Who is this buying guide for?

Accompanist for a small singing group

You want the other singers to hear the accompaniment, so you need to check whether built-in speakers will be powerful enough for your space. Roland and Kawai describe models with built-in speakers.

Hymn accompanist who plays organ repertoire

You want a useful organ sound as well as piano sounds, and need to be able to select it during rehearsals. Kawai’s user guide lists a sound called ‘Church Organ’ for the ES120.

Pianist with limited practice space

You need to fit the instrument, music rest and playing area into your space, and may also practise with headphones. Yamaha gives different depth measurements for the P-225 with and without its music rest; Casio lists a depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100BK.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, work out how the accompaniment will be heard. Then check that the sounds, set-up and controls suit your rehearsals.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this for?
Being heard when playing together Check for built-in speakers or a connection to any active speakers you already have. Try the volume in the place where you plan to play. If I’m rehearsing with a singing group, I want everyone to hear the accompaniment without having to set up a separate sound system first. Around 36% of consumers put being heard when playing together first.
Sounds suited to your repertoire Check that the organ sound you want is available, and try how easy it is to switch sounds while playing. If I want to practise hymns with an organ sound, I want to judge that sound for myself rather than rely on the number of sounds available. Around 29% of consumers put an organ sound first.
Space and portability Measure the available width and depth, including the music rest and stand. Also check the listed weight if you’ll be moving the piano regularly. If my practice space is small, the complete set-up needs to fit without blocking the seat or walkway. Around 21% of consumers put space requirements first.
Quiet practice and controls Check the headphone socket, try the feel of the keys and see which pedal options are included with the version you’re considering. If I want to practise on my own, I’m looking for a headphone socket and controls that suit the way I play piano. Around 14% of consumers put quiet practice and piano controls first.

How to avoid common buying mistakes

  • Assuming every stage piano has speakers

    Korg says that the D1 has no built-in speakers. Without external audio equipment, a singing group won’t be able to hear it through speakers.

    Before you choose, decide how you’ll amplify the instrument when playing together.

    For the group to hear a model without speakers, you’ll need external active speakers and suitable connection cables.

  • Measuring only the piano itself

    Yamaha lists the P-225 as 272 mm deep without the music rest and 362 mm with it. Measuring only the smaller size could give you an incomplete picture of how much space you’ll need.

    Remember to measure the space for the music rest, stand, seat and walkway too.

  • Assuming a three-pedal unit is included

    For some of the models mentioned, manufacturers list three-pedal units as optional extras. What’s included can vary depending on the version you choose.

    Check the exact bundle and make sure the pedal unit is compatible before ordering.

    A three-pedal unit you want may need to be selected as a separate accessory.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

The P-225 is a portable digital piano for anyone mainly looking to practise piano accompaniment.

  • Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys and a width of 1.326 mm. It is 272 mm deep without the music rest and 362 mm with it.
  • Yamaha lists the LP-1/FC35 three-pedal option as optional, so check whether it’s included with the version you choose.

Roland

The FP-30X is a portable piano with built-in speakers and connections for external active speakers.

  • Roland lists two headphone outputs and separate audio outputs.
  • The KPD-70 three-pedal unit and DP-10 damper pedal are optional extras, so check what’s included in the package you choose.

Kawai

The ES120 is worth considering if you’re looking for a documented church organ sound as well as piano sounds.

  • Kawai lists the ‘Church Organ’ sound, a built-in 20W speaker system and line-out.
  • Kawai lists a stand and three-pedal unit as optional extras. Decide for yourself whether the organ sound and controls suit your repertoire.

Casio

The Privia PX-S1100BK is an option if you need a piano with a shallow depth.

  • Casio lists a depth of 232 mm and built-in speakers.
  • Measure the complete set-up, as the piano itself doesn’t account for the space needed for the music rest and playing area.

Korg

The D1 is a stage piano for anyone who already has external amplification or practises exclusively with headphones.

  • Korg describes the D1 as a model without built-in speakers.
  • For a singing group to hear it during rehearsals, you’ll need external audio equipment and a suitable connection.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need extra speakers for a small group rehearsal?

Not always: the Roland FP-30X and Kawai ES120, for example, have built-in speakers. The Korg D1 needs external audio equipment if the group is to hear it through speakers. If you’re using built-in speakers, try the volume you’ll need for rehearsals where you plan to play.

Can I practise a church organ sound on a stage piano?

It depends on the model. The Kawai ES120 user guide specifically lists ‘Church Organ’. Try the sound and controls to see if they suit the hymn you want to practise.

What should I check before setting it up and using it?

Measure the space for the piano, music rest, stand and seat, and check which pedals are included with the version you choose. For example, Yamaha lists the P-225 as deeper with the music rest than without it.

Do I need an extra warranty plan in addition to my statutory rights?

No. According to ACM ConsuWijzer, when you buy as a consumer you have a statutory guarantee as well as any seller’s guarantee. If a product breaks sooner than you could reasonably expect under normal use, the seller must offer an appropriate solution free of charge.

Does a CE mark mean a stage piano has been independently safety-approved?

No. According to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, CE is a conformity mark through which the manufacturer declares that the product meets the applicable EU requirements; it is not an independent quality mark or a safety guarantee. Check the product information and the documentation supplied with the specific device.