Which stage piano is right for you?

Beginner pianist

You want to learn a celebratory tune, so you’re comparing the keyboard’s touch, the pedal and the practice features available.

Home studio musician

You want to connect your playing to a computer or audio setup. Pay attention to the difference between MIDI, which transmits performance data, and audio connections, which carry sound.

Quiet home player

You want to practise with headphones while others are at home. Check the headphone socket and whether the instrument also has built-in speakers.

What to look for in a stage piano

Portable digital piano with speakers

Suited to practising independently without separate monitors.

Bear in mind built-in speakers don’t necessarily tell you anything about the recording connections.

Speakerless stage piano

Suited to a home studio with headphones or active monitors.

Bear in mind without suitable audio equipment, you won’t be able to hear the instrument through built-in speakers.

Piano with additional connectivity options

Suited to anyone who wants to compare different studio connections as well as practise.

Bear in mind Bluetooth audio and Bluetooth MIDI are different features and don’t automatically capture the same signal.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Keyboard and practice Try the touch response and check the settings, pedal and metronome on the exact model. If I’m learning a tune, I want to try the touch response for myself and check that the pedal and practice features suit me. Around 33% of consumers prioritise keyboard feel.
Studio connections Decide whether you want to record MIDI performance data, the piano sound or both, then check the connections and equipment you’ll need. If I want to record my playing, the signal path I choose must work with my software and studio setup. Around 25% of consumers prioritise studio connections.
Quiet practice and sound Check the type of headphone socket and whether the model has built-in speakers. If I’m practising while others are at home, I want to be able to use headphones and know how I’ll hear the instrument. Around 25% of consumers focus mainly on quiet practice.
Space and portability Measure the space, including the music rest, cables and stand, and compare the model’s dimensions and weight. If my studio has limited space or I want to move the piano, the whole setup needs to fit. Around 17% of consumers prioritise the space available.

Common mistakes when choosing

  • Treating MIDI and audio as the same recording feature

    MIDI and audio are different types of connection. For example, the Kawai ES120 lists both USB MIDI and separate line-outs; one connection doesn’t prove that the other feature is available.

    Make a note of whether you want to record performance data, the piano’s internal sound or both, and check that the connections are compatible with your equipment.

    Depending on your existing studio setup, you may need extra cables or an audio interface.

  • Assuming every stage piano has built-in speakers

    Korg describes the D1 as speakerless. Without headphones or external audio equipment, you can’t hear this model through built-in speakers.

    Choose between an instrument with built-in speakers and a model that connects to your existing listening setup.

    If you don’t already have suitable headphones or external audio equipment, factor this in when putting together your setup.

  • Comparing only the external dimensions

    The amount of space a piano takes up can vary depending on the setup, for example when you use a music rest.

    Measure the space with the components you plan to use and compare the dimensions for that configuration.

Piano brands to consider

Yamaha

The P-225 is a portable digital piano for comparing keyboard feel and practice features.

  • Yamaha Netherlands lists 88 GHC keys, adjustable touch sensitivity, maximum polyphony of 192 notes, and split and dual functions for the P-225.
  • Specifications vary by model; try it for yourself to see whether the touch response suits the way you play.

Roland

The FP-30X combines home practice with built-in sound and headphone use.

  • Roland lists 88 PHA-4 Standard keys, stereo speakers, two headphone outputs and separate outputs for active speakers on this model.
  • Roland’s assessment of the sound and touch response is the manufacturer’s claim, not an independent comparison.

Casio

The CDP-S110BK is a compact digital piano with hammer action, designed for spaces where room is limited.

  • Casio specifies 88 keys, 10 tones, a supplied sustain pedal, speakers and a USB Type B port.
  • Check what the USB connection supports for your recording plans; the specification doesn’t confirm that the internal piano sound is sent as USB audio.

Kawai

The ES120 is a portable piano that lets you combine practice with studio and device connections.

  • Kawai lists USB MIDI, stereo line-outs, two headphone sockets, and Bluetooth audio and MIDI.
  • Kawai notes that specifications may vary by market; check the version available in the Netherlands.

Korg

The D1 is a speakerless stage piano for anyone who already has a suitable listening setup.

  • The Dutch specification lists an 88-key RH3 keyboard, line-outs, MIDI IN/OUT and a headphone socket.
  • Korg describes the D1 as speakerless; you’ll need headphones or external audio equipment to hear it.

Stage pianos at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need special built-in songs to learn one celebratory tune?

Not necessarily. First, decide how you’ll learn the tune, for example with sheet music or your own learning materials. A mention of demo songs doesn’t mean that your specific tune is included.

Can I use a speakerless stage piano at home without any other equipment?

According to Korg, the D1 has no built-in speakers. To hear it while you practise, connect suitable headphones or external audio equipment, and check the connections and available space beforehand.

Is a MIDI connection enough to record the built-in piano sound?

No. Treat MIDI and audio as separate connection requirements. The Kawai ES120 lists USB MIDI and separate line-outs; check which signals your recording software and any audio interface need.

What are my rights when I buy a piano online from a business?

For online purchases from a Dutch business, you’ll generally have a 14-day cooling-off period, subject to legal exceptions, according to the Dutch government. If a product doesn’t conform to the contract, you also have statutory rights; any extra seller’s guarantee is in addition to your statutory protection.

Which product safety rules are relevant in the Netherlands?

Businesses supplying electrical or electronic equipment in the Netherlands must comply with the applicable European product rules, as explained by Business.gov.nl. The rules that apply to the power supply and any wireless features depend on the model. A CE mark is not a quality mark for how the keyboard feels to play.