Jazz learner focused on piano
You’re practising melodies, chords and dynamics, so you mainly want to judge for yourself whether the key feel suits you.
Who is this buying guide for?
Quiet home player
You share your home or practise at different times; the headphone socket and sound setup will help determine what’s practical.
Player with limited setup space
You want to fit the instrument into a spare room, so you’ll need to consider its dimensions, your playing space and any external speakers.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with the key feel and the range of music you want to learn. Then think about how you want to listen and whether the complete setup will fit in your spare room.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should pay extra attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Key feel and range | Try playing softly and firmly, repeating notes and playing chords. Compare the keyboard range with the jazz standard you want to learn. | If I want to practise melodies, chords and dynamics with a piano-focused approach, I want to judge the key action and range for myself. Around 33% of consumers put key feel and range first. |
| Quiet practice and room sound | Check the headphone socket and whether the piano has built-in speakers. Also decide whether you sometimes want to play without headphones. | If I want to practise quietly at home but sometimes play out loud in the room, the available sound setup matters. Around 27% of consumers prioritise quiet practice and room sound. |
| Space for the complete setup | Measure more than just the instrument: include the stand, music rest, seat and any external speakers. | If the piano needs to fit in a small spare room, I want enough space left to sit and play comfortably. Around 20% of consumers put setup space first. |
| Sounds and controls | Try switching between piano and electric piano sounds. Also check the pedal connection and, if you want one, the metronome. | If I want to switch quickly between sounds while practising, I look at the controls and the features I’ll actually use. Around 20% of consumers choose sounds and controls as their main consideration. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming every stage piano has built-in speakers
This varies by model. The Korg D1 has no built-in speakers, while Roland lists them for the RD-88 EX.
Decide in advance whether you’ll only play with headphones or also want to hear the piano in the room.
To play without headphones, you’ll need external sound equipment if your model has no built-in speakers.
-
Measuring only the depth of the case
The piano’s dimensions alone don’t show how much space the complete playing area will take up. You’ll also need to allow for the stand, music rest and seat.
Measure the space with the setup you plan to use, including the stand, music rest and seat.
You may need a different stand or to rearrange your playing area.
-
Treating a shorter keyboard as though it has 88 keys
The Yamaha CP73 has 73 keys and a BHS keyboard; the CP88 has 88 keys and an NW-GH3 keyboard. Their ranges and keyboard types are therefore different.
Check the range of the music you want to play, and try both keyboards if that difference will influence your choice.
Brands to compare
Roland
The RD-88 EX is a performance-focused model to consider if you want built-in speakers and access to a range of sounds at home.
- Roland lists a PHA-4 keyboard, built-in stereo speakers and controls for sounds and saved settings for the RD-88 EX.
- These model specifications don’t tell you how the key action will feel to you; also check which items are included with the version on offer.
Yamaha
The CP73 and CP88 offer a choice between a shorter keyboard and 88 keys within the same stage piano range.
- Yamaha Netherlands lists 73 BHS keys for the CP73 and 88 NW-GH3 keys for the CP88. Both models have a headphone socket and are listed with an FC3A pedal.
- The difference between the keyboards doesn’t make one model the right choice for every learner; try the key action and consider the range you need.
Korg
The D1 is a slimline stage piano to compare if you usually practise with headphones or already have sound equipment.
- Korg specifies an RH3 keyboard, headphone socket, line outputs, metronome and included damper pedal.
- The D1 has no built-in speakers, so you’ll need connected sound equipment to play out loud.
Casio
The Privia PX-S1100 is a compact digital piano to compare if available space is a major consideration.
- Casio Netherlands lists a depth of 232 mm and built-in speakers for the PX-S1100.
- The piano’s dimensions don’t represent the full playing space: remember to allow for the stand, music rest and seat too.
Kawai
The portable ES series is an alternative to explore if piano-focused home practice matters more to you than performance-oriented controls.
- Kawai describes the ES series as suitable for home and stage use, and lists the ES120 as a portable digital piano.
- Connections and accessories can vary by model, so check the specific version you’re considering.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy options are digital pianos and keyboards with 61 keys and listed features for practising with headphones or built-in speakers. Check that this range suits the jazz standard you want to learn.
Image unavailable
MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
An option if you want to choose between headphones and built-in speakers while practising.
The product information lists a touch-sensitive, weighted keyboard, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI and a headphone socket.
With 61 keys, its range is more limited than that of an 88-key model; check whether it suits the registers of your jazz standard.
Image unavailable
Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
An option if you want to use features such as a metronome and recording while practising, and listen through headphones or the built-in speakers.
The product information lists 500 sounds, 300 rhythms, a metronome, a recording function and a headphone socket.
With 61 keys, its range is more limited than that of an 88-key model; check whether it suits the registers of your jazz standard.
Frequently asked questions
Can you practise without an amplifier?
You can use headphones with a model that has a compatible headphone socket. The Korg D1 has no built-in speakers, so you’ll need external sound equipment to play out loud in the room; Roland lists built-in speakers for the RD-88 EX.
What should you check when setting up and connecting your piano?
Measure the complete playing area and check which headphone plug and pedal setup are compatible with the exact model. Follow that model’s manual when connecting sound equipment.
What are your rights when buying online in the Netherlands?
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, online product purchases generally come with a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, although exceptions may apply. In the Netherlands, the statutory guarantee doesn’t have a fixed duration of two years: what you can expect in terms of a product’s lifespan depends on the product and the circumstances. If you make a valid guarantee claim, the seller is responsible.