Start by choosing a keyboard that feels comfortable when practising your intro, then decide how you want to listen and record. The Roland RD-88 EX has built-in speakers and USB audio/MIDI; the Studiologic Numa X Piano 88 offers USB audio and audio inputs, while the Yamaha CP88 has an 88-key keyboard with audio outputs. Also check which headphones, monitors and connections you need.
If you mainly want to compare key response and pedal behaviour, look at the number of keys and the keyboard action. Roland, Yamaha and Kawai provide keyboard specifications for the models mentioned; those specifications can’t tell you which playing feel will suit you.
If you want to be able to play straight away and sometimes practise with headphones, check whether each model has built-in speakers and a headphone socket. Roland lists built-in speakers for the RD-88 EX.
If you want to record an intro to a computer, it’s worth checking in advance whether the connection supports MIDI, audio or both, and which additional inputs you need. Studiologic describes the Numa X Piano 88 as supporting USB audio and MIDI.
A good fit if: you want to play without a computer or external monitors. Roland lists built-in stereo speakers for the RD-88 EX.
Bear in mind: you’ll need headphones for quiet practice; for recording, decide whether you want to capture audio, MIDI or both.
A good fit if: you want to record in a computer project and use several audio signals. Studiologic lists USB audio/MIDI and four audio inputs for the Numa X Piano 88.
Bear in mind: check how you’ll listen without headphones and whether the audio and pedal connections are compatible with your equipment.
A good fit if: you want to try an 88-key keyboard and already have an external listening setup. Yamaha lists an NW-GH3 keyboard and jack and XLR outputs for the CP88.
Bear in mind: the CP73 is a different version, with 73 keys and a BHS keyboard; check which connections and recording functions you need.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard feel | Try the playing feel for yourself and check the full model number, number of keys, keyboard action and pedal connection. | If I repeat an intro often, I want to know whether the key response and pedal control suit my playing. Around 36% of consumers prioritise keyboard feel. |
| Listening at home | Check whether the exact model has built-in speakers, which headphone socket it has and whether you’ll be using external speakers. | If I want to practise without extra playback equipment or play quietly, my listening setup needs to work with the piano. Around 29% of consumers want to listen directly or through headphones. |
| Recording with a computer | Check separately whether USB audio, USB MIDI or both are supported, and whether you need extra equipment for the type of recording you want to make. | If I want to record the intro in a computer project, I need to know whether I can capture playing data, the piano sound or both. Around 21% of consumers prioritise computer recording. |
| Sounds and settings | Compare the zones or layers you need and check how to recall your settings for the intro. | If I want to combine different sounds during the intro or switch back quickly, the available settings matter. Around 14% of consumers prioritise flexibility in sounds and settings. |
Not every model has built-in speakers. Roland lists them for the RD-88 EX, while the Kawai MP7SE specifications don’t list built-in speakers. So it’s worth thinking in advance about how you want to listen at home.
First decide whether you’ll play through headphones or external speakers, then check the connections on the exact model.
Depending on the piano you choose and your listening setup, you may need suitable headphones or an external speaker system.
MIDI performance data and an audio recording of the piano sound are two different things. The Nord Piano 6 lists MIDI over USB; that alone doesn’t mean the piano sound can be recorded as audio over USB.
Decide whether you want to capture MIDI, the piano’s own sound as audio or both, and check that function in the specifications for the exact model.
If your chosen recording setup isn’t supported directly, you may need an audio interface and suitable audio cables.
According to Yamaha, the CP88 and CP73 differ in their number of keys and keyboard action: the CP88 has 88 keys and an NW-GH3 keyboard, while the CP73 has 73 keys and a BHS keyboard.
Check the full model name and, if possible, try the version you plan to buy.
The RD-88 EX is an option for playing at home on its own, as well as using with a computer.
The Numa X Piano 88 is designed for a home studio with a computer and potentially several audio signals.
The CP88 is a piano-focused stage piano to compare with other keyboards; the CP73 is a separate version.
The MP7SE is an alternative to compare if you’re looking for an 88-key keyboard with several zones.
The Piano 6 is a separate option if you want to set up piano and synthesiser layers for an intro.
No, not if you choose a model with built-in speakers; Roland lists them for the RD-88 EX. For a model that doesn’t list speakers, check whether you can listen through headphones or external equipment.
That depends on the exact model and its USB function. Roland specifies USB audio/MIDI for the RD-88 EX, and Studiologic describes USB audio recording for the Numa X Piano; USB MIDI on its own doesn’t mean the piano sound is recorded as audio.
Check that your headphones, pedal and monitors are compatible with the connections on the version you’ve chosen, and consult the manual for use and maintenance. Studiologic lists a power adapter and sustain pedal with the Numa X Piano 88; check separately what’s included with other models.
For a standard online consumer purchase, you generally have a statutory cancellation period of up to 14 days after delivery, with some exceptions. ACM ConsuWijzer explains this cancellation period. You’re also entitled to a product of satisfactory quality: according to the Dutch government, there’s no general fixed statutory two-year guarantee period in the Netherlands, and the seller is your point of contact if there’s a problem.
Electrical and electronic equipment may be subject to EU rules on CE marking. The European Union explains that this marking applies only to products covered by specific harmonised EU rules. Check which requirements apply to the exact instrument and the supplied power supply; the marking itself says nothing about sound or playing feel.
