First, try playing the passages from your recital piece and check which pedal function you need. A portable digital piano with built-in speakers is practical if you want to play without extra sound equipment; a stage piano without speakers is a good fit if you already use headphones or a suitable sound system. Measure the complete setup in both cases: the piano’s dimensions alone won’t tell you how much space the music rest, stand and playing area will take up.
Practises soft and loud passages and wants to assess the keyboard response and pedal action using their own piece. Korg lists the RH3 keyboard for the D1, Yamaha the GHC keyboard for the P-225, and Roland the PHA-4 Standard keyboard for the FP-30X.
Needs to fit the piano, music rest and playing area into a small room. Korg and Yamaha give dimensions that differ in whether the music rest is included, so check the measurements of the setup as you intend to use it.
Often wants to practise with headphones and weigh up whether built-in speakers are essential. Korg describes the D1 as having no speakers, while Roland lists built-in speakers and two headphone outputs for the FP-30X.
First, choose how you want to listen; then assess the keyboard and pedal functions using your recital piece.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and musical expression | Try out soft passages, quick repeated notes and accents from your piece on the exact model. | If I want to practise the dynamics of my recital piece properly, I want to assess the touch for myself using those passages. Around 31% of consumers put touch and musical expression at the top of their list. |
| Complete setup | Measure the available width, depth and height, including the music rest, stand, bench and playing space. | In a small room, I want to know whether not just the piano but also the music rest and playing area will fit. Around 25% of consumers prioritise the space available for their setup. |
| How you’ll listen | Check whether the model has built-in speakers and which headphone connections are available. | If I practise in a shared space, I want to be able to choose between headphones and speakers without overlooking the listening setup. Around 25% of consumers give the listening setup their highest priority. |
| Pedal function | Check which pedal function your piece requires, which pedals are compatible and what is included with the version you’ve chosen. | If my recital piece calls for a particular damper or pedal function, I want to know in advance whether the piano and the accessories I’ve chosen support that setup. Around 19% of consumers prioritise the pedal setup. |
Korg says the D1 has no built-in speakers. So without headphones or external sound equipment, you won’t be able to practise audibly in this way.
Decide how you want to listen first, then check the connections on the exact model.
To play without headphones, you’ll need a suitable external sound solution.
Yamaha lists the P-225 as 272 mm deep without the music rest and 362 mm with it. The space you need therefore also depends on your setup.
Measure the space with the music rest and any other components you’ll use while practising.
Roland lists pedal expansions for the FP-30X; Kawai Netherlands says the stand and three-pedal unit for the ES120 are optional.
Check what’s included in the package and whether the pedal function suits your recital piece before choosing a version.
An optional pedal unit or stand may need to be bought separately and take up extra space.
The Korg D1 is a stage piano without speakers, designed for players who use headphones or an existing sound system.
The portable P-225 is worth comparing if you’re looking for an 88-key keyboard and dimensions suited to a small space.
The FP-30X is a portable digital piano to compare if you want built-in speakers or two headphone connections.
The PX-S1100BK is a portable digital piano to compare if the depth of the piano itself is a major consideration.
The ES120 is a portable digital piano to compare if you’re considering headphone connections and a more extensive pedal setup.
This selection includes digital pianos with 61 keys and built-in speakers. Check that the keyboard range suits your recital piece and that the complete setup will fit in your room.
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Check that 61 keys cover the range of your recital piece.
61 weighted keys; built-in speakers and headphone connection.
300 instrument sounds, 300 rhythms, metronome, recording function and USB-MIDI.
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Check that the 61-key range suits the passages in your recital piece.
61 keys, built-in speakers, headphone connection and music rest.
Metronome, recording function and MIDI connections.
No. Korg says the D1 has no built-in speakers, but it does have a headphone connection and line outputs. To play audibly without headphones, you’ll need a suitable external sound solution for this model.
Measure the complete setup, not just the piano itself. Yamaha lists the P-225 as 272 mm deep without the music rest and 362 mm with it; remember to allow space for the stand, bench and pedals too.
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, if a product is faulty and the relevant conditions are met, the seller must provide a solution at no cost. This could be a repair, replacement or refund; there is no single fixed statutory warranty period that applies to every piano.
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, ordinary online purchases generally come with a statutory 14-day cooling-off period from the date of delivery. Check which legal exceptions apply to your purchase.
EU rules may require electrical and electronic equipment to carry CE marking. According to the European Commission, this requirement applies only to product categories covered by harmonised EU rules. Check the rules for your practice space. If noise is disturbing your neighbours, the Dutch government recommends agreeing how to handle it together first.
