Start with a touch-sensitive, weighted keyboard and a pedal setup that suits your exam pieces; also check the rules set by your exam board. Built-in speakers are useful if suitable amplification isn’t available, while a piano with audio outputs may also be an option if you have access to the right sound system. For its digital piano grade exams, Trinity College London sets requirements for features including range and keyboard action, as well as a sustain pedal where needed. These rules don’t automatically apply to other exams.
You want to practise dynamics and articulation on a touch-sensitive, weighted keyboard, and you check the requirements set by your own exam board. Trinity College London lists requirements for its digital piano grade exams; they don’t automatically apply to other exams.
You need to hear your piano without being able to rely on a sound system being available. Roland and Kawai say that the RD-88 and ES920 have built-in speakers.
You move your piano regularly and want to consider the keyboard, pedal, stand and connections as one complete setup. Yamaha, Roland, Nord and Kawai describe different combinations of outputs, pedals and built-in speakers.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and range | Try your own pieces and check the required key range and exam requirements. | I want to practise dynamics and make sure my pieces fit the range; around 36% of consumers put touch and range for exam pieces first. |
| Sustain pedal | Check which pedal comes with the exact version and whether it offers the function your pieces require. | If my pieces use the pedal, I want to practise the technique with the right setup; around 29% of consumers prioritise pedal technique. |
| Sound in the room | Ask what amplification is available and check whether the piano has speakers or suitable outputs. | Without a permanent sound system, I want to know in advance how I’ll make the piano audible; around 21% of consumers put the sound setup first. |
| Transport and setup | Check the stated weight of the instrument and separately find out whether you’ll need a stand, pedal, power supply and cables. | If I transport the piano between practice rooms, I want to know what I’ll need to bring in addition to the instrument; around 14% of consumers prioritise transport and the complete setup. |
In a rehearsal room without suitable amplification, a piano with audio outputs only can’t be used without additional sound equipment.
Before you buy, check how you’ll listen to the piano in your rehearsal room and what connections are available.
If the room doesn’t have a suitable sound system, you may need an external monitor and cables.
For the Kawai ES920, the manufacturer lists an F-10H sustain pedal, as well as compatible triple pedal units. Trinity College London requires a sustain pedal when the exam pieces call for one.
Check what’s included with the exact version and try the pedal to make sure it offers the function you need.
A stand or triple pedal unit may need to be purchased separately as part of your setup.
The Trinity College London requirements mentioned here apply to that organisation’s digital piano grade exams; ABRSM publishes its own syllabuses and rules.
Check the exam board, exam format, grade and chosen pieces before finalising your setup.
The RD-88 is a stage piano for anyone looking to combine hammer action with built-in speakers.
The CP88 is an option for a rehearsal room with suitable external sound equipment, and for anyone looking for 88 weighted keys.
The ES920 is a portable digital piano for home, studio or stage, with built-in speakers and a weighted keyboard.
The Nord Piano 6 88 is designed for a setup with sound equipment and a weighted 88-key keyboard.
This selection includes electronic pianos and 61-key keyboards for practice. Check that the range suits your exam pieces and the rules set by your exam board.
No image available
The listed speakers may be useful if you practise without a separate sound system; check that 61 keys cover the range of your exam pieces.
61 keys, speakers, MIDI controller, recording function and metronome.
No image available
The product is listed with a weighted keyboard and built-in speakers; check that the 61-key range suits your chosen exam pieces.
61 keys, weighted keyboard, built-in speakers, USB-MIDI and headphone socket.
That depends on the exam board and exam format. Trinity College London allows digital pianos for its digital piano grade exams, provided that, among other things, the range is sufficient for the chosen pieces and the instrument has a touch-sensitive, weighted keyboard; a sustain pedal is required when the pieces call for one. The solo piano sound is compulsory. This doesn’t confirm that every model or version is accepted by another organisation.
According to ABRSM, the 2025 & 2026 syllabus remains valid until 31 December 2027. From 1 January 2027, you can also use the new repertoire list; during the overlap, all three chosen pieces must come from the same syllabus. Check which rules apply to your exam format.
Check the pedal and power supply, and whether you’ll play through built-in speakers or the room’s sound system. According to Yamaha, the CP88 has 6,3mm and XLR outputs; Kawai lists built-in speakers for the ES920. Try the complete setup before a mock exam.
For a standard online consumer purchase, you generally have a statutory cancellation period of up to 14 days after delivery. ACM ConsuWijzer lists some exceptions; check which terms apply to your purchase and take care of the instrument while trying it out.
When you buy as a consumer, you’re entitled to a product that works as it should. According to the Dutch government, statutory warranty in the Netherlands has no fixed time limit; if a product is faulty, the seller is your point of contact. Any manufacturer’s warranty is separate from this.
