Start with the feel of the keyboard and the pedal options: both help determine how well a piano suits practising film themes, although key action is a personal preference. Choose built-in speakers and a headphone socket if you want to practise on your own; for recording, check separately whether you need MIDI, audio or both. A stage piano without speakers may suit an existing studio setup, but you’ll need headphones or external audio equipment to hear it.
You want to practise melodies, dynamics and pedalling, so you’ll want to consider the feel of the keyboard and the pedal options. Yamaha, Kawai and Korg describe relevant features of their models.
You want to connect the instrument to recording equipment or software, so you’ll need to distinguish between MIDI and audio connections. Kawai and Korg describe the connections available on their models.
You want to practise with headphones, and may also value built-in speakers for playing without external monitors. Kawai, Roland and Korg describe different options.
First, compare the keyboard and pedal controls with what you want to play. Then decide which audio and computer connections you need, and measure your workspace to check that the instrument will fit with its stand and accessories.
The percentages below reflect consumers who want to learn film themes at home, possibly in a home studio. Each row describes a different top buying priority.
| Buying concern | What should you check? | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard feel and pedal control | Try both soft and powerful passages, as well as changing pedals. Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys for the P-225; Korg lists an RH3 keyboard and half-pedalling support for the D1. Also check which pedal upgrade is compatible with the exact model. | If I want to practise film themes with dynamics and pedal changes, I want to know how the key action feels to me and what pedal controls are available. Around 36% of consumers put the keyboard and pedal first. |
| Connecting and recording | Decide whether you want to record MIDI, the piano’s internal sound as audio, or both. Kawai lists USB-MIDI and stereo line outs for the ES120; Korg lists MIDI IN/OUT and line outs for the D1. | If I want to record parts in my home studio, I want to match the connection to my recording equipment and software. Around 29% of consumers give studio recording top priority. |
| Quiet, self-contained practice | Check for a headphone socket and consider whether built-in speakers are important to you. Kawai lists two headphone sockets for the ES120; the Roland manual describes headphone sockets and playback through the FP-30X speakers. The Korg D1 has no built-in speakers. | If I want to practise quietly but also play without extra equipment, I want both options. Around 21% of consumers put quiet, self-contained practice first. |
| Space and complete setup | Measure the space for the piano, stand, sheet music, cables and pedals. Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100; Yamaha lists a width of 1326 mm and a depth of 272 mm for the P-225 without the music rest. | If space is limited in my home studio, I want to know whether the instrument and the required setup will fit. Around 14% of consumers put available space first. |
A MIDI connection transfers performance data. On its own, it doesn’t mean you can record the piano’s internal sound as audio over USB.
Decide in advance whether you want to record MIDI, audio or both, and check the connections on the exact model. Recording audio may require a suitable audio output and recording equipment.
Depending on your setup, you may also need an audio interface and suitable cables.
Korg says the D1 has no built-in speakers. Without headphones or connected audio equipment, you won’t be able to hear the instrument.
Choose this type if you already have a suitable listening setup or plan to add one.
You may need headphones or external powered speakers, as well as suitable cables.
Kawai lists a three-pedal unit as an option for the ES120, so the contents can vary between bundles.
Check what’s included in the bundle and whether the pedal unit is compatible with the exact model.
You may need to buy a stand or compatible pedal unit separately.
The P-225 is a portable digital piano for anyone looking to combine piano playing with a compact home setup.
The ES120 is worth considering if you want headphone practice and separate audio outputs in one portable instrument.
The FP-30X may suit you if you want to practise using built-in speakers and use a mobile music app.
The PX-S1100 is worth considering if the depth of your home studio setup is a key factor.
The D1 suits a setup where you already have headphones or external audio equipment.
No, not if you want to practise on your own without extra audio equipment. The Korg D1 has no built-in speakers, so you’ll need headphones or connected audio equipment to hear the sound.
Not on the basis of a USB-MIDI specification alone: it describes the transfer of performance data. To record the internal sound, check whether the exact model supports USB audio, or use a suitable audio output with recording equipment.
Check that the pedal unit fits the exact model and is included in the bundle on offer. Kawai lists a three-pedal unit as an option for the ES120, so don’t assume pedals are included as standard without checking.
According to the Government of the Netherlands, when you buy online from a business, you’ll often have a 14-day cooling-off period. Check which exceptions apply and read the returns information. If a product is faulty, your statutory consumer rights apply, regardless of any commercial guarantee.
The Government of the Netherlands states that electronic devices placed on the market in the EU must carry a CE marking. For the specific instrument, also check the product information and the supplied power adapter. General information about a model doesn’t confirm that a particular item for sale has been checked.
