Start by considering how the accompaniment needs to be heard: through headphones, built-in speakers or equipment already in the room. Built-in speakers can be useful when a singer needs to hear the accompaniment, but they won’t automatically balance the vocals and piano. Then compare the keyboard with your arrangement, and check that the exact model has the connections, stand, pedal and power supply you need for your set-up.
You want the vocals and piano accompaniment to be audible at the same time in a small room. So, look at the volume controls and listening set-up. A microphone input only matters if you want to connect a microphone. Yamaha lists an A/D input on the CK88 that can be used with a microphone, among other things.
You’re mainly practising your touch, chords and pedal technique, and want to choose between built-in speakers and headphones. Compare the keyboard on the exact version with the passages you need to play.
You set up the instrument regularly and put it away afterwards. Compare the dimensions and weight of the exact version, and allow space for a stand and pedal too.
A good fit if: the singer needs to hear the piano accompaniment in the same room without a separate monitor.
Bear in mind: built-in speakers don’t guarantee a good balance between vocals and piano in your room. Yamaha lists speakers for the CK88; Roland lists stereo speakers for the RD-88 EX.
A good fit if: you’re mainly learning the piano part and are less concerned about stage-focused controls. Kawai describes the ES120 as having a hammer-action keyboard, built-in speakers and two headphone sockets.
Bear in mind: a portable digital piano won’t necessarily offer the same live controls as a stage piano. Check that its sounds and connections suit your arrangement.
A good fit if: you already have a suitable monitor or sound system and can connect the version you choose to it.
Bear in mind: external equipment takes up space and requires the right connections. Korg lists built-in speakers for the SV-2S, so check which exact SV-2 version you’re considering.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing the accompaniment | Check the speakers, volume controls and connections for vocals or any other audio you actually want to use. Yamaha lists built-in speakers and an A/D input for the CK88. | When I practise with a singer, the piano accompaniment needs to be audible without relying solely on headphones. Around 33% of consumers prioritise playing together. |
| Control over the piano part | Play the relevant passages on the exact keyboard and check which pedal option is available or included with your version. Yamaha, Roland and Korg describe different keyboards and key counts across their models. | When I’m learning the part, I want the keyboard’s touch and range to suit it. Around 27% of consumers prioritise touch and the piano part. |
| Set-up and storage | Measure the available space and allow room for the stand and pedal. Yamaha specifies that the CK61 is 910 mm wide and weighs 5,6 kg without batteries; the CK88 is 1.333 mm wide and weighs 13,1 kg without batteries. | If I need to put the instrument away after practising, I want to know whether the complete set-up will fit in the room. Around 20% of consumers prioritise set-up and storage. |
| Sounds and connections | Decide which sounds and external equipment you need, then check the connections on the exact version. Roland lists three zones and USB audio/MIDI for the RD-88 EX; Korg says you can create your own splits using the SV-2 Editor. | For an arrangement with extra sounds, I want to know which features and connections I’ll actually use. Around 20% of consumers prioritise extra sounds and connections. |
Stage pianos don’t always have built-in speakers. In the SV-2 range, Korg distinguishes between the SV-2S, which it says has an internal speaker system, and other versions.
Check the exact version and think in advance about how both you and the singer will hear the accompaniment.
The Yamaha CK61 and CK88 differ in key count and keyboard type, not just size. A more compact keyboard may suit your room better, but check that its range also works for your arrangement.
Compare the keyboard’s range and touch with the passages you want to learn before choosing a version.
The accessories included can vary by version or offer. Also measure the space needed for the stand and pedal, not just the piano itself.
Check what’s included in the specific offer, and make sure the connections and power supply suit the place where you’ll practise.
Depending on the offer, you may still need to arrange a suitable stand, pedal or another component. It’s worth planning your complete set-up in advance.
The CK61 and CK88 combine piano and other sounds with speakers and straightforward controls.
The RD-88 EX is a stage piano for players looking for an 88-key hammer-action keyboard and options for layering sounds or using a computer.
The SV-2 range includes 73- and 88-key versions for players looking for quick access to stage sounds.
The ES120 portable digital piano is an option if you’re mainly practising the piano part.
These digital pianos are options for practising a musical theatre song. Check that the keyboard and connections on each model suit your set-up.
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Suitable for practising with the built-in speakers or through headphones, depending on how you want to listen.
61 weighted, touch-sensitive keys; 300 sounds and 300 rhythms; USB-MIDI and microphone and audio connections.
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Suitable for practising with the built-in stereo speakers. The headphone socket also lets you practise privately.
61 keys; 500 sounds and 300 rhythms; USB-MIDI, recording function and metronome. The product description also lists a music stand.
Headphones let you listen, but they won’t make the piano accompaniment audible to the singer. Decide whether they need to hear the piano through speakers, and try out the volume balance together. Yamaha lists both a headphone socket and built-in speakers for the CK88.
Not with every set-up. Yamaha lists an A/D input for the CK range that can be used to connect a microphone, among other things. Check that your microphone and the connections you need are compatible. An input on one model doesn’t mean all stage pianos have one.
Use the power supply specified for the exact instrument and keep liquids away from it. The Kawai ES120 manual warns against using a different voltage from the one specified. If you notice smoke, an unusual smell or excessive heat, it advises disconnecting the instrument and contacting the shop.
For a qualifying distance purchase as a consumer in the Netherlands, there is generally a 14-day cooling-off period. Check the terms of your specific purchase. You also have statutory consumer rights if a product is faulty or doesn’t conform to the contract. The Dutch government states that there is no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands. Contact the seller if there’s a problem.
Check the product information and markings for the exact version. The Dutch government states that electronic devices placed on the market in the EU must carry a CE mark. A model name on its own doesn’t prove that a specific offer meets the applicable requirements.
