Pianist preparing exam repertoire
You want to match the key response, keyboard range and pedal to your pieces and your exam board’s requirements.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Student in a shared practice room
You need to consider the audio equipment available and decide whether to practise using built-in speakers or headphones.
Student who moves between rooms
You want to be able to move the instrument and check in advance that its weight, stand and pedal will suit your practice space.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with the requirements for your exam pieces, then work out how you’ll hear yourself in the music room. A portable digital piano may be an alternative if you move between rooms, but remember to check which stand and pedal set you’ll need.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Key response, range and pedal | Play your pieces on the keyboard you’re considering and check that its range and pedal function meet your exam requirements. | If I want to practise my exam repertoire as faithfully as possible, I focus on key response, range and pedal. Around 36% of consumers put these exam-related needs first. |
| Sound in the practice room | Check what audio equipment is available and whether the model has a headphone socket and, if needed, a line output. | When I share a room, I want to know whether I can practise quietly or make the piano audible on its own. Around 29% of consumers prioritise the sound setup. |
| Moving and positioning | Compare the instrument’s weight and dimensions with the available space, and check which stand and pedals are included. | If I move the piano between practice rooms, the setup needs to be practical to move too. Around 21% of consumers prioritise portability and positioning. |
| Complete setup and aftercare | Check what’s included, which accessories are compatible and who the seller is. | I want to know in advance what I’ll need to play in my practice space and who to contact if there’s a problem. Around 14% of consumers prioritise a complete purchase and aftercare. |
Common buying pitfalls
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Assuming a stage piano is a complete sound setup
A piano without built-in speakers won’t produce sound through speakers on its own. According to Korg, the Korg D1 has no built-in speakers; according to Roland, the Roland RD-88 EX does have stereo speakers.
Check the facilities in the music room and the connections on the exact model before you choose.
A model without speakers may require headphones or separate audio equipment.
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Assuming every included pedal has the same functions
Pedal functions can vary between models, which matters if your exam pieces require specific pedalling techniques.
Check the full model number, what’s included and whether the pedal supports the technique you need.
If the included pedal doesn’t suit your needs, you may need a different compatible pedal.
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Assuming an optional stand or pedal unit is included
According to Kawai, the HML-2 stand and F-351 triple pedal unit for the Kawai ES120 are optional extras.
Compare what’s included in the exact offer with the setup you’ll use for practice.
A fixed setup or triple-pedal control may therefore require extra accessories.
Brands to compare
Roland
The RD-88 EX is a stage piano worth comparing if you’re looking for performance features and built-in sound in a small practice space.
- Roland specifies that the RD-88 EX has a weighted 88-key PHA-4 keyboard, built-in stereo speakers and an included damper pedal.
- Check that the pedal and keyboard suit your exam pieces; positive descriptions of the sound or playing feel aren’t independent comparisons.
Korg
The D1 is a stage-focused piano worth comparing if you practise with headphones or already have separate audio equipment.
- Korg specifies 88 RH3 keys and headphone and line outputs; a damper pedal is included.
- According to Korg, the D1 has no built-in speakers, so you’ll need additional audio equipment to play audibly without headphones.
Kawai
The ES120 is a portable alternative worth comparing if you want to move your instrument between practice rooms.
- Kawai specifies a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard and an instrument weight of 12.5 kg.
- According to Kawai, the matching stand and triple pedal unit are optional; check whether your pieces require that extra functionality.
Casio
The compact Privia PX-S1100 is an option worth comparing if space is limited.
- Casio specifies 88 hammer-action keys, built-in speakers and a depth of 232 mm.
- Casio’s description of it as the slimmest piano in its category is based on its own research from July 2021, not a current independent comparison.
Yamaha
The CP88 is a performance-focused option worth comparing if connections and stage controls are important to you.
- Yamaha Nederland specifies 88 weighted keys, headphone and line outputs, an included FC3A pedal and an instrument weight of 18.6 kg.
- Compare the weight and the audio setup you’ll need with your music room; manufacturers’ descriptions of playing feel aren’t independent tests.
Joybuy product selection
This selection features a portable digital piano as an alternative to a performance-focused stage piano, with features for practising on the keys and listening through speakers or headphones.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
Could suit you if you’re looking for weighted, touch-sensitive keys and want to choose between built-in speakers and headphones.
The product name lists 61 keys, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen and USB-MIDI. The description mentions built-in stereo speakers and a headphone socket.
Check whether 61 keys provide enough range for your exam pieces.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use any digital stage piano for a graded exam?
No. Check your exam board’s requirements for your exam and pieces. Trinity College London allows digital pianos for digital grades if the range is sufficient for the chosen pieces; requirements may vary between exams. For the solo performance diplomas mentioned, Trinity’s exam requirements call for an acoustic piano.
Can I book an in-person ABRSM instrumental exam in the Netherlands in 2026?
According to ABRSM, no in-person instrumental or singing exams will be offered in the Netherlands in 2026; digital Performance Grades are an alternative. ABRSM also states that repertoire from the new 2027–2028 piano syllabuses can be used for exams from 1 January 2027. Plan your preparation around the actual exam date and format.
How can I practise with a Korg D1 in a room without audio equipment?
Use suitable headphones or connect the line outputs to appropriate external audio equipment. According to Korg, the D1 has no built-in speakers, so check what’s available in the music room in advance.
If my piano develops a fault within two years, do I have to contact the manufacturer directly?
No. For a consumer purchase in the Netherlands, the seller is your point of contact under the legal guarantee if the product doesn’t meet what you could reasonably expect during normal use. ACM ConsuWijzer states that the legal guarantee has no fixed two-year time limit; raise any fault with the seller first.
What safety rules apply to a digital piano in the Netherlands?
According to the Dutch government portal, sellers of electrical or electronic equipment must ensure that products meet the relevant European requirements. The rules and conformity documents that apply to a specific model also depend on the equipment and any wireless functions.