Jazz pianist with limited setup space
You want to practise two-handed voicings and need to fit both the instrument and playing setup into a small room. Compare the dimensions with and without the music rest, and leave room for a bench and pedal.
Who is this guide for?
Quiet home player
You practise where other people live or work, so you need to choose between headphones, built-in speakers or your own external audio setup. According to the manufacturers concerned, the Yamaha CK88 has speakers; the Korg D1 does not.
Player who combines sounds
You want to split or layer piano and other sounds as well as practise chord shapes. Check that the keyboard you choose has enough range for the parts you play with both hands.
What should you consider when choosing?
For jazz voicings in a small practice space, cabinet size isn’t the only thing to consider. The range you need and how you listen also determine whether the setup will work in practice.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who does this matter to? |
|---|---|---|
| Space for the complete setup | Measure the width and depth, and check whether the stated dimensions include the music rest. Allow space for a bench and pedal too. | If I have limited floor space, I want to know that there’s room not just for the piano, but also for my seat and pedal. Around 33% of consumers say space is their main concern. |
| Keyboard and range | Compare the number of keys and the keyboard type; try your own voicings and left-hand parts on the model you’re considering. | When I play parts with both hands that are far apart, I want enough range and a keyboard that suits my practice. Around 27% of consumers give range and keyboard the highest priority. |
| Quiet practice | Check whether the exact model has a headphone socket and built-in speakers. | If I want to practise at home without disturbing anyone, I want to know in advance how I can listen. Around 20% of consumers put quiet practice first. |
| Combining sounds and parts | Check whether the model has split or layer functions, and whether enough keys remain for both hands. | When I want to split parts or combine different sounds, the keyboard needs enough range to do so. Around 20% of consumers say these features are their main concern. |
Common buying mistakes
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Measuring only the cabinet depth
For the Korg D1, the stated depth differs depending on whether the music rest is fitted. A bench and pedal take up space too. Korg lists a depth of 263 mm without the music rest and 375 mm with it.
Measure the complete playing area and compare dimensions stated on the same basis.
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Assuming a piano without speakers is a complete listening setup
According to Korg, the Korg D1 doesn’t have built-in speakers. Without headphones or connected external audio, you won’t be able to hear yourself play.
Before buying, check how you’ll listen and which connection is available for it.
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Choosing a shorter keyboard without checking your practice material
A 73-key model has a smaller range than an 88-key model. This can matter if your left- and right-hand parts are far apart.
Try your widest voicings, bass part and any split function across the range you’re considering.
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Treating an extended warranty as your only protection
An extended warranty doesn’t replace your statutory rights. The Dutch government states that the seller is your point of contact for the statutory guarantee, and that there is no fixed statutory time limit for this in the Netherlands.
Compare the terms of an extended warranty with your statutory rights before paying for one.
Brands to compare
Roland
According to Roland, the RD-08 combines 88 weighted PHA-4 keys with built-in speakers. It’s worth comparing if you’re looking for a self-contained practice setup with its own sound.
- Roland lists direct control of sounds and layers.
- These specifications don’t establish anything about playing feel or relative sound quality.
Yamaha
According to Yamaha, the CK88 combines an 88-key GHS keyboard with piano, organ and synth sounds, as well as built-in speakers.
- The European specifications list a headphone output and speakers.
- Compare the GHS keyboard with other actions; Yamaha says Bluetooth audio availability may vary by country.
Korg
According to Korg, the Korg D1 has 88 RH3 keys in a slim cabinet without built-in speakers. It’s worth considering if you already use headphones or external audio.
- Korg lists a depth of 263 mm without the music rest.
- With the music rest fitted, Korg lists a depth of 375 mm. There’s no built-in listening option without headphones or external audio.
Nord
According to Nord, the Nord Piano 6 is available with 73 or 88 keys and offers splits and multiple piano layers.
- The 73-key model is worth comparing if width is your main constraint and your repertoire fits within its range.
- Nord lists a headphone output but no built-in speakers.
Casio
The Casio Privia PX-S1100 is a portable digital piano you can compare with stage pianos as an alternative if cabinet depth matters at home.
- Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm for this model.
- That measurement alone doesn’t tell you whether the complete setup or available width will fit.
Joybuy products
The Joybuy products below are 61-key instruments, not stage pianos. Consider them only as related options if the voicings and parts you play fit within that range.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
If your practice material fits within 61 keys, this model has built-in speakers and a headphone socket, giving you options for your listening setup.
According to the product name: weighted keyboard, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, LCD, USB-MIDI and music rest.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
This is a related option for practice material that fits within 61 keys; check that the range is enough for your voicings and two-handed parts.
According to the product name: MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music rest.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need 88 keys to practise jazz voicings?
Not always: the range you need depends on your own left- and right-hand parts. According to its product specifications, Nord offers the Piano 6 with either 73 or 88 keys. Try longer bass lines and any splits on the model you’re considering too.
What do I need with a piano that has no built-in speakers?
With the Korg D1, you’ll need headphones or connected external audio to hear yourself play. Check the available connections in advance, and allow for the stand, seat and pedal when measuring.
How do I measure whether a piano will fit in my practice space?
Measure the available width and depth of the entire playing area, not just the cabinet. Compare product specifications on a like-for-like basis and check whether the dimensions include the music rest. Allow room for a bench and pedal too.
Who should I contact in the Netherlands if there’s a fault?
The seller is your point of contact for the statutory guarantee. According to the Dutch government, there is no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands; what you can expect depends, among other things, on the product and normal use. An extended warranty doesn’t replace your statutory rights.
Which safety marking should I check on an electrical instrument?
According to the Dutch government, electronic devices placed on the market in the EU must carry a CE marking. Check the product information for the specific item; general brand specifications don’t confirm the marking on an individual product.