Start with the key action and the piano and electric piano sounds you need for your arrangement. Then choose a model to suit your rehearsal space: built-in speakers are handy for practising on your own, while the right line outputs matter when connecting to the PA. Also check the weight and the practice features you want.
Wants to practise voicings, dynamics and pedal technique on a suitable keyboard, and compare acoustic and electric piano sounds. Yamaha, Roland and Kawai describe models with weighted keyboards; the number of keys and keyboard type vary by model.
Wants to know in advance how the instrument will be heard, which outputs are suitable and whether a piano or PA is already available. Yamaha specifies, among other things, 6.3 mm and XLR outputs for the CP88; the connection you need depends on the equipment in the room.
Weighs up ease of transport and practising independently against the choice of keyboard and the equipment available at each venue. Yamaha lists the CP88 at 18.6 kg and the CP73 at 13.1 kg; the models also differ in their number of keys and keyboard type.
First, compare the key action with your own arrangement. Then make sure the way you listen and connect the instrument suits the space where you rehearse.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Key action and piano sounds | Play the same passage with a light and a firm touch, using the pedal and the acoustic and electric piano sounds you use. | When I’m working on voicings and dynamics, I want the key action to suit my playing and the piano sounds I need to be available. Around 36% of consumers prioritise key action and sound. |
| Being heard and making connections | Ask what piano, amplification and mixing desk inputs are available; check that the outputs and cables are compatible. | When I play in a rehearsal room, I want to know in advance how I’ll hear my piano and connect it. Around 29% of consumers give being heard and connectivity top priority. |
| Transport | Compare the weight and dimensions of the exact model, and think about how you’ll transport the instrument in practice. | When I travel between rehearsal venues, portability matters alongside the playing range and key action. Around 21% of consumers put transport first. |
| Practising independently | Check whether the model has built-in speakers and the practice features you want, such as a metronome. | If I want to learn a standard on my own, it’s useful to be able to listen without external equipment and use the practice features I need. Around 14% of consumers name practising independently as their top priority. |
Some models have built-in speakers and others don’t. Built-in speakers also don’t necessarily provide enough volume when playing with other musicians.
Check the speakers and outputs on the exact model, and ask in advance what equipment is available in the rehearsal room.
Depending on the set-up, you may need a suitable cable, monitor or amplifier.
Yamaha states that the CP88 and CP73 don’t have a metronome function. This matters if you’re relying on a built-in timekeeper while practising.
Check the practice features on the exact model; use a separate metronome if needed.
You may need a separate device to practise with a timekeeper.
According to Yamaha, the CP88 and CP73 differ not only in weight and number of keys, but also in keyboard type. Those details alone won’t tell you which keyboard is right for your playing.
Try the relevant keyboard type with your own arrangement, then consider the size and transport requirements.
A suitable bag or case may be useful when transporting the instrument between venues.
The CP88 and CP73 are piano-focused stage keyboards worth comparing if sound options and connecting to a PA are important.
The RD-88 EX is worth considering if you also want to use your stage piano independently during rehearsals.
The ES920 is a portable digital piano to consider alongside stage pianos if piano playing and practising independently are your priorities.
The Nord Piano 6 is worth considering for pianists who use layered sounds and hands-on controls during rehearsals.
The Numa X Piano 88 and 73 are alternatives if you want to use multiple zones and audio inputs as well as playing piano.
This selection includes related digital pianos and 61-key keyboards for practising; they are not stage pianos. Check whether 61 keys give you enough range for your arrangement.
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This related 61-key model is an option for practising independently without external equipment; check that its range suits your arrangement.
The product name lists a weighted keyboard, speakers, a headphone socket, USB-MIDI, a music stand, 300 sounds and 300 rhythms.
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The listed metronome function may be useful for practising independently; first check whether 61 keys are enough for your arrangement.
The product name lists speakers, a recording function, a MIDI controller and a music stand.
No, it depends on the range your arrangement requires. A stage piano buying guide also mentions models with fewer keys if you don’t need the full range or extensive splits. Try your own arrangement before choosing between 73 and 88 keys.
Ask what piano and PA are available, and check that the connections and cables are compatible with your instrument. Not every rehearsal room has a digital piano; the Yamaha CP88 and Nord Piano 6 also have different types of outputs.
Keep your proof of purchase and details of the accessories included, and look after the cables, connections and pedal in line with the model’s manual. According to the Dutch government, consumers who buy remotely from a business generally have 14 days to change their mind; exceptions may apply. In the Netherlands, products are also covered by a statutory guarantee with no fixed legal guarantee period. If a product is faulty, contact the seller.
The Dutch government states that electronic devices placed on the market in the EU must carry a CE mark. Check the product information for the instrument and its power supply; a CE mark alone doesn’t tell you whether the piano is right for your rehearsal room.
