Who is this buying guide for?

Pianists practising melody and dynamics

You want to learn the piano part with both hands and sustain. The feel of the exact keyboard matters more than a long list of sounds.

Players in a shared rehearsal space

You want to know in advance whether you can listen through the piano’s own speakers, headphones or the sound system in the room.

Arrangers creating cinematic layers

You want to combine piano sounds with other sounds while practising, or connect audio equipment in the studio.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with the part you want to play, then decide how you want to hear yourself in the rehearsal space. Extra sounds and connections only matter if you’ll use them in your arrangement.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Key action and playing range Try soft, loud and fast passages; check the type of keys, the range of your part and pedal compatibility. If I want to practise melody, chords, dynamics and sustain, I’ll focus on the key action and range. Around 40% of consumers put these first.
Listening and connections Ask what monitoring is available in the room and check the speakers, headphone and audio outputs on the exact model. In a shared rehearsal space, I want to know in advance how I’ll hear the piano. Listening options are the top priority for around 30% of consumers.
Transport and set-up Check the weight and dimensions of the exact version, plus what else you’ll need to bring, such as a power supply, stand and pedal. If I regularly take the instrument to the studio, I also need to consider what I’ll have to carry with the piano. Around 20% of consumers put transport first.
Extra sounds and layers Decide which sounds you’ll use, then check the layers, controls and options for saving or recalling settings. If my arrangement calls for several sounds, I want to be able to combine them as I play. Around 10% of consumers give extra sounds top priority.

Pitfalls to avoid when choosing

  • Assuming every stage piano can be heard without extra equipment

    Stage pianos don’t always have built-in speakers. Check the exact version and what’s available in the rehearsal space.

    Ask which speakers and outputs the exact model has, and how they connect to the equipment in the room.

    You may also need suitable audio cables for external monitoring.

  • Assuming a pedal or upgrade is included as standard

    Yamaha lists an optional three-pedal console for the P-225. Roland describes certain extra features for the RD-08 as a separate upgrade.

    Check what’s included with the version you’ve chosen and which features are available as standard.

    A separate pedal or paid feature upgrade may involve an extra purchase and set-up.

  • Treating versions with different numbers of keys as the same instrument

    The Nord Piano 6 and Studiologic Numa X Piano are available in versions with different numbers of keys; the weight can also vary between versions.

    Check the full model name and number of keys before comparing playing range or weight.

Brands to consider

Yamaha

The P-225 is a portable digital piano for anyone whose main aim is to learn a piano part.

  • Yamaha Netherlands lists the P-225 as having 88 GHC keys and weighing 11,5 kg.
  • The LP-1/FC35 three-pedal console is optional. Try the key action and check which pedal configuration you need.

Roland

The RD-08 is a stage piano for rehearsals where built-in speakers and hands-on sound controls can come in handy.

  • Roland lists the RD-08 as having an 88-key PHA-4 keyboard, stereo speakers and scene memories.
  • Don’t assume that separately described upgrade features are included as standard. A manufacturer’s description can’t tell you whether the key action will feel comfortable to every player.

Kawai

The ES120 is a portable digital piano designed for piano-focused practice.

  • Kawai describes its Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard and separate Line Out connections for sound reinforcement.
  • The manufacturer’s description can’t tell you whether the key action suits your playing style, so try the keyboard for yourself.

Nord

The 88-key version of the Piano 6 is designed for players who want to combine piano and synth layers.

  • Nord lists separate piano and synth layers, audio outputs and an included Nord Triple Pedal 2.
  • Plan how you’ll monitor the instrument. These listed features aren’t an independent comparison of sound quality.

Studiologic

The Numa X Piano 88 is designed for a set-up that uses sound zones and external audio equipment.

  • Studiologic lists four zones, audio inputs, USB audio and a weight of 14,0 kg for the 88-key version.
  • Check whether you need these connection options, and don’t compare the 88-key version with the 73-key model.

Products on Joybuy

This Joybuy selection includes a portable digital piano with 61 keys, a weighted keyboard, built-in speakers and a headphone socket. Check that its playing range suits the film-theme part you want to practise.

MLS-931 digital piano with 61 keys

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys

This version could suit you if you want a weighted keyboard and 61 keys are enough for the part you’re practising.

The product description lists a weighted keyboard, built-in speakers and a headphone socket.

The product name also lists 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI and a music stand.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a stage piano to practise a film theme?

No. A portable digital piano could also be a good choice if you’re mainly learning the piano part. A stage piano is worth considering if hands-on sound controls or connecting to the rehearsal set-up are important to you.

What should I connect first in a rehearsal studio?

First decide how you want to monitor the sound, then check the outputs on your exact piano and the inputs on the equipment in the room. A model with built-in speakers can be played on its own; a headphone or line output gives you another way to listen.

Do I need to buy a three-pedal unit separately?

It depends on the model and version. Yamaha lists the LP-1/FC35 console for the P-225 as optional, while Nord lists a Nord Triple Pedal 2 as included with the Piano 6. Check what’s included with the version you choose.

What are my rights as a consumer when buying online in the Netherlands?

When you buy from a business online, you’ll generally have 14 days to change your mind, subject to exceptions, according to the Dutch government. You’re also entitled to a product that is fit for purpose. The Dutch government says there is no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands; if there’s a fault, contact the seller. This information applies to consumer purchases and doesn’t necessarily apply to a business purchase for a studio.