Who is this buying guide for?

Loft-dweller who practises quietly

Wants to learn a song by playing it repeatedly, while choosing a listening set-up that takes other people in the building into account.

Pianist accompanying a singer

Wants to play the piano part with a suitable key action and adjust the song’s range if needed.

Player with plans to perform

May want to use the same playing and sound settings for rehearsals or performances.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide how you’ll practise on your own and how a singer or another player needs to hear the accompaniment. Then compare the keyboard, the space available and any features for playing with others.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Practising quietly or playing aloud Check whether the exact model has a headphone socket, built-in speakers or line outputs. If I want to play the song repeatedly without using speakers every time, I’ll look at the listening options. Around 36% of consumers put quiet practice first.
Key action and range Compare the keyboard with your music and measure the space needed for the instrument, player and pedal. When learning a piano part, I want to know whether the key action and range suit the music. Around 29% of consumers give these piano-specific features top priority.
Accompanying a singer Check whether transposition and the sounds you want are available on the exact model and easy to use. If I’m accompanying a singer, a different range or an additional sound layer may be useful. Around 21% of consumers choose accompaniment as their main consideration.
Complete set-up Check the dimensions, what’s included and what you’ll need to play on your own and with others. In a loft, I want to know what I’ll need in addition to the piano and how much space the playing set-up will take up. Around 14% of consumers put the complete set-up first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming every stage piano has speakers

    This varies by model. Korg, for example, says the D1 has no built-in speakers, while Roland lists built-in stereo speakers for the RD-88 EX. Decide in advance how you and any singer will want to hear the piano.

    For a model without speakers, you’ll need headphones or suitable external audio equipment to hear the piano.

  • Comparing only the piano’s dimensions

    You’ll also need to allow space for the player, pedal and any stand. Korg says the D1 comes with a pedal and music rest; the stand is sold separately.

    If you need a stand for the Korg D1, allow for the extra space and cost of buying one separately.

    Check what’s included with the version you choose and measure the complete playing set-up.

  • Assuming headphones mean you can practise without limits

    Headphones won’t necessarily stop the mechanical sounds of the keys or pedal from reaching other people. The Dutch government advises talking to your neighbours first if your playing could cause noise disturbance.

    Discuss practice times if they could cause a disturbance, and check any rules that apply in your building.

Brands to compare

Roland

According to Roland, the RD-88 EX is a stage piano with a weighted keyboard and built-in speakers.

  • According to Roland, the built-in stereo speakers let you practise at home without an external amplifier.
  • The extra sound and zone features may not be necessary if you’re only learning a single piano part.

Yamaha

The CK88 is a stage keyboard with built-in speakers and a range of sounds; the P-225 is a separate digital piano you could also compare.

  • Yamaha describes the CK88 as offering piano, organ and string sounds, among others, plus an input for a microphone or another instrument.
  • The CK88 and P-225 have different features, so assess the version you’re considering.

Korg

The D1 is a slim stage piano with a weighted RH3 keyboard, designed for use with headphones or external audio equipment.

  • Korg lists line outputs and includes a pedal and music rest.
  • The D1 has no built-in speakers, and the stand is sold separately.

Nord

The Piano 6 is worth considering if you want to use transposition and layered sounds when accompanying a singer or performing on stage.

  • Nord lists transposition, layered sounds and a headphone output for the Piano 6.
  • The Piano 6 is available in 73- and 88-key versions, so check which one you need. The extra stage features may not be necessary for playing one song at home.

Joybuy products

The digital pianos and keyboards shown have 61 keys. Compare them as options for practising at home and check whether this range suits your musical theatre part.

MLS-931 digital piano with 61 keys

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys

An option to compare if you want a weighted keyboard and built-in speakers for practising at home.

61 keys; weighted keyboard; built-in speakers and headphone socket.

The product information lists 300 sounds, 300 rhythms and USB-MIDI. Check that the range suits your music.

View at Joybuy
Electronic keyboard piano with 61 keys

Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys

An option to compare if you want built-in speakers and a headphone socket for practising.

61 keys; built-in stereo speakers; headphone socket and music stand.

The product information lists a metronome, recording function, USB-MIDI and 500 sounds. Check that the range suits your music.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can you play any stage piano without an amplifier?

No, it depends on the model. Korg says the D1 has no built-in speakers, so you’ll need headphones or suitable audio equipment. Roland lists built-in stereo speakers for the RD-88 EX.

What should you check before setting up your piano in a loft?

Measure the space needed for the instrument, player and any stand, and check which pedal and audio connections you’ll need. Korg says the D1 includes a pedal and music rest, but the stand is sold separately.

What arrangements should you make with neighbours about noise in the Netherlands?

The Dutch government advises discussing possible noise disturbance together first, for example by agreeing on what time music can be played. This general guidance does not set a nationally permitted practice time; check any rules that apply in your building too.

Are you automatically entitled to exactly two years of legal guarantee in the Netherlands?

No. The Dutch government says there is no fixed legal guarantee period in the Netherlands. You’re entitled to a product that works properly for as long as you could reasonably expect it to. If a product is faulty, contact the seller; any manufacturer’s guarantee is in addition to this.

Can you always return a piano bought online within 14 days?

For a distance purchase from a business, you’ll generally have 14 days to change your mind, according to the Dutch government. This doesn’t apply to every online purchase; buying from a private seller online is one example of a purchase that isn’t covered.