6 kg; check that it’s manageable for you to transport.
A good fit if: you want to compare how layers or pedal nuances are controlled. Nord lists a Triple Pedal 2 included with the Piano 6; Studiologic lists three pedal inputs for the Numa X Piano 88.
Bear in mind: these specifications don’t prove which model plays best; check the version and try it for yourself.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and control over notes | Play the same chord patterns slowly and quickly, using different levels of touch. Compare the exact models: the number of keys or a manufacturer’s terminology can’t predict which keyboard will suit you. | When I practise broken chords, I want to control soft playing and individual notes well. Around 33% of consumers prioritise touch in this situation. |
| Practising without regular amplification | Check which PA, monitor or headphone connection is available, and whether the exact model has built-in speakers. | When I can’t rely on a regular PA, I want to know how I can listen independently. Around 27% of consumers give independent sound the highest priority in this situation. |
| Sustain pedal and pedal changes | Check which pedal is included and compatible with the piano; try changing chords with and without the pedal. | When using the pedal is part of my practice, I want to hear and feel how notes sustain and release. Around 20% of consumers prioritise pedal control. |
| Connecting and transporting | Compare the stated weight of the exact version with your transport options, and check that the outputs are compatible with the equipment in the room. | When I take my instrument to rehearsals, I want to know in advance whether it’ll be practical to transport and connect. Around 20% of consumers give transport and set-up the highest priority in this situation. |
Without a suitable way to listen, you won’t be able to practise in the rehearsal room as you’d like. Headphones may work for practising on your own, but they’re no substitute for sound the whole band can hear.
Check the speakers and connections on the exact version, as well as which PA or monitor is available in the room.
Depending on your set-up, you may need external monitoring and connection cables.
A connection doesn’t tell you which pedal comes with the piano or whether it’s compatible. This matters if you want to try changing the pedal while practising.
Check what’s included in the offer and whether the pedal is compatible with the exact version.
If a suitable pedal isn’t included, you may need to buy one separately.
A product listing alone doesn’t show which product rules apply to a specific version. According to the Dutch government and the European Union, CE marking is required where the applicable EU rules specify it.
For the exact version, check the product information and whether the applicable rules require CE marking.
The RD-88 may be worth considering if you sometimes practise without external amplification.
The CP88 may suit a rehearsal room with suitable amplification and a need for stage connections.
The Piano 6 is a piano-focused option for comparing sound layers and pedal controls.
The Numa X Piano 88 may suit you if you want to compare configurable pedals and a range of connection options.
This selection includes 61-key digital pianos and keyboards for practising. Check for yourself whether the size and features suit your stage piano needs in the rehearsal room.
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May suit practising if you’re looking for a 61-key keyboard and built-in speakers. Try the touch and check that the size meets your practice needs.
61 keys; weighted, touch-sensitive keyboard; built-in stereo speakers; headphone socket; USB-MIDI; metronome; sustain effect.
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May suit practising on your own if you want 61 keys and built-in speakers. Check whether the keyboard works for the way you play broken chords.
61 keys; built-in stereo speakers; headphone socket; USB-MIDI; metronome; recording function; sustain effect.
On the exact model, play the same chord pattern slowly and quickly, using different levels of touch. Try changing the pedal, too: keyboard specifications can’t replace making your own comparison.
It depends on the model and how you want to listen. Roland lists built-in speakers for the RD-88; for other versions, check whether they have speakers or a suitable headphone socket, or whether you’ll need external monitoring.
Check which pedal is included with the exact version and whether it’s compatible with the piano. A pedal input doesn’t automatically mean that a pedal is included.
Check which EU product rules apply to the exact version and whether they require CE marking. According to the European Union, this marking is only compulsory for products covered by rules that specifically require it; it isn’t an assessment of sound or playing feel.
According to the Dutch government, when you buy from a business at a distance, you’ll often have a 14-day cooling-off period; the same rule doesn’t apply to purchases from a private seller. Your statutory consumer rights are relevant if an item is faulty. Check who the seller is and which returns policy applies to your specific purchase.
