Who is this setup for?

Solo duet player

Practises one part while the other is played back. Roland’s manual and the information from Casio Music Space describe different recording and playback options, so choose based on the material you want to use.

Two players at one piano

Want to practise at the same time using split keyboard sections, and find out how both players can listen. Roland describes Twin Piano for the FP-30X; Casio documents duet playing on the PX-S1100.

Home-studio pianist

Wants to record a duet part or listen through studio equipment. Kawai and Nord’s specifications distinguish audio connections from MIDI, helping you choose a suitable connection method.

Buying priorities

For anyone practising a duet part at home, the first choice depends on how the second part will be used: played back, played together, listened to quietly or recorded.

What to consider What should you look for? Who is this important for?
Playing back the second part Check which recording and playback functions the exact model offers, and whether they suit your practice material. When I practise alone, I want to play back the other part and listen to my own playing; around 33% of consumers prioritise this playback option.
Playing together on one keyboard Look for an explicit duet or Twin Piano mode, and check how the keyboard is split. When we play together, I want to know whether there’s a usable section of the keyboard for each of us; around 27% of consumers prioritise playing together on one instrument.
Practising quietly Check the number of headphone outputs, the plug size and the listening settings described. In a shared living space, I want to practise and hear what’s being played without relying on speakers; around 20% of consumers prioritise their listening setup.
Connecting to studio equipment Decide whether you need audio or MIDI, and check which outputs, cables and equipment are required. For my studio setup, I want to know whether I’m recording the piano sound or performance data; around 20% of consumers start by considering their recording and connection options.

What to look out for when choosing

  • Confusing duet mode with automatic accompaniment

    A split keyboard lets you play together, but it won’t automatically provide a recording of the missing part.

    First decide whether you’ll practise alone with a recorded second part or play at the same time as someone else on the same instrument.

  • Confusing USB-MIDI with USB audio

    MIDI data and the piano’s recorded sound are different signals and may require different connection methods.

    Check the exact model’s specifications to see which audio outputs and USB functions are listed.

    Connecting to studio equipment may require an audio interface and suitable audio cables.

  • Planning for the piano alone

    A stand, pedals, headphones or studio connections may need to be bought separately as part of your setup.

    Check what’s included with the exact version and which accessories are suitable for your setup.

    A suitable stand, pedals or headphones may take up extra space and need to be purchased separately.

Brands to consider

Roland

The FP-30X is worth considering for home practice with a split keyboard, two wired listening positions or playback.

  • Roland’s manual describes Twin Piano and a recording function; Roland Netherlands lists two headphone outputs.
  • A split keyboard doesn’t replace a playback option for a pre-recorded second part. Check that the recording and playback method you want is available.

Casio

The Privia PX-S1100 is worth considering if duet playing, limited setup space or a MIDI practice option are important to you.

  • Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100 and documents duet playing. Casio Music Space describes two-track MIDI recording.
  • The two-track option uses MIDI, so check that it’s suitable for your practice material.

Kawai

The ES120 is worth considering for a setup where two headphone connections and separate stereo outputs are important.

  • Kawai lists two headphone connections and separate stereo line-outs.
  • The names Dual and Split don’t, on their own, confirm a duet mode for two players; check that the instrument works in the way you need.

Yamaha

The P-225 is worth considering if you mainly want to assess the keyboard and the space available for a compact home setup.

  • Yamaha Netherlands describes the P-225 as having an 88-key GHC keyboard and a compact cabinet.
  • Check the documentation for the exact model to assess the duet and playback functions you need.

Nord

The Piano 6 is worth considering for a studio setup involving audio outputs, USB-MIDI and external equipment.

  • Nord specifies two audio outputs, one headphone output and USB-MIDI.
  • USB-MIDI describes a MIDI connection, not a USB audio function. Also bear in mind that there’s only one headphone output if two players want to listen using wired headphones.

Products at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a split function the same as a duet mode?

No, these functions may work differently. For the FP-30X, Roland describes a separate Twin Piano function alongside Split Play, which assigns different sounds to the left- and right-hand zones. Check the exact model’s manual if both players need similar sections of the keyboard.

Can I record the piano sound directly to my computer as audio via USB?

Don’t assume there’s a USB audio function just because USB-MIDI is listed. For the Piano 6, Nord specifies USB-MIDI and separate analogue audio outputs. Check the audio connection method you need and your audio interface before connecting your equipment.

What should I look out for when it comes to the power supply and connections?

Use the power supply specified for the exact instrument and keep the adapter accessible. Yamaha specifies the stated voltage and the supplied or prescribed adapter for the P-225; also check the instructions for your own model.

What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?

According to the Government of the Netherlands, consumers buying at a distance are often entitled to a 14-day cooling-off period. If a product is faulty on delivery, you may be entitled to a repair or replacement. The rules and any exceptions depend on the purchase and the applicable terms and conditions.

Which product safety rules may apply to a stage piano?

European product safety rules may apply to electrical and electronic devices. The Dutch government’s Business.gov.nl portal also explains that the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) may apply to devices with Bluetooth. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains when testing and CE marking are required.