Quiet home practiser
You practise your part of a duet in a shared home and want the option of using headphones or playing aloud. The Dutch government advises people to discuss noise issues and agree on arrangements together first.
Who is this buying guide for?
Solo duet player
You want to hear the other part while you play. Distinguish between a recording you can play back and a keyboard mode for two players; Yamaha describes these as separate features on the P-225.
Player with existing audio equipment
You already have headphones or external audio equipment, so you’re considering a stage piano without speakers. Korg lists a headphone socket and line outputs for the D1.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’ll practise with a second player or play back a recorded part on your own. Then consider noise levels, the keyboard and the space needed for the complete set-up.
| Point to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising quietly and playing together | Check how many headphones can be connected at the same time, and agree on when it’s acceptable to play aloud. | I want to practise at home without disturbing other people in the household, but also play together sometimes. Around 36% of consumers put quiet practice first. |
| Hearing the other part | Decide whether you’ll play with a second player or listen back to a recording. Check the model’s recording and playback steps. | I want to practise my part of a duet on my own and hear the other part. Around 29% of consumers put this first. |
| Keyboard and pedal | Compare the keyboard range with your sheet music and check which pedal option comes with the instrument. | The keyboard range, touch response and pedal technique are crucial for my part. Around 21% of consumers put these first. |
| Space and audio equipment | Measure the available space, including the stand and pedal. Check whether you’ll need external audio equipment to play aloud. | I have limited space or want to use my existing equipment. Around 14% of consumers prioritise where the piano will go and the equipment they already have. |
Points to watch out for when buying
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Assuming duet mode plays a second pianist’s recorded part
A mode that splits the keyboard for two players won’t automatically play back the missing part.
First decide whether you want to play together on one instrument or practise alone with a recorded part. Then check the recording and playback features of the exact model.
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Confusing Bluetooth audio with wireless listening
Roland confirms that the FP-30X doesn’t support Bluetooth headphones.
Before buying, check the headphone sockets and Bluetooth features of the exact model. For the FP-30X, Roland lists wired headphones for private listening.
If you don’t already have suitable wired headphones, you may need to buy a pair.
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Buying a stage piano without speakers and no audio equipment
Korg says the D1 doesn’t have built-in speakers. You’ll need external audio equipment to play together so that others can hear you.
Check in advance that your headphones or speakers are compatible with the sockets, and that you have room for the complete set-up.
You may need external speakers and cables to play together so that others can hear you.
Brands to compare
Roland
The FP-30X is a portable digital piano worth comparing if two players want to practise using wired headphones.
- Roland lists two headphone outputs, built-in speakers, Twin Piano and a recording function.
- According to Roland, the FP-30X doesn’t support Bluetooth headphones. Check that its recording and pedal functions suit your music.
Yamaha
The P-225 is a portable digital piano to consider if you want to record a part and listen back to it.
- Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys, a Duo function and two-track MIDI recording.
- Check the manual to see whether the recording and playback steps fit your practice routine. MIDI recording doesn’t automatically create an audio file.
Kawai
The ES120 is a portable alternative if two headphone sockets and line outputs are important to you.
- Kawai lists two headphone sockets, stereo line outputs and a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard.
- These specifications describe the connections and keyboard type. Check whether the controls and sockets suit your set-up.
Korg
The D1, which has no built-in speakers, is an option if you already use headphones or external audio equipment.
- Korg lists 88 RH3 keys, line outputs, a headphone socket and a damper pedal included in the box.
- You’ll need external audio equipment to play together so that others can hear you; the D1 has no built-in speakers.
Casio
The Privia PX-S1100 is worth comparing if duet mode and recording are important to you as separate features.
- The Casio manual lists Duet Play, a metronome and a recording function.
- Check that the controls and playback steps suit your practice routine.
Joybuy products
The Joybuy options below are 61-key instruments for home practice. Check how you can listen quietly on each model and how a recorded part is played back.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys
The headphone socket makes this model worth considering for quiet practice. Check that its recording and playback features suit the way you practise duets.
The product name lists 61 weighted keys, built-in speakers, USB-MIDI, an LCD screen, 300 sounds and 300 rhythms.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys
The listed recording function could be useful if you want to record your own part. Check how the recording is played back and whether the instrument has a socket for the headphones you want to use.
The product name lists a MIDI controller, built-in speakers, a metronome and a music stand.
Frequently asked questions
Can two players practise quietly on one piano?
Yes, with wired headphones if the model has sockets for two pairs. Roland lists these sockets for the FP-30X, and Kawai does the same for the ES120. Also check that the keyboard layout suits your duet: Twin Piano or Duo mode isn’t the same as having two full keyboards.
Can I use Bluetooth headphones with the Roland FP-30X?
No. According to Roland, the FP-30X doesn’t support Bluetooth earbuds or headphones. Use wired headphones in one of the Phones sockets.
What do I need to use the Korg D1, which has no speakers?
For individual practice, you can connect suitable headphones. To play together so that others can hear you, you’ll need external audio equipment connected via the line outputs. Also check what cables and space your set-up will require.
What arrangements are useful when practising in a shared home?
The Dutch government advises people to discuss noise issues with their neighbours and agree on arrangements together first, such as when music can be played aloud. Its guidance doesn’t set nationally permitted practice hours for pianos, so agree on times that work for your living situation.
What are my rights if a piano bought online is faulty?
For a purchase by a consumer in the Netherlands, the seller must provide a solution if the product is faulty, according to the Dutch government. There is no fixed statutory guarantee period. For eligible distance sales, you’ll often have a 14-day cooling-off period. Check the terms and exceptions that apply to your purchase.