Quiet home practiser
Practises blues chords and timing at home and wants to connect suitable headphones and a pedal. Key action and your listening setup are important considerations.
Who is this suitable for?
Blues sound explorer
Wants to try electric piano or organ sounds as well as piano sounds, or practise chord changes with rhythms and accompaniment.
Practiser who also rehearses
Wants to use the instrument at home and take it to rehearsals. Weight, built-in speakers and connections all affect how practical your setup will be.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with how you listen and the type of key action you prefer. Then consider whether extra sounds, accompaniment and portability would benefit your practice.
| Consideration | What should you check? | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising at low volume | Check for a headphone socket, and whether the instrument has built-in speakers that switch off when you plug in headphones. | If I mainly practise at home with headphones, I want to hear the electronic piano sound privately and know what happens when I plug them in. Around 29% of consumers put quiet practice first. |
| Control over key action | Compare the keyboard types and, if possible, try weighted hammer-action and semi-weighted keys for yourself. | When practising chord changes, I want to choose keys whose action suits the way I play; a specification can’t tell me which keyboard feels better. Around 24% of consumers give control over key action top priority. |
| Blues sounds and practice aids | Check whether the model has electric piano or organ sounds, rhythms, accompaniment or a metronome, and which of these you’ll actually use. | If I want to practise blues progressions with different sounds or a steady beat, I look for features that suit those needs. Around 23% of consumers choose primarily for blues sounds or practice accompaniment. |
| Moving the instrument | Compare the stated weight and check that you have the listening setup and power supply you need in both practice locations. | When I take my instrument between home and a rehearsal space, I want to know what I’ll need to carry and connect. Around 12% of consumers prioritise portability. |
| Complete setup | Check what power supply, pedals and connections you’ll need for your chosen model and setup. | If I want to start practising at home straight away, I want to know in advance which parts will work with my listening and playing setup. Around 12% of consumers give a complete, usable setup top priority. |
Avoiding common buying mistakes
-
Assuming every stage piano has built-in speakers
Korg says the D1 has no built-in speakers, while Roland lists built-in speakers for the RD-08. Without headphones, you won’t hear a speakerless model through the instrument itself.
Decide whether you’ll practise only with headphones or also want to play without them. Then check the speakers and audio outputs on the exact model.
-
Confusing semi-weighted keys with hammer action
Studiologic says the Numa Compact 2x has semi-weighted keys, while Roland lists hammer action for the RD-08. These are different keyboard types, but the specifications can’t tell you which one will feel right for you.
If possible, try both types with the same chord progression before you choose.
-
Assuming every feature works with every power source
Studiologic says the Numa Compact 2x’s built-in speakers won’t work when the instrument is powered solely via USB.
If you want to use the instrument on the move, check the power source requirements as well as the speaker function.
Brands to consider
Roland
The RD-08 is a stage-focused option for anyone looking for weighted keys, piano sounds and built-in speakers.
- Roland lists an 88-key PHA-4 keyboard, acoustic and electric piano sounds, and stereo speakers for the RD-08.
- Descriptions of the feel and sound come from the manufacturer; try the key action for yourself to see if it suits you.
Yamaha
The CK88 is designed for players who want to switch between piano, electric piano and organ sounds.
- Yamaha lists built-in speakers, 88 GHS keys and a headphone socket for the CK88.
- If you mainly use one piano sound, the extra sound options may be less relevant to your purchase.
Korg
The D1 is a stage piano without built-in speakers, designed for use with headphones or external audio equipment.
- Korg specifies 88 RH3 keys, a metronome, headphone and line outputs, and a damper pedal supplied with the instrument.
- You’ll need connected audio equipment to play without headphones.
Casio
The PX-S3100 is a portable digital piano with rhythm and automatic accompaniment features.
- Casio lists rhythms and automatic accompaniment for the PX-S3100, as well as an 88-key hammer-action keyboard.
- Check whether the available patterns and controls suit the way you want to practise blues progressions.
Studiologic
The Numa Compact 2x is an option for anyone looking for a lightweight 88-key instrument with electric piano and organ sounds.
- Studiologic specifies a weight of 7,1 kg, semi-weighted keys, a headphone socket and built-in speakers.
- The keyboard has no hammer action. According to Studiologic, the speakers don’t work when the instrument is powered solely via USB.
Kawai
The ES120 is a portable digital piano for anyone who wants to practise at home and take the instrument with them too.
- Kawai lists a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard and a weight of 12,5 kg for the ES120.
- According to the Kawai manual, the built-in speakers produce no sound when headphones are connected.
Joybuy products
These are 61-key digital pianos for practising with headphones and using rhythmic support while working on chord progressions.
No image available
MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys
Worth considering if you want to use rhythms and automatic accompaniment while practising chord changes.
The product information lists 61 keys, a headphone socket and speakers.
The product description lists touch-sensitive, weighted keys, 300 rhythms, automatic bass chords and a metronome.
No image available
Electronic piano keyboard, 61 keys, black
This option may suit you if you’re looking for a headphone socket and rhythmic support for your practice sessions.
The product information lists 61 keys, speakers and a headphone socket.
The product description lists 500 sounds, 300 rhythms and a metronome.
Frequently asked questions
Can I practise completely silently with headphones?
No. Headphones stop the electronic piano sound coming through the speakers, but they won’t necessarily eliminate the physical sound of the keys. According to the Kawai ES120 manual, the built-in speakers produce no sound when headphones are connected; check this for each model.
What do I need to use a stage piano without speakers?
For private practice, you’ll need suitable headphones; to listen without headphones, you’ll need external audio equipment. Korg lists a headphone socket and line outputs for the D1, but no built-in speakers. Korg also lists a supplied adapter, music rest and damper pedal; a keyboard stand is a separate accessory.
How can I look after my digital piano safely?
Follow the manual for your exact model for instructions on power and use. The Kawai ES120 manual warns against getting the instrument wet and advises you to switch it off and unplug it if you notice smoke, an unusual smell or abnormal heat.
Is the statutory guarantee in the Netherlands always two years?
No. The statutory guarantee isn’t limited to a fixed two-year period for every purchase. ACM ConsuWijzer explains that, with normal use, a product must meet the standards you could reasonably expect, and that the seller is responsible for providing an appropriate free solution if the product develops a fault too soon. A manufacturer’s or seller’s guarantee is separate from these statutory rights.
Do I have a cooling-off period when buying online in the Netherlands?
For distance purchases from a business, a 14-day cooling-off period applies in many cases, according to the Dutch government. There are exceptions, and different rules may apply when buying from a private individual, so check which rules apply to your order.