For practising left-hand patterns at a low volume, the choice between a stage piano without built-in speakers and a portable digital piano with speakers depends mainly on how you want to listen. A model without speakers is a good fit if you usually use headphones or already have external audio equipment. Built-in speakers are more convenient if you also want to play without extra equipment. Try the feel of the keys in the lower register for yourself, and check the connections and metronome: the specifications alone can’t tell you which keyboard will feel more comfortable to play.
You practise repeated figures in the lower register and want to assess the feel of the keys and your timing. Compare the keyboards for yourself and use a metronome if needed; specifications alone can’t tell you how an instrument will feel to play.
You want to play with headphones, but sometimes hear the piano without extra equipment too. Roland and Kawai list both headphone sockets and built-in speakers for the FP-30X and ES120 respectively.
You move your instrument around and may have different audio equipment at each location. Compare the weight and connections, and check what you’ll need to set the instrument up.
Choose this if: you usually practise with headphones and already have external audio equipment for playing without them. The Korg D1 is one example, with an RH3 keyboard, metronome and headphone socket.
Bear in mind: the Korg D1 has no built-in speakers. To listen without headphones, you’ll need to connect external audio equipment.
Choose this if: you want to play both with headphones and directly through the piano from time to time. Roland and Kawai list built-in speakers and headphone sockets for the FP-30X and ES120.
Bear in mind: check whether the stand and pedal meet your needs for the exact model and offer you’re considering. Headphones won’t make the keys or pedal themselves silent.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Feel of the keys in the lower register | Try the same pattern on different keyboards and check the keyboard type. | If I practise repeated low figures, I want to assess the feel of the keys for myself. Around 36% of consumers say how the keys feel in the lower register is their main buying concern. |
| Listening at a low volume | Check the headphone socket and whether you also want to play without headphones. | When I want to practise quietly, I want to know whether my headphones will fit and whether I’ll also need speakers. Around 29% of consumers prioritise quiet practice and the choice of speakers. |
| Timing and playback | Check whether the model has a metronome and whether it has a recording function if you want to use one. | If I practise patterns at a steady tempo, a metronome can help; being able to listen back may also be important. Around 21% of consumers give practice features such as timing and playback top priority. |
| Set-up and transport | Measure your playing space and check the weight, included accessories and audio equipment at other locations. | When I use the piano at home and elsewhere, I want to know whether it will fit and what I’ll need at each location. Around 14% of consumers rank set-up and transport above their other buying concerns. |
According to its manual, the Korg D1 has no built-in speakers. You can listen through headphones or connect external audio equipment.
Before you buy, decide whether you’ll only play with headphones or also want to hear sound from the piano without them.
Kawai lists 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch sockets for the ES120.
Compare your headphone plug with the sockets on the exact model and check which one you want to use.
Kawai lists the stand and three-pedal unit for the ES120 as accessories.
Check exactly what’s included with the offer and whether the accessories are compatible with the instrument.
You may need a compatible stand or three-pedal unit for the ES120; check whether these are included with the version you’re considering.
Korg describes the D1 as a piano without speakers, designed for practice and stage use.
The FP-30X is a portable digital piano for home practice and use with external speakers.
Kawai describes the ES120 as a portable digital piano for home and stage use.
The P-225 is a portable digital piano worth comparing if space and practice features matter to you.
The Privia PX-S1100 is a portable digital piano to consider if available depth is a key concern.
Below is a 61-key keyboard piano with a metronome and built-in speakers. Check that its range of keys and feel suit the left-hand patterns you play.
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This 61-key keyboard piano could be a good fit if you’re looking for a metronome and built-in speakers. Check that its range of keys and feel suit the patterns you play.
The product name lists a metronome, recording function, speakers, MIDI controller and music stand.
No, you can practise a left-hand part on the regular keyboard. Split is a separate feature that divides the keyboard into different sound zones; Yamaha lists Split and Duo separately for the P-225.
Connect the LINE OUT to suitable external audio equipment, as described in the Korg manual. The D1 has no built-in speakers.
That depends on the model and what’s included with the version you choose. Kawai lists a compatible stand and three-pedal unit as accessories for the ES120, so check what’s included with the offer and whether your headphones fit the socket.
No, the legal guarantee doesn’t automatically end after two years. ACM ConsuWijzer explains that, with normal use, a product must meet the standard you could reasonably expect, and that you should contact the seller if it develops a fault too soon. This doesn’t mean there is a fixed guarantee period for these specific pianos.
