For practising chord changes, a keyboard that feels comfortable when you try it out matters more than a long list of sounds. Then choose based on your sound setup: built-in speakers are handy if you want to practise on your own, while a model without speakers requires headphones or external monitoring. If you transport it regularly, factor in the instrument’s weight and your complete setup too.
You want to practise chord changes, touch and perhaps pedal use on a keyboard that suits your piano playing. Try the keys for yourself and compare the pedal options. Yamaha, Roland and Korg publish model specifications you can check.
You want to be able to start playing without first connecting sound equipment. Compare models with built-in speakers against options without speakers, and check which connections you’ll need to play with the band later.
You take your instrument with you regularly and want to consider its weight, where it will be set up and the monitoring available. Yamaha lists the P-225 at 11,5 kg; Korg lists the D1 at 16 kg. These are instrument weights and exclude any accessories.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and range | Play your own chord progression and check the keyboard range and pedal options. Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys for the P-225; Korg lists 88 RH3 keys for the D1. These specifications don’t tell you which keyboard will feel more comfortable to play. | I want to practise my chord shapes on a keyboard that suits my piano playing. Around 36% of consumers give touch and chord technique top priority. |
| Playing audibly on your own | Check whether the model has built-in speakers and which headphone socket is available. The Roland FP-30X has built-in speakers; the Korg D1 does not. | If I want to practise without connecting sound equipment first, built-in speakers are important. Around 29% of consumers prioritise being able to play audibly on their own. |
| Connecting to the rehearsal setup | Compare the audio outputs on the exact model with the inputs in the room, and check which cables will fit. Korg lists LINE OUT for the D1; Roland lists outputs for external powered speakers on the FP-30X. | When playing with others, I want to be able to connect my instrument to the sound system available. Around 21% of consumers put this connection ahead of their other buying concerns. |
| Transport and your complete setup | Compare the stated instrument weight and check which components are included with the version you’re buying. Include any stand, case and monitoring equipment you need in your setup. | If I take my instrument with me regularly, I want to know how much my complete setup will weigh. Around 14% of consumers give transport and quick set-up top priority. |
According to Korg, the D1 has no built-in speakers. Without headphones or suitable external monitoring, you won’t be able to hear the instrument when practising on your own.
Check in advance what sound equipment is available in the rehearsal room and which connection you’ll need.
You may also need suitable headphones and connection cables to use external equipment.
You may also need to carry a stand, case, adapter or other essentials. The piano on its own doesn’t tell you how much you’ll actually have to transport.
Compare the complete setup you plan to use and check which accessories are included with each version. Korg says a stand and carrying case for the D1 are available separately.
Sharing a category name doesn’t mean two instruments have the same keyboard range or connections. For example, the Joybuy MLS-931 is listed with 61 keys.
Check the full model number and compare the keys, sound options and connections with what you need for your repertoire and rehearsal room.
The P-225 is a portable digital piano worth comparing if chord practice and a compact instrument are important to you.
The FP-30X is worth considering if you want to practise on your own using built-in speakers, while also having the option to connect external speakers.
The D1 is an option without speakers for players who have headphones or external monitoring available.
The Privia PX-S1100BK is a portable digital piano worth comparing if storage space is an important factor.
These Joybuy products are digital pianos with 61 keys and built-in speakers, for anyone who wants to hear the sound while practising without first connecting external monitoring. When choosing, consider the range your repertoire requires.
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The built-in speakers make it suitable for practising on your own without connecting external monitoring first.
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The built-in speakers can come in handy if you want to practise chord changes on your own.
Not for every chord progression. A wider keyboard range may be useful for repertoire spanning a wide pitch range or if you split the keyboard. Try playing your own pieces before deciding that a particular number of keys is essential.
Use headphones or connect the instrument to suitable external monitoring. According to Korg, the D1 has a headphone socket and LINE OUT. Check in advance which input and sound equipment the room has, and which cable you’ll need.
Check whether a pedal, adapter, stand and case are included with the version you’re buying. Korg says the D1 comes with an adapter, music rest and damper pedal; a stand and carrying case are available separately. Also check who the seller is and who to contact if there’s a problem.
For an applicable online distance purchase from a business, there is generally a 14-day cooling-off period. The Dutch Government lists exceptions and distinguishes between buying from a business and buying from an individual. It also states that electronic products placed on the market in the EU must have a CE marking. Check who the seller is for the specific offer and read the product information; a CE marking doesn’t tell you how comfortable a piano is to play.
