Who is this choice relevant to?

Pianist practising left-hand technique

You want to practise low patterns, repeated notes and different touch responses on the keyboard. Compare the key actions by playing the same passage on each instrument.

Player with limited space

You’ll need to allow for the piano, music stand, stand and seating, and you may want to practise with headphones. Manufacturers sometimes give dimensions with and without the music stand.

Pianist who also rehearses elsewhere

You may want to connect the piano to audio or recording equipment. Check the outputs on the exact model, as detailed by Korg and Kawai.

What to consider when choosing

Stage piano without speakers

A good fit if: you practise with headphones or already have suitable external audio equipment, and need connections for rehearsing or recording. The Korg D1 is one example.

Bear in mind: the D1 has no built-in speakers; also measure the space you’ll need with the music stand in place.

Stage piano with built-in speakers

A good fit if: you want to practise audibly without external audio equipment and use stage-focused controls. The Roland RD-08 has built-in stereo speakers.

Bear in mind: try the controls for yourself and check whether the extra features suit the way you’ll practise at home.

Portable digital piano

A good fit if: the piano will mainly stay in one small room and you want to weigh up the keyboard and setup against stage features. The Casio CDP-S110 and Yamaha P-145BT are models worth comparing.

Bear in mind: a shallow case doesn’t automatically mean the complete piano setup will take up little space.

What to consider What to look for Who this is for
Touch response and keyboard range Play the same bass figure in the lower register, then compare the number of keys and the key action. Korg lists 88 RH3 keys for the D1; Roland lists 88 weighted PHA-4 keys for the RD-08, and Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys for the P-145BT. If I want to practise low notes and repeated keystrokes, I mainly want to feel for myself how the keyboard responds. Around 31% of consumers prioritise touch response and keyboard range.
Space and listening options Measure the width and depth with the music stand and piano stand in place; also check for a headphone socket and speakers. Korg gives the D1’s dimensions as 1327 × 263 mm without the music stand and 1327 × 375 mm with it; Casio lists a case depth of 232 mm for the CDP-S110. If you play in a small room, the instrument and your preferred listening setup need to fit together in the space. Around 25% of consumers prioritise space and quiet practice.
Tempo and repetition Try the metronome controls and repeat a left-hand figure at the tempo you want to practise. Korg lists a metronome for the D1; according to their product information, the Casio CDP-S110 and Roland RD-08 also have a metronome function. If I want to repeat patterns to a steady beat, I need to be able to set the tempo easily. Around 19% of consumers consider tempo practice their main priority.
Complete setup Check which accessories are included with each version and whether you’ll need a suitable stand, pedal, headphones or speakers. Korg, Casio and Kawai list different accessories as included or available separately. If you want to set up the piano straight away with everything you need, check the bundle and compatibility. Around 13% of consumers prioritise having a complete practice setup.
Moving and connecting Check the weight and whether the connections will work with your audio or recording equipment. Korg lists the D1 as weighing 16 kg and having line outputs; Kawai lists stereo line outputs and two headphone sockets for the ES120. If I also rehearse elsewhere, I want to know in advance how I’ll transport and connect the piano. Around 12% of consumers prioritise portability and connections.

Common buying mistakes

  • Comparing case depth alone

    A piano’s stated dimensions don’t tell you how much room you’ll need for the music stand, piano stand and seating. Korg lists different depths for the D1 with and without the music stand.

    Before buying, measure the available width and depth, including the room you’ll need to play and sit comfortably.

  • Assuming every stage piano has built-in speakers

    Korg says the D1 has no built-in speakers, while Roland lists them for the RD-08. How you want to listen will therefore affect the setup you need.

    Decide in advance whether you’ll practise with headphones, built-in speakers or external audio equipment.

  • Assuming an optional pedal or stand is included

    The included accessories vary by model and version. Korg lists a damper pedal as included with the D1, while the DS-1H is available separately; Kawai lists the stand and three-pedal unit as accessories.

    Check what’s included in the bundle on offer and whether the pedal is suitable for your practice.

Brands to compare

Korg

The D1 is a stage-focused option if you play with headphones or already have external audio equipment.

  • Korg lists 88 RH3 keys, a metronome and line outputs for the D1.
  • According to Korg, the D1 has no built-in speakers; its stated depth differs with and without the music stand.

Roland

The RD-08 combines stage controls with built-in speakers; the FP-30X is a separate digital piano for home practice.

  • Roland lists a weighted PHA-4 keyboard for the RD-08, with the option to save settings as scenes.
  • The dual headphone outputs listed by Roland for the FP-30X are not a stated feature of the RD-08.

Casio

The CDP-S110 is a portable digital piano worth comparing if case depth is a major consideration.

  • Casio lists a case depth of 232 mm, a scaled hammer-action keyboard and an included SP-3 pedal.
  • The case dimensions alone don’t tell you whether the complete setup will fit in your room.

Yamaha

The P-145BT is a portable digital piano worth comparing if you’re looking for an 88-key keyboard.

  • Yamaha lists an 88-key GHC keyboard and a width of 1326 mm.
  • Remember to measure the depth too; Yamaha gives dimensions with and without the music stand.

Kawai

Kawai describes the ES120 as a portable piano for home and stage use.

  • Kawai lists a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard, two headphone sockets and stereo line outputs.
  • The stand and three-pedal unit are listed as accessories; check which version is on offer.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need 88 weighted keys to practise left-hand patterns?

No, that’s not a general requirement. Compare the range of your exercises with the keyboard and try playing low and repeated notes for yourself. The Korg D1, Roland RD-08 and Yamaha P-145BT are examples of 88-key keyboards, but their key actions differ.

Can I practise if the piano doesn’t have speakers?

Yes, as long as you use suitable headphones or an external audio setup. Korg lists a headphone socket and line outputs for the D1, but no built-in speakers.

What should I consider when positioning and powering the piano?

Measure the space with the accessories you’ll use, and follow the manual for your exact model. For the P-145BT and P-143BT, Yamaha specifies the correct mains voltage and the stated adapter, and recommends using an easily accessible socket.

What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?

For eligible consumer purchases made at a distance, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period from delivery, according to ACM ConsuWijzer. Your statutory guarantee is separate from any manufacturer’s or seller’s guarantee. If a product breaks too soon under normal use, ACM ConsuWijzer says the seller is your point of contact for a remedy at no cost.

Does a CE logo prove that a stage piano is safe and good quality?

No. According to Business.gov.nl, CE is not a quality mark; it indicates that the manufacturer declares the product meets the applicable EU requirements. The rules that apply depend, among other things, on the electrical and any wireless features of the product.