Who is this guide for?

Singers’ accompanists

If you switch between songs or keys during rehearsals, easy-to-reach controls can help you get back to playing quickly. Roland lists transpose controls and recallable scenes for the RD-08.

Pianists practising at home

If you mainly provide piano accompaniment, you may want to consider the keyboard, the space available and whether you’ll be playing through headphones. Yamaha specifies 88 weighted GHC keys for the P-225, while Korg describes the D1 as a model without built-in speakers.

Those making rehearsal recordings

If you use backing tracks or want to record your playing on a computer, check MIDI, audio inputs and USB audio separately. For the RD-08, Roland distinguishes between standard USB-MIDI and USB audio, which requires an upgrade and a driver.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, think about how you rehearse and record. Then check that the controls, sound output and connections suit your set-up.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Changing key and sound Check the controls for transposing, selecting sounds, and saving and recalling settings on the exact model. If I often change key or sound during rehearsals, I want to be able to adjust settings quickly. Around 33% of consumers prioritise making these changes quickly.
Keyboard feel and expression Try the keyboard with soft passages, chords and fast repetitions; compare the key actions of the models. For piano accompaniment, I want to try the keys for myself, as a description can’t tell me what I’ll prefer. Around 27% of consumers put keyboard feel first.
Quiet practice or playing together Check whether the model has a headphone socket and built-in speakers; if not, find out what external sound equipment you’ll need. If I want to practise quietly at home or play with a singer in the same room, the sound output needs to work for both situations. Around 20% of consumers prioritise sound control.
Playing along and recording Check the line input, MIDI, USB audio, required drivers and any upgrades for each model. If I use backing tracks or want to record my playing on a computer, I need to know which connection carries the sound or note data. Around 13% of consumers prioritise computer integration.
Space and the complete set-up Measure the space for the instrument, stand and player; also check whether you need monitors and what’s included with the exact product. In a small home studio, I want to know how much space the whole set-up takes up, not just the piano. Around 7% of consumers start by considering the space available.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming every stage piano can be heard without extra equipment

    Korg describes the D1 as a model without built-in speakers, while Roland lists speakers for the RD-08. When rehearsing together, this may mean you need external sound equipment if you choose a model without speakers.

    Decide in advance whether you’ll practise only with headphones or also accompany a singer in the same room. Then check which speakers, amplification and cables your set-up requires.

    External monitors or amplification take up extra space and require suitable connection cables.

  • Confusing USB-MIDI with USB audio

    For the RD-08, Roland distinguishes between standard USB-MIDI and USB audio. For the USB audio function, Roland specifies the separate RD-08 Upgrade and a dedicated driver.

    Decide whether you want to record note data, the piano sound itself or both, and check which connection you’ll need.

  • Measuring only the piano

    A practical set-up may also need a stand and external sound equipment. Korg notes that a suitable stand for the D1 is available separately.

    Measure the space for the instrument, stand and any monitors; also check what’s included in the offer.

    A separate stand and external sound equipment take up extra space.

Brands and models to consider

Roland

The RD-08 is a stage piano for players who want to combine easy-to-use controls and a range of sounds with audible rehearsals at home.

  • Roland lists built-in speakers, transpose controls, scenes and USB-MIDI for connecting to a computer.
  • For USB audio, Roland specifies the separate RD-08 Upgrade and a driver; the upgrade function is separate from the standard USB-MIDI connection.

Yamaha

The P-225 is a compact, portable digital piano for those mainly looking for weighted keys to play piano at home.

  • Yamaha specifies 88 weighted GHC keys for the P-225.
  • A portable digital piano and a stage keyboard don’t necessarily have the same controls or studio workflow, so check that it has the connections you need.

Korg

The D1 is a slim stage piano without speakers, designed for players who already use headphones or external sound equipment.

  • Korg specifies an RH3 keyboard, 30 sounds, MIDI IN/OUT and line outputs for the D1.
  • The D1 has no built-in speakers, so you’ll need external sound equipment to play audibly with others.

Casio

The Privia PX-S3100 is a portable digital piano for those who want to explore a wide range of sounds and automatic accompaniment as well as playing piano.

  • Casio lists 700 tones, 200 rhythms and automatic accompaniment for the PX-S3100.
  • The number of sounds doesn’t tell you whether the keyboard or recording connection will suit the way you work.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I play backing tracks through a Roland RD-08?

Yes. Roland describes playback through the line input or from a USB stick containing an MP3 or WAV file. For the separate USB audio function with a computer, Roland specifies the RD-08 Upgrade and a dedicated driver.

Do I need studio monitors for a Korg D1?

Not if you’re practising with headphones only. If a singer needs to hear the instrument in the same room, you’ll need external sound equipment connected through the line outputs, as Korg specifies no built-in speakers for the D1.

What are my rights when buying online or if a product is faulty?

According to the Dutch government, when buying at a distance you generally have 14 days to change your mind, although exceptions and the circumstances of the purchase matter. If a product is faulty, the seller—not the manufacturer—is responsible for providing a solution.

What should I look for in the product safety of an electric piano?

Electrical and electronic devices must meet the applicable European requirements. According to the Dutch government, the manufacturer must apply the CE marking and draw up an EU Declaration of Conformity for an electrical device covered by the rules. Don’t assume from a model name that a specific offer has been checked.

Can I practise loudly at home at any time?

Be considerate of the possibility of disturbing your neighbours and, if necessary, agree on times when you can play music. The Dutch government advises discussing arrangements first if there’s a risk of causing a nuisance, including agreeing on times for playing music.