Who is this buying guide for?

Pianists who want to practise their touch

You’re working on voicings, dynamics and pedal technique, and want to assess how the keyboard feels to play. Yamaha and Kawai publish keyboard specifications for their CP and ES models.

Home players without monitors

You want to play and listen to a jazz standard at home without separate monitors. Roland and Kawai list built-in speakers for the RD-88 and ES920 respectively.

Pianists who record their own takes

You want to listen back to your playing or work with computer software, so you need to distinguish between audio and MIDI connections. Studiologic and Nord describe different connection options for their instruments.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with the keyboard and pedal controls. Then decide whether you want to listen straight away, record, or save space.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Keyboard and pedal Try soft keystrokes, repeated notes, chords and pedal use on the exact model. Check which pedal is included or compatible. If I want to practise voicings, dynamics and pedal technique, I want to judge the playing feel for myself. Around 31% of consumers give the keyboard and pedal top priority.
Listening straight away Check whether the model has built-in speakers and whether you can connect headphones. The Yamaha CP88 and CP73 don’t have built-in speakers; Roland lists them for the RD-88. Being able to play at home without separate monitors matters to me; I want to know what listening equipment I’ll need. Around 25% of consumers prioritise being able to listen straight away.
Recording connections Decide whether you want to record the piano sound as audio or capture notes as MIDI. Studiologic lists USB audio and USB MIDI for the Numa X Piano; Nord specifies USB MIDI and separate analogue audio outputs for the Piano 6. If I want to record my own takes and listen back to them, the connections need to work with my recording equipment. Around 25% of consumers prioritise recording and working with software.
Space and choice of sounds Measure the available space and consider whether your arrangements or splits need the full keyboard range. The Yamaha CP73 and CP88 have different numbers of keys and different keyboard actions. In a small home studio, I want to save space or switch between piano and electric piano sounds without choosing a model with an unsuitable range. Around 19% of consumers give space or switching sounds top priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming every stage piano can be heard straight away

    The Yamaha CP88 and CP73 don’t have built-in speakers, while Roland lists them for the RD-88. Without built-in speakers, you’ll need headphones or active monitors to hear yourself play.

    Plan your listening setup before choosing a model, and check the connections on the exact version.

  • Confusing USB MIDI with audio recording

    USB MIDI transfers performance data; it doesn’t automatically mean the piano’s sound will go to your computer via USB. Nord lists USB MIDI and separate audio outputs for the Piano 6, while Studiologic lists USB audio and USB MIDI for the Numa X Piano.

    Decide whether you want to record audio or MIDI notes, and check that the connections will work with your computer and recording equipment.

  • Thinking a 73-key version is just a shorter model

    According to Yamaha, the CP73 has a different keyboard action from the CP88. A shorter range can also affect arrangements and splits.

    Compare the action on the exact version and try it out to make sure the keyboard range suits your repertoire.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

The CP88 and CP73 are stage keyboards for players who want to compare piano and electric piano sounds and already have a listening setup.

  • Yamaha specifies 88 NW-GH3 keys for the CP88 and 73 BHS keys for the CP73.
  • The CP88 and CP73 don’t have built-in speakers; Yamaha recommends headphones or active monitors for listening at home.

Roland

According to Roland, the RD-88 combines a hammer-action keyboard, piano and electric piano sounds, and built-in speakers.

  • Built-in speakers let you practise without separate monitors.
  • Roland lists the RD-88 EX upgrade separately for the original RD-88; don’t assume a standard RD-88 has the same sound expansion.

Kawai

Kawai positions the ES920 as a portable digital piano for home, studio and stage; the MP7SE is a separate, stage-focused stage piano.

  • Kawai lists built-in speakers and Responsive Hammer III for the ES920. According to Kawai, the MP7SE also has 88 Responsive Hammer III keys.
  • The product specifications state that the MP7SE doesn’t have built-in speakers. The ES920 and MP7SE are different models.

Studiologic

The Numa X Piano is worth considering if you want to use your instrument with a computer and audio setup.

  • Studiologic lists USB audio, USB MIDI and a built-in mixer for this product range.
  • Check the exact version and decide for yourself whether the keyboard and controls suit the way you play.

Nord

The Nord Piano 6 is available with 73 or 88 keys and is designed for playing piano and electric piano sounds.

  • Nord specifies a Triple Sensor keyboard, an included Triple Pedal 2, analogue audio outputs and USB MIDI.
  • USB MIDI doesn’t mean the instrument has built-in USB audio; check which connections your recording setup needs.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a stage piano with speakers at home?

Not if you listen through suitable headphones or active monitors. Yamaha says the CP88 and CP73 don’t have built-in speakers; Roland and Kawai list them for the RD-88 and ES920 respectively.

How do I connect a stage piano to record my playing?

First decide whether you want to record the piano sound as audio or capture the notes you play as MIDI. Studiologic lists USB audio and USB MIDI for the Numa X Piano; Nord specifies USB MIDI and separate analogue audio outputs for the Piano 6. Check the connections on your recording equipment and the manual for the exact version.

What can I do if my stage piano bought online isn’t working properly?

With normal use, a product must meet what you can reasonably expect from it; according to ACM ConsuWijzer, the seller is responsible for resolving a fault if it doesn’t. Online purchases generally also come with a 14-day cooling-off period after delivery, subject to legal exceptions. These are separate rights.

How can I dispose of an old electric piano in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, when you buy a new, similar electrical appliance, you can return your old one to the seller free of charge; the old-for-new scheme also applies to online purchases. You can also check whether you can take it to your local council recycling centre.