Start with the sheet music: a standard duet part may need the full keyboard range, while Duo, Twin Piano or Four Hands modes divide the keyboard differently. If you both want to listen through headphones at the same time, check how many sockets there are and bear in mind that the keys can still be audible. A stage piano is a good fit if you’ll also use its extra sounds or outputs.
Are you both playing your parts in the ranges shown in the sheet music? Check that they fit on the standard keyboard before using a shared practice layout. Yamaha lists Duo for the P-225; Roland describes Twin Piano for the FP-30X.
If you both want to hear the piano while other people are at home, check whether the exact model has two headphone sockets. Roland lists two for the FP-30X; Casio lists them for the PX-S1100. Headphones won’t eliminate the mechanical sound of the keys.
If you also use the piano with external audio equipment, compare the outputs you need with your home listening set-up. Yamaha describes separate line outputs for the CP88; Nord lists layers and splits for the Nord Piano 6.
First decide whether you’ll play from the score on the standard keyboard or need a shared practice layout. Then consider listening together and your complete set-up.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard range and layout | Compare the score with the keyboard, check the highest and lowest notes in both parts, and try the practice mode separately. | If the notes in your duet need to fit on the standard keyboard, you won’t want to choose a layout that changes the playing areas. Around 36% of consumers make the score their top priority. |
| Listening together | Check the number and type of headphone sockets, try both headphones at the same time, and listen for the sound of the keys in the room. | If you want to hear the piano together while other people are at home, check that both headphones can be used at once. Around 29% of consumers make listening together their top priority. |
| Space and moving the piano | Measure the space for the instrument, stand, two playing positions and pedals; check the dimensions of the exact model and what’s included with that version. | If you need to set up or put away the piano each time in a shared home, allow for the space needed for the complete set-up. Around 21% of consumers make space and portability their top priority. |
| Stage features | Make a note of the sounds and outputs you use for performances or with external equipment, then decide how you’ll both listen at home. | If you rehearse at home but also use the piano on stage, you’ll want to know whether you really need the extra features and connections. Around 14% of consumers make stage features their top priority. |
These modes divide the keyboard differently and may not suit the note ranges in your piece.
First check both parts on the standard keyboard, then see whether the practice layout works with the sheet music.
The Yamaha CP88 and Nord Piano 6 each have one documented headphone socket. You may need an additional, compatible listening set-up for two people.
Check the number of sockets on the exact model and plan how you’ll listen at the same time.
Even when you hear the piano through headphones, the keys can still make a mechanical sound. Kawai notes that this key noise may be audible.
Try it in the place where you plan to play, with both of you playing, and agree on practice times if needed.
The piano cabinet alone won’t tell you whether there’s enough room for two players, a stand, sheet music and the pedals.
Map out the complete set-up where you plan to practise and check what’s included with the version you’ve chosen.
The FP-30X is worth considering if you’re looking for a portable digital piano with Twin Piano and two headphone sockets.
The P-225 and CP88 are different types of piano: a portable digital piano with Duo, and a stage piano with external outputs.
The PX-S1100 is worth considering if a shallow depth, duet playing and listening together are priorities.
The ES520 is worth considering for Four Hands practice; the ES120 is a separate model with two headphone sockets.
The Nord Piano 6 is a stage-focused option for players who use piano and synthesiser layers and splits.
Not necessarily. These features divide the keyboard for a particular way of practising together. First play the notes from your own score on the standard keyboard, and use the practice layout only if the adjusted ranges work. Roland describes Twin Piano for the FP-30X, Casio duet playing for the PX-S1100 and Kawai Four Hands for the ES520.
No. You can hear the amplified piano sound through headphones, but the keyboard mechanism may still be audible. Kawai describes this effect with digital pianos, so try it where you plan to play, with both of you playing.
Measure the space for the instrument, stand, two playing positions and pedals. Try out the pedal position too, and check what’s included with the exact version. The stated cabinet dimensions for a model don’t automatically describe the space needed for the complete set-up.
When you buy online from a business, you’ll often have a 14-day cooling-off period; check which terms and exceptions apply to your purchase. Rijksoverheid explains this cooling-off period. ACM ConsuWijzer also explains the statutory guarantee: if a product doesn’t meet the expectations you’re entitled to have of it under normal use, the seller must provide an appropriate solution free of charge, such as a repair, replacement or refund.
