Start with a keyboard and pedal setup that suit the way you practise jazz chords and dynamics, then decide how you want to listen. The Roland RD-88 EX has built-in stereo speakers; Yamaha confirms that the CP88 does not, so you’ll need headphones or active monitors to hear it. Measure your playing space too, and check the connections and included accessories for the exact version.
You practise chords, dynamics and pedalling, and want to know whether the keyboard suits the way you play. Manufacturers describe different weighted keyboards and pedal options, but those specifications can’t tell you which feel you’ll prefer.
You practise regularly while other people are in or near the building, and prefer listening through headphones rather than playing through speakers. The Dutch government advises people to agree arrangements together when dealing with noise between neighbours.
You move or share your setup, so you want to factor in the instrument’s dimensions, built-in sound and any extra equipment you’ll need. Roland lists built-in speakers for the RD-88 EX; Yamaha provides the dimensions of the CP88.
A good fit if: you want to practise audibly without separate monitors.
The trade-off: speakers may be audible to others; check the headphone connection on the exact version too. Roland lists stereo speakers for the RD-88 EX; Korg pairs built-in amplification with the SV-2S.
A good fit if: direct control of piano and electric piano sounds matters to you, and you already have headphones or active monitors, or want to use them.
The trade-off: Yamaha confirms that the CP88 has no built-in speakers. Yamaha lists 88 keys and an FC3A pedal included.
A good fit if: you want to combine different sounds with piano. Nord describes piano and synthesiser layers for the Piano 6.
The trade-off: those extra layers aren’t essential for learning one jazz standard.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who should pay extra attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard and pedal | Compare the keyboard with the way you play, and check the key range and pedal controls. Yamaha lists an FC3A pedal with the CP88; Korg specifies an RH3 keyboard for the SV-2 and SV-2S versions. | If I’m practising chord shapes and dynamics, I want a touch and pedal response that work for the way I play. Around 36% of consumers give the keyboard and pedal the highest priority. |
| Quiet practice | Check the headphone connection and plug size for the exact version. Yamaha lists a 6.3 mm headphone socket for the CP88; Nord lists 6.35 mm for the Piano 6. The Dutch government advises people to agree arrangements when dealing with noise between neighbours. | If there are other people in or near my home, I want to practise with headphones rather than through speakers. Around 29% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Space and setup | Measure your playing space, including room for a seat and connections. Yamaha lists the CP88 as 1,298 mm wide and 364 mm deep; also measure the space for a stand and sound equipment, if needed. | If I’m setting up the piano in a shared or flexible loft space, I want to know whether there’s room for the instrument, a seat and cables. Around 21% of consumers give the setup the highest priority. |
| Sound selection | Check which sounds are available on the exact version and how you switch between them. Yamaha describes piano and electric piano sounds for the CP88, Korg describes acoustic and electric piano sounds for the SV-2, and Nord describes piano and synthesiser layers for the Piano 6. | If I want to compare different piano or electric piano sounds for my standard, I’m looking for controls that suit the way I want to make that choice. Around 14% of consumers put sound variety first. |
Yamaha says the CP88 has no built-in speakers, while Roland lists them for the RD-88 EX. So, to hear the CP88, you’ll need headphones or active monitors.
First decide how you want to listen at home, then check the connections on the exact version.
Korg lists built-in amplification for the SV-2S; don’t assume every SV-2 has the same speaker configuration.
Check the full model name and number of keys on the version you’re considering.
A piano’s dimensions don’t tell you whether there’s enough room for a seat, stand and cables as well.
Measure the whole practice space and make sure you can easily reach the connections.
The RD-88 EX could suit you if you’re looking for a stage piano with 88 weighted keys and built-in stereo speakers.
The CP88 is designed for direct control of piano and electric piano sounds, and has an 88-key keyboard.
The SV-2 family includes versions with 73 or 88 keys and focuses on acoustic and vintage electric piano sounds.
The Piano 6 combines piano sounds with the option to use additional layers.
The Joybuy option below is a 61-key keyboard for practising. It isn’t a stage piano, so check that its key range suits the parts you need to play.
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The product title lists 61 keys, speakers, a metronome and a recording function. This may be relevant if you’re looking for a keyboard to practise on; it isn’t an 88-key alternative.
Before buying, check that the listed connections and included accessories suit your setup.
That depends partly on your home and the people around you. The Dutch government advises people to agree arrangements together when dealing with noise between neighbours, for example about music. Headphones are another way to listen, but they don’t exempt you from legal requirements.
You’ll need headphones or active monitors to hear it, as the CP88 has no built-in speakers. Yamaha lists an FC3A pedal included and a 6.3 mm headphone socket. Also check that your stand and playing space will fit.
When your order arrives, compare the instrument and included accessories with your order details, and keep your proof of purchase. According to the Dutch government, the seller must provide a solution if a product is faulty; a manufacturer’s guarantee is in addition to your statutory rights.
When you buy from a business remotely, you generally have 14 days to change your mind. The Dutch government lists some exceptions and distinguishes, among other things, between buying online from a business and buying from a private seller. So check the terms that apply to your purchase.
