Who is this choice for?

Quiet jazz student

Often practises in a shared or noisy space and wants to assess chords through headphones. Key action noise and arrangements with neighbours are also worth considering; the Dutch government notes that local council rules may apply.

Pianist looking to practise their touch

Wants to play voicings with both hands, so compares the range, key action and piano and electric piano sounds of specific models. Yamaha, Korg and Roland publish model specifications, but these cannot tell you which key action will feel right for you.

Player short on floor space

Needs to fit an instrument, stand and seat into a small room, and weighs up a shorter keyboard against how many keys can be reached at once. Yamaha and Korg give dimensions for specific models; remember to measure the whole setup too.

What should you look for when choosing?

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Quiet practice Check the headphone socket, the right plug or adaptor, and how the speakers are operated. If I practise in a shared or noisy space, I want to listen through headphones while also being mindful of key noise and arrangements with neighbours. Around 36% of consumers put quiet practice first.
Key action and sound Try your own two-handed voicings on the exact model variant and compare the piano and electric piano sounds. I want to try my voicings with both hands and judge whether the key action and sounds suit the way I play. Around 29% of consumers focus on key action and sound.
Space for your setup Measure the width and depth, including the stand, music rest and seat. Yamaha lists the CP73 as 1.086 mm wide and the CP88 as 1.298 mm wide; Korg gives the D1’s depth as 263 mm without the music rest and 375 mm with it. If my room is short on space, I want to know whether the instrument and playing area will fit before choosing a keyboard. Around 21% of consumers prioritise finding a model that fits their space.
Playing aloud without headphones Check whether the exact piano has built-in speakers and what arrangements apply in your practice space. I sometimes want to play without headphones, so I need to know whether I’ll have to arrange separate amplification. Around 14% of consumers prioritise being able to play aloud without additional equipment.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming every stage piano has speakers

    This varies by model: Korg describes the D1 as having no speakers, while Yamaha lists built-in, switchable speakers for the CK88 and Roland lists built-in stereo speakers for the RD-08.

    Decide whether you’ll only play with headphones, and check the speakers and connections on the exact model variant.

    With a model that has no speakers, you’ll need external amplification to play aloud, which means extra equipment and space.

  • Measuring only the case

    The listed depth of the Korg D1 differs depending on whether the music rest is fitted, so the complete setup may need more space than the piano alone.

    Measure the instrument, stand, music rest and seat together in the setup you plan to use.

    You may need a different setup or stand.

  • Choosing a shorter keyboard without trying your chords

    Fewer keys take up less width, but also limit how many keys you can reach at once.

    Play your widest two-handed jazz voicings on the exact model variant before choosing 73 keys instead of 88.

Relevant stage piano brands

Yamaha

Yamaha specifies that the CK88 has an 88-key GHS keyboard, a headphone socket and switchable speakers. The CP73 is available in a 73-key version.

  • The CK88 may suit anyone who alternates between practising with headphones and using the built-in speakers.
  • The CP73 has fewer keys within reach at once; the specifications cannot tell you which key action you’ll prefer.

Roland

Roland describes the RD-08 as a stage piano with 88 weighted keys, piano and electric piano sounds, and built-in stereo speakers.

  • The built-in speakers are useful if you want to practise without separate amplification.
  • Roland’s claims about feel and sound come from the manufacturer; they are not an independent comparison.

Korg

Korg says the D1 has 88 RH3 keys, a headphone socket and no built-in speakers.

  • Its listed shallow depth without the music rest may suit a setup where depth is limited.
  • You’ll need external amplification to play aloud, and the width is still 1.327 mm.

Nord

Nord lists 73- and 88-key versions of the Piano 6, with piano layers and a headphone output.

  • The controls and piano layers are worth comparing if you often switch between sounds.
  • Check the version you’re choosing and your amplification setup; not every jazz student needs the extra features.

Kawai

Kawai presents the portable ES920 for home, studio and stage use, with a Responsive Hammer III keyboard, speakers and headphone features.

  • A model worth comparing if being able to practise aloud without separate equipment matters to you.
  • Kawai’s descriptions of sound and key action are manufacturer claims; the model is presented as a portable digital piano.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I definitely need 88 keys for jazz voicings?

Not for every practice session. An 88-key keyboard gives you a wider physical range if your left and right hands need to reach beyond the range of a shorter keyboard at the same time. Try your own widest voicings; Yamaha specifies 73 keys for the CP73 and 88 for the CP88.

Can I play the Korg D1 aloud without any other equipment?

Not through built-in speakers: Korg describes the D1 as having no speakers. Use suitable headphones for private practice, or arrange external amplification if you want to play aloud.

What should I consider when positioning a stage piano?

Measure the complete setup you’ll use, not just the case. Korg lists the D1’s depth as 263 mm without the music rest and 375 mm with it; also allow space for the stand and your seat.

What cooling-off period and warranty apply to an online purchase in the Netherlands?

For eligible distance purchases, you generally have 14 days from delivery to change your mind; ACM ConsuWijzer also explains the conditions and exceptions. In addition, you’re entitled to a product that is fit for purpose in the Netherlands, although the Dutch government does not set one fixed statutory guarantee period for all products. Contact the seller if there’s a fault.

Can I play through speakers in my practice space?

This depends in part on where you are and the arrangements for your space. The Dutch government advises people dealing with noise complaints from neighbours to agree arrangements with them and notes that local council rules may apply; also check any tenancy, building or practice-room rules.