Who is this choice relevant to?

Quiet home player

You practise jazz chords in a shared living space and mainly want to know whether the headphone set-up will work comfortably.

Player comparing key action for voicings

You want to try soft playing and pedal use on different weighted keyboards before making your choice.

Jazz player who rehearses

You switch between acoustic and electric piano sounds at home and at rehearsals, and want to be able to control those sounds directly.

What should you consider when choosing?

Stage piano with built-in speakers

Choose this option if: you want to play at home without an external amplifier and also use stage features such as keyboard zones or easily recalled sounds.

Trade-off: you’ll still need headphones for quiet practice. Try the key action and check the model version and accessories.

Stage piano for sound control and an external set-up

Choose this option if: you already have a suitable listening set-up and regularly use acoustic and electric piano sounds or connections for rehearsals.

Trade-off: check the headphone socket, speakers and required stand for each model.

Portable digital piano for home

Choose this option if: you mainly practise chords on your own and direct stage controls are less important to you.

Trade-off: compare the key action, headphone outputs and pedal options for each model.

What to consider What to check before buying Who should pay particular attention
Quiet practice with headphones Check the type of headphone output and whether your plug or adapter will fit. Yamaha lists a 6.3 mm stereo output for the CP88, as does Studiologic for the Numa X Piano 88; Roland confirms that the RD-88 EX has a headphone socket. If I want to practise without sound from the speakers, I need to know whether my own headphones will connect properly. Around 36% of consumers give quiet practice with headphones their highest priority.
Soft chord playing Play the same voicings and pedal passages on the models you’re considering. Yamaha lists an NW-GH3 keyboard for the CP88, while Studiologic lists a TP/110 keyboard for the Numa X Piano 88; these specifications don’t tell you which action will feel comfortable. When playing closely voiced chords, I want to judge how the keys and pedal respond when I play softly. Around 29% of consumers prioritise control when playing soft chords.
Switching between piano sounds Listen to the sounds you want to use and check how to select them. Yamaha specifies acoustic and electric piano sounds for the CP88; Korg describes electric piano sounds for the SV-2 family. Roland Support explains how to recall favourite sounds on the RD-88 EX. If I switch between acoustic and electric piano sounds for different pieces, I want to be able to call up the sounds I need quickly. Around 21% of consumers prioritise switching between sounds.
Moving and setting up Compare the weight and check whether each version has speakers. Yamaha lists the CP88 at 18,6 kg and Studiologic lists the Numa X Piano 88 at 14,0 kg; these are stated weights, not the results of a transport test. Roland lists built-in speakers for the RD-88 EX, as does Korg for the SV-2S. If I want to use the instrument at home and at rehearsals, it needs to be easy to transport and suit my listening set-up. Around 14% of consumers prioritise moving and setting up.

Pitfalls to avoid when choosing

  • Assuming every stage piano has built-in speakers

    It depends on the model version: Roland lists built-in speakers for the RD-88 EX, while Korg specifically lists them for the SV-2S.

    Check the full model number and think in advance about how you want to listen with and without headphones.

    If the version you choose doesn’t have built-in speakers, you may need a separate set-up to listen without headphones.

  • Treating the keyboard action as proof of how it feels to play

    Manufacturers list different keyboard actions, but those specifications don’t tell you how comfortable an instrument will feel when you play soft jazz chords.

    Try the same soft voicings and pedal changes on the exact models you’re considering.

  • Treating every Korg SV-2 version as the same model

    Korg offers 73- and 88-key versions; built-in speakers are specifically listed for the SV-2S.

    Before buying, check both the number of keys and the S designation.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

The CP88 is worth considering if you’re looking for a weighted keyboard, direct control of piano sounds and connections for an external set-up.

  • Yamaha specifies an 88-key NW-GH3 keyboard, a headphone output and an included FC3A pedal for the CP88.
  • The stated weight is 18,6 kg. Try the key action for yourself and check that the connections suit your headphones.

Roland

The RD-88 EX is a stage piano with built-in speakers and zones for combining or splitting sounds.

  • Roland lists a PHA-4 keyboard and three zones for the RD-88 EX; Roland Support confirms that it has a headphone socket.
  • Check the exact version and try the key action. The FP-30X is a separate digital piano option, not a version of the RD-88 EX.

Studiologic

The Numa X Piano 88 is worth considering if you want to combine stage controls and zones with connections to computer or audio equipment.

  • Studiologic specifies a TP/110 keyboard, USB audio/MIDI, a 6.3 mm stereo headphone output and a VFP1/10 pedal.
  • The specifications alone don’t tell you whether the key action and sounds will suit your voicings, so try them for yourself.

Korg

The SV-2 family is worth considering if you’re looking for vintage electric piano sounds and quick sound selection.

  • Korg lists an RH3 keyboard, a headphone output and up to 128 voices for the SV-2 family.
  • Korg specifically lists built-in speakers for the SV-2S; compare the 73- and 88-key versions separately too.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I choose a portable digital piano for jazz voicings?

Yes, it’s a suitable option if you mainly practise at home and don’t need direct stage controls. Compare the key action for yourself: Yamaha specifies a GHC keyboard for the P-225 and Roland specifies a PHA-4 keyboard for the FP-30X.

What should I check if my RD-88 EX speakers aren’t producing any sound?

According to Roland, check that the SPEAKER ON button is switched on and that there are no headphones or adapters plugged into the headphone socket.

Does every stage piano mentioned come with a pedal?

No, the accessories included vary by model. Yamaha lists an FC3A pedal with the CP88, while Studiologic lists a VFP1/10 with the Numa X Piano. Check what’s included with the exact version.

Who should I contact about a fault after buying in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, if there’s a problem with a product, the seller must provide a solution. A manufacturer’s guarantee does not replace your statutory rights.

Do I have a cooling-off period when buying online?

According to the Dutch government, when buying remotely from a business, you’ll often have a 14-day cooling-off period, but there are exceptions. Check which terms apply to your contract.