Practising at home with housemates in mind
You practise regularly while your housemates are at home and want to use headphones for piano playing. If you’ll be singing or playing through speakers, it’s also important to agree suitable times.
Who is this practice setup for?
Learning the piano part
You want to practise the notes, dynamics and pedal passages, so you compare the keyboard and pedal setup of the model you’re considering.
Practising in a shared space
You need to set up the instrument in a shared room or put it away after use. So compare the complete setup, not just the dimensions of the piano itself.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with your main practice goal, then check that the keyboard, connections and complete setup meet your needs.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising with housemates in mind | Check the headphone socket and agree times for audible rehearsals. | If I practise while my housemates are at home, I want to be able to play the piano through headphones and plan singing separately. Around 36% of consumers make quiet practice their top priority. |
| Piano part and touch | Compare the keyboard with the piece you’re playing and check whether the required pedal is included. | If I’m learning a written piano part, I want to practise the notes, dynamics and pedal passages. Around 29% of consumers put the piano part first. |
| Setting up and putting away | Measure the available playing and storage space, including the stand and music rest. | If I need to set up or put away the instrument in a shared room, I want to know how much space the complete setup takes up. Around 21% of consumers make space their top priority. |
| Recording or rehearsing together | Decide whether you want to connect audio or need two pairs of headphones; check that the connections and cables are compatible with your devices. | If I want to rehearse with a recording or another person, I want to know in advance which connections I’ll need. Around 14% of consumers put playing together or along with a recording first. |
Which buying mistakes can you avoid?
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Confusing Bluetooth audio with Bluetooth headphone support
Bluetooth audio on a piano doesn’t automatically mean you can use Bluetooth headphones with it. Roland, for example, states that the FP-10 requires wired headphones.
Check the headphone features of the exact model and make sure your headphones are compatible.
You’ll need wired headphones for the Roland FP-10.
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Comparing only the dimensions of the piano itself
The dimensions listed for the Korg B2+ exclude the music rest; Korg says the stand is available as a separate accessory.
Measure the complete playing area and check what’s included with the version you’re considering.
You may need to buy a separate stand for the setup.
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Assuming headphones make the entire rehearsal quiet
Headphones are for listening to the piano, but they won’t silence singing or the sound of the keys being played.
Agree times for audible practice with your housemates and check local housing rules if necessary. The Dutch government notes that rules on nuisance to neighbours can vary from one municipality to another.
Which brands are worth comparing?
Yamaha
The portable P Series is worth considering if you want to practise a piano part on a full-size keyboard.
- Yamaha says the P-145BT has 88 GHC keys.
- Yamaha lists Bluetooth audio for the P-145BT.
- Bluetooth audio doesn’t confirm support for Bluetooth headphones; check the connections and what’s included with the exact version.
Korg
The B2+ is worth considering if you’d also like to connect an audio source as well as play the piano.
- Korg lists an 88-key NH keyboard, PHONES, AUDIO IN and USB-C for the B2+.
- Korg says a damper pedal is included with the piano.
- The stand and a separate pedal unit are listed as optional accessories; check which version you’re choosing.
Kawai
The ES120 is worth considering if two headphone sockets or separate line outputs would suit your rehearsal setup.
- Kawai lists two headphone sockets, line outputs and Bluetooth audio/MIDI for the ES120.
- Kawai says that versions can vary by market; check the version and connections you need.
Casio
The PX-S1100 is worth considering if the depth of the piano itself is your main space constraint.
- Casio lists the PX-S1100’s body depth as 232 mm.
- That measurement doesn’t tell you whether the complete setup, including the stand, music rest and space to sit, will fit; measure the whole area available.
Roland
The FP-10 is worth considering if you want to practise with wired headphones.
- Roland says you can use wired headphones with the FP-10.
- Roland states that the FP-10 doesn’t support Bluetooth headphones; check compatibility for each model and pair of headphones.
Joybuy products for practising at home
These Joybuy products are 61-key digital pianos and keyboards for practising with headphones. Check whether 61 keys are enough for the musical theatre part you want to learn.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
Suitable for practising with headphones if 61 keys are enough for your piano part.
61 keys; touch-sensitive, weighted keys; headphone socket; USB-MIDI.
Check that the 61-key range suits the part you want to learn.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
Suitable for practising with headphones and for rehearsals where you want to use a recording function.
61 keys; headphone socket; audio in and audio out; USB-MIDI; metronome and recording function.
Check that 61 keys are enough for your piano part.
Frequently asked questions
Does Bluetooth audio mean I can practise wirelessly with headphones?
No, don’t assume that from the term Bluetooth audio alone. Roland says the FP-10 doesn’t support Bluetooth headphones and requires wired headphones; check the features of the exact model.
What should I check when setting up the piano?
Measure the whole area, including the music rest, any stand and space to sit. Korg lists the B2+ dimensions without the music rest and says the stand is sold separately; also check what’s included with the version you choose.
How can I be considerate of my housemates if I also need to sing?
Agree times when you can practise out loud. The Dutch government says that rules on nuisance to neighbours can vary from one municipality to another; headphones for the piano won’t silence your singing.
What are my rights when buying online from a company in the Netherlands?
For many distance sales, you have a 14-day cooling-off period; check which terms apply to your purchase. The Dutch government also says that if a product is faulty, you can contact the seller to seek a solution. This is separate from any manufacturer’s warranty.