Learner practising film music
You want to practise melody and accompaniment with a key action that responds to how hard you play. Compare the keyboards and, if possible, try playing the same passage softly and forcefully yourself.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Quiet home player
You share your home or practise at different times and mainly need a useful headphone socket. Also bear in mind any agreements with your neighbours about music volume.
Buyer with limited space in the spare room
You want to fit the instrument into your existing room layout or move it after practising. So compare the dimensions including the stand and music rest, not just those of the keyboard.
What should you look for when buying?
When learning a film theme in a spare room, the key action, how you practise and the space needed for the complete setup are the main things to consider.
| Consideration | What to look for when buying | Who is this most relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Key action and expression | Compare the keyboard types and, if possible, play the same passage softly and forcefully on the exact model you’re considering. | If you want to practise melody and accompaniment at different playing strengths, the key action should be your first priority. Around 33% of consumers in this situation put it first. |
| Private practice and sound | Check the headphone socket and whether you also want to play through built-in speakers without headphones. | If you practise at different times or need to consider other people in your household, you’ll want a choice of how the sound is played. For around 27% of consumers, private practice comes first. |
| Space in the spare room | Measure the available space and compare the instrument’s dimensions with the space taken up by the music rest and stand. | If your instrument needs to fit into an existing room layout, you’ll want to know in advance how much space the complete setup requires. Around 20% of consumers give the space available for placement top priority. |
| Complete practice setup | Check which stand, sustain pedal and, if applicable, three-pedal unit are included with the version you choose. | If you want to set up and use the piano exactly as you intend straight away, check which accessories are included. For around 20% of consumers, a complete setup is the main concern. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming every stage piano has its own speakers
According to Korg, the Korg D1 has no built-in speakers, while Roland lists built-in speakers for the FP-30X.
Decide in advance whether you want to play with headphones, your own speakers or both. Then check the connections on the exact model.
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Assuming a picture of a complete setup shows what’s in the box
A pedal or stand may be included with one version and available separately with another.
Compare the accessory list for the version you’ve chosen with what you need. Yamaha lists the three-pedal unit for the P-225 as optional; Korg says a stand for the D1 is available separately.
Check whether you need to buy a stand or an upgraded pedal separately.
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Measuring only the depth of the instrument
The stated dimensions for the Yamaha P-225 differ depending on whether the music rest is included.
Measure the space you have, including room for the music rest, stand and seating.
Brands worth comparing
Roland
The FP-30X is a portable piano for practising at home, with built-in speakers and the option to use headphones.
- Roland specifies that the FP-30X has an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard and two headphone outputs.
- Check which stand and pedals come with the version you choose. Roland’s claims about the key action and sound come from the manufacturer.
Yamaha
The P-225 is a compact P-series piano for anyone looking for a weighted keyboard and features designed for home practice.
- Yamaha specifies 88 GHC keys and a depth of 272 mm without the music rest.
- The LP-1/FC35 three-pedal unit is described as optional. Check whether it’s included with the version you choose; the description of a grand-piano-like playing feel comes from Yamaha.
Kawai
The portable ES120 offers another 88-key action to compare for home use.
- Kawai lists a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard, a metronome and a song recorder.
- Kawai’s positive description of the sound isn’t independent evidence that it’s better than other models.
Casio
The Privia PX-S1100BK is worth considering if the depth available in your room is a key factor.
- Casio lists a depth of 232 mm and 88 hammer-action keys.
- The description of the model as the ‘slimmest’ is based on a comparison Casio made in July 2021, not a current independent ranking.
Korg
The D1 is a portable digital piano without built-in speakers, for anyone who plans to use headphones or separate sound equipment.
- Korg specifies 88 RH3 keys, a headphone socket and line outputs. The adapter, music rest and sustain pedal are listed as included.
- A stand is listed as a separate accessory; you’ll need separate sound equipment to play without headphones.
Joybuy products
The products below are keyboards and digital pianos with 61 keys. This differs from the 88-key models mentioned for stage pianos in this practice scenario.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
The listed speakers and metronome are useful if you want to use built-in sound and a metronome while practising.
The product name lists 61 keys, speakers, a metronome, a music stand, a MIDI controller and a recording function.
No image available
MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
The listed weighted keys and headphone socket are useful if you want to compare the key action and practise privately.
The product name lists 61 keys, a weighted keyboard, speakers, a headphone socket and a music stand.
Frequently asked questions
Does a stage piano need built-in speakers for practising at home?
No, not if you always play with headphones. The Korg D1 has no built-in speakers, so you’ll need separate sound equipment to play without headphones; Roland lists built-in speakers for the FP-30X.
How do I check whether a pedal and stand will work with my setup?
Compare the accessory list for the exact model with what’s included in the version you’re choosing. Yamaha lists the three-pedal unit for the P-225 as optional; Korg lists a sustain pedal as included with the D1 and a stand as available separately.
What if a piano I buy online doesn’t meet my expectations or develops a fault?
For eligible online consumer purchases, you’re often entitled to a 14-day cooling-off period, according to the Government of the Netherlands. If a product doesn’t meet what you’re entitled to expect from it, you should contact the seller to resolve the issue; there is no fixed term for the statutory guarantee in the Netherlands.
Can I play the piano at any time at home?
Check the agreements or rules that apply where you live; don’t assume that you can play at any time. The Government of the Netherlands advises neighbours to agree on noise first, for example on what time music can be played. If the disturbance continues, a landlord, owners’ association or local council may also be able to help.