Student practising jazz voicings
If you’re practising chord voicings and touch with both hands, consider the keyboard, key range and connection for a sustain pedal.
Who is this choice relevant for?
Student in a shared music room
How you listen is important. Decide whether you want to practise with headphones or speakers, and check what equipment is already available in the room.
Keyboard player who also plays with others
If you want to use sounds other than piano, layer sounds or switch quickly between them, check which controls are available on the exact configuration.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with the key range and touch response you need for playing with both hands. Then choose a listening setup that works in your shared space, and decide whether extra sound controls would be useful for the way you practise.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch response and key range | Check the number of keys, keyboard type, touch settings and pedal connection on the exact configuration. | If you want to practise two-handed jazz chords and piano technique, check that the range and touch response suit the pieces you play. Around 36% of consumers put touch response and key range first. |
| Practising quietly | Check whether the instrument has headphone outputs, built-in speakers or line outputs, and what the room can accommodate. | If you don’t want to disturb others, it’s important to know whether you can practise with headphones. Playing with others may call for a different listening setup. Around 29% of consumers give top priority to being able to practise quietly. |
| Sounds and controls | Check whether the configuration offers the piano sounds, electric piano sounds, split or layer functions and direct controls you want. | These features can be useful if you want to switch sounds or combine parts while playing with others. Around 21% of consumers put sound switching and controls first. |
| Moving and setting up | Check the dimensions and weight, as well as which stand, adapter and pedals are actually included. | If you want to move the instrument between rooms, make sure you can set it up and connect it in each one. Around 14% of consumers give top priority to portability and a complete practice setup. |
What to watch out for when buying
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Assuming a piano without speakers can be heard on its own
According to Korg, the Korg D1 has no built-in speakers. You therefore won’t be able to listen to it that way without headphones or connected external audio equipment.
Decide in advance how you want to listen in the music room, and check what equipment is available there.
You may need headphones or an external audio setup to hear the instrument.
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Assuming a three-pedal unit is included as standard
Yamaha lists the three-pedal unit for the P-225 as optional, so what’s included may depend on the configuration you choose.
Before buying, check which pedals are included and whether the pedal unit you want is compatible with the exact configuration.
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Treating an older general product list as a verdict on your practice setup
Easypianos & Guitars’ 2025 list covers digital pianos for a wider range of uses, not specifically for a shared music room.
Use a list like this to discover models, at most, then assess the configuration against your keyboard, listening and setup needs.
Relevant brands to compare
Yamaha
The portable P-145 and P-225 are worth comparing for piano-focused practice. Yamaha also lists split and additional sound functions for the P-225.
- Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys for both the P-145 and P-225.
- The three-pedal unit for the P-225 is optional, so check the configuration and what’s included.
Roland
The FP-30X is designed for practice, while the RD-88 EX offers controls and features that can also be useful on stage.
- According to Roland, the FP-30X has built-in speakers and headphone outputs. Roland lists three zones and saved scenes for the RD-88 EX.
- The models suit different needs, so check which controls and listening setup you need for each configuration.
Korg
The D1 may suit a practice setup with headphones or connected audio equipment.
- Korg lists 88 RH3 keys, line outputs and a headphone socket for the D1.
- According to Korg, the D1 has no built-in speakers, so bear the listening setup in the room in mind.
Nord
The Piano 6 is worth considering if you want to use layers and direct controls as well as playing piano.
- Nord lists separate piano and synth layers for the Piano 6.
- The Piano 6 is available with 73 or 88 keys. The Nord Triple Pedal 2 is included with the Piano 6 configuration described, but not automatically with other models.
Casio
The Privia PX-S1100 may be worth considering if space in your music room is limited.
- Casio lists 88 hammer-action keys and a depth of 232 mm for this model.
- Check that the configuration you choose suits your space and listening setup. The depth measurement given applies to the PX-S1100.
Joybuy products
This Joybuy selection includes digital pianos with 61 keys for practising through speakers or headphones. Compare the key range with the two-handed jazz parts you want to play.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
The listed speakers and headphone socket give you two ways to listen while practising.
The product name lists a weighted keyboard, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen and USB-MIDI. The keyboard has 61 keys, so check that the range suits the parts you play.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black
The listed speakers and headphone socket give you options for practising without committing to a particular listening setup in advance.
The product name lists MIDI, a recording function, speakers, a metronome and a music stand; the product description also mentions a headphone socket. The instrument has 61 keys.
Frequently asked questions
Can you play straight away in the music room without an amplifier?
That depends on the model and how you want to listen. According to Korg, the D1 has no built-in speakers, so you’ll need to use headphones or connect suitable external audio equipment. The Roland FP-30X does have built-in speakers and headphone outputs, according to Roland.
Do you need a separate pedal for sustain?
Check what’s included with the exact configuration. Korg lists a damper pedal as included with the D1, while Yamaha lists the three-pedal unit for the P-225 as optional.
What if the digital piano develops a fault after you buy it?
In the Netherlands, statutory protection applies without a fixed legal guarantee period, according to the Government of the Netherlands. If a product is faulty, the retailer is your point of contact; a manufacturer’s guarantee is in addition to your statutory rights. Normal wear and tear or damage caused by you is treated differently.
Which Dutch product safety rules are relevant?
Electrical equipment sold in the Netherlands must comply with the applicable European safety rules. The Dutch Government explains when a CE marking and EU declaration of conformity are required; rules for radio equipment may also apply to wireless features. These general rules do not, by themselves, establish whether a specific configuration complies.