Pianists practising left-hand timing
You practise bass notes, chords and dynamics, and want to assess the key response, metronome and pedal use. Yamaha and Kawai describe practice features for their models.
Who is this stage piano guide for?
Keyboard players looking for a separate bass sound
You want different sounds for your left and right hands, and to set the split point to suit your parts. Roland documents these settings for the RD-08.
Players in a shared rehearsal studio
You want to connect to the available sound system or practise with headphones, while taking transport and accessories into account. Kawai and Korg describe the connections and listening options available on their models.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with how you practise your left hand, then check that the sound layout and listening connections suit the rehearsal space.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Key response and timing | Try your bass notes and chord changes on the exact keyboard. Check that the metronome and pedal connection suit your practice. | If I mainly want to practise bass notes, chord changes and tempo, key response comes first; around 40% of consumers make key response and timing their top priority when buying. |
| Splitting sounds | Check which sounds are available, how to set the split point and whether you can save your settings. Roland describes these options for the RD-08. | If I want to play a bass sound with my left hand and, for example, piano with my right, the split controls matter; around 23% of consumers make sound splitting their top priority. |
| Listening to your playing | Compare the studio’s inputs and monitoring with the instrument’s connections. Korg lists line outputs and a headphone socket for the D1, but no built-in speakers; Kawai lists speakers and line outputs for the ES120. | If I want to know whether I can play through the studio system or headphones, the right connections are essential; around 23% of consumers make monitoring and connectivity their top priority. |
| Transport and setup | Measure your playing space and check the weight, stand and included items for the exact version. | If I need to move the instrument regularly or set it up in a limited space, its weight and the complete playing setup both matter; around 14% of consumers put transport and setup first. |
Which buying pitfalls can you avoid?
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Buying a speakerless stage piano as if you can hear it on its own
According to Korg, the D1 has no built-in speakers. Without headphones or an external sound system, you won’t be able to listen to the instrument in this way.
Before buying, work out how you’ll listen in the rehearsal space and check that the available connections are compatible.
If you don’t have an existing monitoring setup, you may need headphones, a suitable cable or external audio equipment.
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Assuming every split is equally quick to use
A separate sound for your left hand may require you to set up zones and the split point. Roland describes these controls for the RD-08, but that doesn’t tell you how they work on other models.
Check how to set the sounds and split point on the exact model, and how to find those settings again.
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Comparing only the piano itself
According to Korg, the stand for the D1 is sold separately. Yamaha lists an optional three-pedal unit for the P-225.
Check what’s included with the specific version and compare the complete playing setup, including the stand and pedal.
A stand or a more extensive pedal setup may require a separate accessory.
Which brands are relevant to this practice setup?
Roland
The RD-08 is worth considering if you want different sounds for your left and right hands.
- Roland documents split and zone settings, zone volume, scenes and a metronome for the RD-08.
- These features alone don’t tell you whether the keyboard suits your playing style.
Yamaha
The P-225 is a portable digital piano to consider if you mainly want to practise on a weighted keyboard.
- Yamaha specifies 88 GHC keys, a weight of 11,5 kg and a split function for the P-225.
- The compatible three-pedal unit is optional; the specifications can’t tell you which keyboard will feel most comfortable to play.
Kawai
The ES120 is worth considering if you want to combine practice features and speakers with connections for a rehearsal setup.
- Kawai lists a metronome, recorder, split, speakers and line outputs for the ES120.
- These are manufacturer specifications, not an independent assessment of the sound or key response.
Korg
The D1 is an option for an existing studio setup or for practising with headphones.
- Korg specifies an RH3 keyboard, line outputs, a headphone socket and an included damper pedal for the D1.
- The D1 has no built-in speakers, and the stand is sold separately.
Casio
The Privia PX-S3100 is worth considering if you want built-in rhythms or automatic accompaniment as well as piano playing.
- Casio lists rhythms, automatic accompaniment and a case depth of 232 mm for the PX-S3100.
- Rhythms don’t replace practising a left-hand part yourself.
Joybuy products for practice and monitoring
This Joybuy selection is a 61-key keyboard piano with features for practising rhythm and a choice of listening setups.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black
The listed metronome is useful for practising in time; the product name also mentions a recording function.
The product name lists 61 keys and MIDI. The product description mentions sustain, an audio output, built-in speakers and a headphone socket.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a split function to practise left-hand accompaniment?
No, not if you want to practise with the same piano sound in both hands. A split is useful when you deliberately want a different sound on the left, such as bass. Roland describes how to set the split point and the sound for each zone on the RD-08.
How do I connect a speakerless stage piano in a rehearsal studio?
According to Korg, the D1 has no built-in speakers. You can use the headphone socket or connect the line outputs to suitable external audio equipment. Compare the piano’s connections with those on the studio system beforehand.
Do I need to buy a stand and pedal separately?
It depends on the model and version. Korg lists an included damper pedal and a separately available stand for the D1; Yamaha lists an optional three-pedal unit for the P-225. Check what’s included with the specific version.
Am I always entitled to exactly two years’ legal guarantee in the Netherlands?
No. The Dutch government states that there is no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands: you’re entitled to a product that works properly, and the retailer is your point of contact if there’s a problem. What you can expect from a product depends, among other things, on the product, its price and the sales information.
What should I look for in an electric piano for use in the EU?
Check that the specific version meets the applicable EU safety requirements and carries the required CE marking. The Dutch government lists electronic devices as products to which these requirements apply; also check that the power supply and connections suit your studio.