Who is this choice relevant to?

Jazz pianist looking to practise their touch

If you’re practising chord shapes, voice leading and dynamics, consider the key action and the number of keys on the exact model you’re looking at.

Quiet home player

If you play in a shared home or at quieter times, a headphone setup can be useful. Bear in mind that the keys and pedal can still make mechanical noise.

Player with a small spare room

If space is limited, you’ll need to fit in more than just the instrument: allow room for the stand, seating and connecting cables too.

What should you look for?

Start with the key action and range you need for your voicings. Then decide on your listening setup and measure the whole playing area.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Touch and range If possible, try the keyboard with chords, melodic lines and varying dynamics. Check whether the model has 73 or 88 keys, and what type of key action it uses. If I want to practise voicings and dynamics, the keyboard needs to suit the way I play. Around 33% of consumers rank touch and key range as their top buying priority.
Quiet listening Check the headphone socket on the exact model and make sure you have a suitable plug or adapter. When I practise in a shared home, I want to listen through headphones without disturbing others with the electronic sound. Around 27% of consumers prioritise quiet listening.
Space for your setup Measure the space for the instrument and allow for the stand, seating and connections. If my spare room is short on space, the whole playing setup needs to fit, not just the instrument itself. Around 20% of consumers cite limited space as their main reason for buying.
Switching sounds Compare the sound selection and controls on the exact model. Also check whether the pedal you need is included. If I want to switch easily between piano and electric piano sounds while practising, the controls and sound selection are key. Around 20% of consumers put switching sounds first.

Buying pitfalls to avoid

  • Assuming every model in a range is identical

    Models in the same range can differ in the number of keys, key action and connections. For example, Yamaha lists different key actions for the CP88 and CP73, while KORG describes SV-2 variants with 73 or 88 keys.

    Compare the full model name, number of keys, connections and what’s included in the specific offer.

  • Assuming every stage piano produces sound on its own

    Listening options vary by model. Roland lists built-in speakers for the RD-88; for other models, check which connections and listening options are specified.

    Decide in advance whether you want to play through headphones, built-in speakers or external audio equipment, and check the connections on the exact model.

    You may need headphones, a suitable adapter or external audio equipment for your chosen listening setup.

  • Confusing a warranty offer with all your statutory rights

    According to the Government of the Netherlands, a manufacturer’s or seller’s warranty is in addition to the statutory guarantee. In the Netherlands, there is no fixed statutory guarantee period that applies to every product.

    Keep your proof of purchase and the product description. If a product is faulty, contact the seller.

Brands to consider

Yamaha

Worth considering if you want to compare stage pianos with different key ranges and straightforward controls for piano and electric piano sounds.

  • Yamaha lists an 88-key NW-GH3 keyboard, a 6.3 mm headphone socket and audio outputs for the CP88.
  • The CP73 has a 73-key BHS keyboard; don’t assume that features of one model apply to the other.

Roland

The RD-88 is worth considering if you want to play at home without separate speakers and compare stage-ready features too.

  • Roland lists built-in speakers, a PHA-4 hammer-action keyboard and three zones for the RD-88.
  • The RD-88 EX is a different model with an included sound expansion; don’t treat the two model names as interchangeable.

KORG

Worth considering if acoustic and vintage electric piano sounds are important to you.

  • KORG lists RH3 keyboards for the 73-key and 88-key SV-2 models, along with separate categories for piano sounds and favourites.
  • Check the full variant name, including whether it’s an SV-2 or SV-2S, before assuming it has specific features.

Nord

The Piano 6 is worth considering if you want to combine piano sounds, layers and programme controls.

  • Nord lists a 73-key or 88-key Triple Sensor keyboard, two piano layers, a headphone output and an included Triple Pedal 2.
  • The extra controls are most relevant if those features suit the way you practise or perform.

Kawai

The portable ES920 is an option to compare if you’re looking for built-in speakers and piano-focused controls.

  • Kawai lists an 88-key Responsive Hammer III keyboard and a built-in 40 W speaker system.
  • The stated power output is a manufacturer specification, not an independent assessment of how it sounds in a spare room.

Casio

The PX-S5000 is a portable digital piano to compare with stage pianos if the depth of the instrument is a key consideration.

  • Casio lists a depth of 232 mm, a hammer-action keyboard and built-in speakers for this model.
  • The stated depth doesn’t tell you whether the stand, seating and desired touch will work for your setup.

Joybuy products for practising on keys

This selection includes two 61-key keyboards for practising. Consider them only if a shorter key range suits your voicings; they are not 73-key or 88-key stage pianos.

MLS-931 keyboard with weighted keys, 61 keys, black

MLS-931 keyboard with weighted keys, 61 keys, black

Could suit you if you want to practise jazz voicings on a keyboard with weighted keys and are happy with 61 keys.

According to the product name: 61 keys, weighted keys and black.

Its shorter range differs from the 73-key and 88-key models you can compare for this choice.

View at Joybuy
Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black, MIDI controller

Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black, MIDI controller

Could suit you if you want to practise voicings on a 61-key keyboard and are looking for MIDI controller functionality.

According to the product name: 61 keys, black and MIDI controller.

A 61-key model has a shorter range than one with 73 or 88 keys.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can I practise jazz voicings quietly on a stage piano?

You can listen through a compatible headphone socket, but this won’t make the mechanical sound of the keys and pedal inaudible. Yamaha lists a headphone socket for the CP88 and Nord for the Piano 6; check the connections on the exact model.

Do I need an adapter for my headphones with the Yamaha CP88?

That depends on your headphone plug. Yamaha lists a 6.3 mm stereo headphone socket for the CP88. Check that your plug fits and use a suitable adapter if needed.

Does a suitable pedal always come with a stage piano?

No, what’s included varies by model. Yamaha lists an FC3A foot pedal with the CP88, Nord a Triple Pedal 2 with the Piano 6 and Kawai an F-10H with the ES920. Don’t assume the same package contents apply to other models.

What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?

According to the Government of the Netherlands, distance purchases usually come with a 14-day cooling-off period, although there are exceptions. Faulty products are covered by the statutory guarantee; in the Netherlands, there is no fixed statutory guarantee period for every product. The seller is your point of contact for a solution.

Does a CE mark prove that a stage piano has been approved by the EU?

No. The European Commission describes CE marking as the manufacturer’s declaration that applicable requirements have been met, not as a safety approval from an EU body. Check the marking and product documentation for the specific model.