Pianists working on their touch
You practise arpeggios to develop an even tone, dynamics and key control, and want to try different weighted keybeds before choosing.
Who is this relevant to?
Players using different practice spaces
You don’t always know what monitoring will be available, and sometimes want to practise without first connecting an external sound system. Roland and Kawai list built-in speakers for the RD-88 EX and ES120.
Keyboard players with a permanent studio set-up
You have access to external monitoring and are mainly looking for a piano that suits the connections and workflow in your rehearsal studio. Yamaha, Nord and Studiologic publish model specifications covering features such as the keybed, controls and connections.
What should you look for?
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and control | Play the same arpeggio slowly and quickly; pay attention to repeated notes, changes of register and soft playing. Compare the exact models. | If key control during fast passages is your priority, you’ll want to try the keybed for yourself. Around 36% of consumers consider touch and control their most important factor. |
| Practising without fixed monitoring | Ask what monitor or mixer is available, and check whether the exact model has built-in speakers and the outputs you need. | If you want to play even when there isn’t a suitable monitor ready, being able to hear yourself without extra equipment matters. Around 29% of consumers give this their top priority. |
| Transport and set-up | Check the dimensions and weight of the exact version, and factor in the stand, bag, power supply, pedal and any monitoring equipment. | If you regularly take your piano to rehearsals, you’ll want to know what you’ll actually need to carry and set up. Around 21% of consumers put transport and set-up first. |
| Connections and pedal | Compare the outputs on the exact model with the studio’s inputs, and check which pedal is included or supported. MIDI and audio have different connection requirements. | If you need to connect the piano to existing studio equipment and use a pedal, make sure everything in your set-up is compatible. Around 14% of consumers name connection and pedal compatibility as their top priority. |
Common pitfalls
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Choosing a stage piano without suitable monitoring
Built-in speakers and separate audio outputs serve different purposes. If the piano needs to play through the studio’s sound system, make sure that set-up is suitable for the instrument.
Check what equipment is already available in the rehearsal room and which outputs your chosen model has before deciding on your set-up.
Depending on the room, you may need a suitable monitor or audio cable.
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Assuming specifications apply to a different version
The Numa X Piano specifications distinguish between versions, including the 88- and 73-key models. What’s included in the package can also vary by version.
Check the full model name, version, dimensions and package contents of the product you’re buying.
A bag, stand or pedal may be part of what you need for transport and set-up.
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Confusing USB-MIDI with the audio connection you need
The connection you need depends on whether you want to send piano audio, performance data or both.
First decide what you want to connect, then check the corresponding connections on the instrument and studio equipment.
Some set-ups may require additional audio cables or a suitable interface.
Brands to compare
Roland
The RD-88 EX is a stage piano worth comparing if you’re looking for weighted keys and built-in speakers for practising on your own.
- Roland specifies a PHA-4 keybed with 88 weighted keys, stereo speakers and USB audio/MIDI.
- The manufacturer’s description of the sound isn’t an independent assessment of how well you’ll hear the piano during a band rehearsal.
Yamaha
The CP88 is a stage piano worth comparing if you’re looking for an 88-key keybed and straightforward, piano-focused controls.
- Yamaha specifies an NW-GH3 keybed and separate sound sections for the CP88.
- You can judge whether the touch suits your arpeggios by playing the keybed yourself; also check the studio’s external monitoring.
Kawai
The ES120 is a portable digital piano worth comparing for practising on your own and connecting to a rehearsal sound system.
- Kawai lists a Responsive Hammer Compact keybed, built-in speakers and separate line outputs.
- The ES120 shouldn’t automatically be assumed to offer the same controls or touch as Kawai stage pianos.
Nord
The Nord Piano 6 88 is an option worth comparing if you’re looking for a weighted keybed, piano sounds and live controls for an amplified set-up.
- Nord specifies a triple-sensor keybed, audio outputs and an included Triple Pedal 2.
- Check that the version and monitoring suit your set-up; the manufacturer’s description of the sound isn’t an independent listening test.
Studiologic
The Numa X Piano 88 is an option worth comparing if you’re looking for a stage piano with multiple zones and connections for a studio set-up.
- For the 88-key version, Studiologic specifies a triple-switch hammer-action keybed, four zones, two audio outputs and a weight of 14,0 kg.
- Having more settings doesn’t replace trying the keybed and controls you want for yourself.
Related pianos at Joybuy
These products are 61-key digital pianos and keyboards to consider when comparing options for practising on your own; they are not the same as the stage pianos mentioned above.
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Digital Piano MLS-931, 61 keys, black, weighted keybed
The product name lists a weighted keybed and speakers, features to consider when comparing options for practising your touch and listening without extra equipment.
The product name also lists USB-MIDI and a headphone socket; check that the connections suit what you want to do in the studio.
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Electronic Keyboard Piano, 61 keys, black
The product name lists speakers and a metronome, features to consider when comparing options for practising on your own.
The product name also mentions MIDI, a recording function and a music stand. Check the connections on the exact product before connecting it to studio equipment.
Frequently asked questions
Do you definitely need 88 keys for arpeggios?
No, it depends on the range of your exercises. According to their manufacturers, the Roland RD-88 EX and Yamaha CP88 have 88 keys. Compare that range with your repertoire, and try the touch for yourself too.
Can you connect the piano directly to the rehearsal studio’s mixer?
That depends on the outputs of the exact model and the mixer’s inputs. Nord lists two 6,35 mm audio outputs for the Piano 6; Studiologic lists two 6,3 mm TS audio outputs for the Numa X Piano 88. Check the cables and input types with the studio in advance.
What should you check before using sustain while practising?
Check which pedal is included with your chosen version and which pedal input the instrument supports. Nord lists an included Triple Pedal 2 with the Piano 6; Studiologic lists an included VFP1/10 sustain pedal with the Numa X Piano.
Are you always entitled to a two-year legal guarantee in the Netherlands?
No. According to the Dutch government, the Netherlands does not have a fixed two-year statutory guarantee period. For a consumer purchase, the seller must offer a solution if the product is faulty. What you can expect depends, among other things, on the product, its price and whether it’s new or second-hand.
Can you always return a piano bought online within 14 days?
Not always. According to the Dutch government, a 14-day cooling-off period applies in many cases to qualifying distance purchases, but there are exceptions. The rules also differ depending on whether you buy from a business or a private seller, so check which terms apply to your purchase.