Player short on space
You want to practise minor scales and need to fit the instrument, stand and any music rest into a small practice space.
Who is this option for?
Player working on piano technique
You also practise scales to develop your piano technique, so you’re comparing hammer action with a lighter, semi-weighted keyboard.
Quiet home player
You practise when using speakers isn’t practical and want to know in advance how headphones, power and set-up are handled.
What should you look for when buying?
First compare the keyboard range with the exercises you play, then consider the feel of the keys and finally the complete set-up. The points below are relevant if you want to practise minor scales where floor space is limited.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space for the complete set-up | Measure the available width and depth, then check the dimensions with the music rest and the stand you plan to use. | If my practice space is small, I want to know how much room the keyboard and all its accessories will take up together. Around 36% of consumers in this situation prioritise space for the complete set-up. |
| Keyboard range and key feel | Note the lowest and highest notes in your exercises, then compare semi-weighted keys with hammer action. | If I also practise scales to work on my piano technique, I consider both the range I need and the feel of the keys. Around 29% of consumers in this situation prioritise range and a piano-like feel. |
| Practising quietly | Check whether the model has speakers and a headphone socket, and what power supply the speakers require. | When I want to practise quietly at home, I want to know whether headphones are enough and how the sound is played back. Around 21% of consumers in this situation prioritise quiet practice without extra audio equipment. |
| Moving or storing the instrument | Compare the instrument’s stated weight and dimensions with those of the stand you plan to move. | If I want to put my instrument away after practising, the weight of the complete set-up matters. Around 14% of consumers in this situation prioritise moving or storing their instrument. |
Things to consider when choosing
-
Measuring only the cabinet depth
The space required may change when you add a music rest. For example, Korg gives the D1’s depth as 263 mm without a music rest and 375 mm with one.
Measure the space again with the music rest fitted and the stand you plan to use.
To hear the speaker-free D1, you’ll need suitable headphones or external audio equipment.
Brands to compare
Studiologic
The Numa Compact SE is an 88-key model for anyone who wants a slim cabinet and a lightweight instrument.
- Studiologic lists its dimensions as 127 × 23 cm and its weight as 7,1 kg.
- The keys are semi-weighted, not hammer action. More than USB power alone is needed to use the built-in speakers.
Roland
The RD-08 combines 88 keys with hammer action and built-in speakers.
- Roland specifies PHA-4 hammer action and a cabinet depth of 258 mm.
- The positive description of the playing feel is Roland’s claim, not an independent comparison with other keyboards.
Yamaha
The CK88 is a stage keyboard for players looking for piano keys as well as stage sounds and hands-on controls.
- Yamaha specifies 88 GHS keys, a headphone socket and two built-in speakers.
- Check the complete set-up and which adapter is included with the version on offer.
Korg
The D1 is a digital piano without built-in speakers, which Korg also describes as suitable for stage use.
- Korg specifies 88 RH3 hammer-action keys, a headphone socket and a depth of 263 mm without a music rest.
- With the music rest fitted, the stated depth is 375 mm. You’ll need headphones or external audio equipment to hear the sound.
Casio
The Privia PX-S1100 is a portable digital piano worth comparing as a space-saving alternative to a stage piano.
- Casio lists 88 hammer-action keys and a cabinet depth of 232 mm.
- It’s a digital piano, not necessarily the same product category as a stage piano. When planning your set-up, also allow for the stand, pedal and playing height.
Related products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need 88 keys to practise minor scales?
Not always: compare the keyboard’s range with the lowest and highest notes, and the number of octaves you practise. ABRSM explains that the required scale range can increase at different grades, so 88 keys aren’t a general minimum requirement.
What do you need to play the speaker-free Korg D1?
According to the manufacturer, the Korg D1 has a headphone socket and line outputs, but no built-in speakers. Use suitable headphones or arrange external audio equipment if you want to hear the sound, and remember to measure the space with the music rest fitted.
Will the Studiologic Numa Compact SE speakers work on USB power alone?
No. Studiologic says the internal speakers won’t work on USB power alone; you’ll need to use the supplied power adapter.
What cooling-off period and warranty apply to an online purchase in the Netherlands?
For a standard online purchase, you generally have a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, subject to legal exceptions. ACM ConsuWijzer also explains that the seller must repair a product or otherwise put things right if, under normal use, it doesn’t do what you could reasonably expect; there isn’t automatically one fixed warranty period for every piano.
Is CE marking relevant for an electric stage piano?
Yes. If the stage piano is covered by EU rules that require CE marking, the version being offered must comply with those rules and carry the required marking. The Dutch government and the European Union explain these obligations in general terms; check the specific version and power supply, as a model name alone doesn’t confirm that a particular offer complies with the applicable rules.