Pianists refining their recital technique
You want to assess the key feel, keyboard range and pedal use against your own piece. Compare keyboards and compatible pedals, then try the trickier passages for yourself.
Who is a stage piano for a recital piece suitable for?
Students in a shared music room
You may want to practise with headphones sometimes and play out loud at other times. Check whether the piano has speakers and what audio connections are available in the room.
Students who travel between rooms
If you regularly take your instrument with you, compare not only the piano’s weight but also everything else you’ll need for your setup.
What should you look for in a stage piano for your recital piece?
First, check that the range and pedal functions suit your piece. Then choose a listening setup that works for your music room, and remember to factor in everything you need to carry when moving between rooms.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Key feel and keyboard range | Try passages from your piece on the keyboard and check that the number of keys covers the required range. | If I want to practise the tricky passages and full range of my recital piece, I need to be able to assess the keyboard for myself. Around 36% of consumers give key feel and keyboard range top priority. |
| Listening setup | Check for built-in speakers, a headphone socket and, if needed, suitable audio outputs. | In a shared music room, I want the choice of practising quietly or playing out loud without extra equipment. Around 29% of consumers prioritise their listening setup. |
| Transport and setup | Compare the instrument’s weight with everything else you need to take, such as a stand, pedal or audio equipment. | If I regularly move between rooms, I want to be able to transport the piano and necessary equipment easily. Around 21% of consumers prioritise transport and setup. |
| Pedals and connections | Check which pedal functions your piece requires, what’s included with the model and whether the outputs will work with the available setup. | If my piece calls for specific pedal technique or I want to use the room’s audio system, I need to know whether the components are compatible. Around 14% of consumers give pedal and setup compatibility top priority. |
Common mistakes when choosing a stage piano
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Assuming every stage piano can be played out loud without extra equipment
According to Korg, the D1 has no built-in speakers. You won’t hear the instrument without headphones or suitable external audio equipment.
Before buying, check whether you’ll practise with headphones and what audio equipment is available in the room.
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Assuming the three-pedal unit shown is included
The three-pedal options for the Yamaha P-525 and Kawai ES120 are optional.
Check what’s included with the exact model you’re considering against the pedal functions your piece requires.
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Comparing only the instrument’s weight
A piano without built-in speakers may also need extra audio equipment. The weight of the piano alone doesn’t tell you how much you’ll need to carry for your setup.
Make a packing list for your journey between rooms, then compare the weight of the instrument together with the stand, pedal and any audio equipment you’ll need.
Brands to compare
Roland
The RD-88 EX is worth comparing if you want both a weighted 88-key keyboard and built-in speakers for your music room.
- Roland specifies PHA-4 hammer action, stereo speakers and USB audio/MIDI for this model.
- The specifications can’t tell you how the keys will feel to play or how well the instrument suits your recital piece.
Yamaha
Compare the portable, piano-focused P-525 with the CP88 stage piano if an optional pedal expansion or stage connections are important to you.
- Yamaha specifies a GrandTouch-S keyboard and optional three-pedal unit for the P-525. The CP88 has 88 NW-GH3 keys and XLR outputs, according to Yamaha.
- The P-525 weighs 22.0 kg, according to Yamaha. The listed features don’t tell you which key feel you’ll prefer, so try the keyboard with your piece.
Kawai
The ES120 is a portable digital piano worth comparing if you move your instrument between practice rooms and want to assess the pedal options.
- Kawai lists a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard, an instrument weight of 12.5 kg and optional three-pedal options for the ES120.
- The description of the playing feel comes from the manufacturer; try the keyboard for yourself to see how it feels with your piece.
Korg
The D1 is a stage-focused piano without built-in speakers to consider if you can use headphones or external audio equipment.
- Korg specifies 88 RH3 keys, a weight of 16 kg, and headphone and line-out connections.
- Korg states that the D1 has no speakers. You’ll therefore need headphones or suitable external audio equipment to play out loud.
Joybuy product selection
A portable digital piano with weighted keys for practice, if the 61-key range suits your recital piece.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
The weighted keyboard and built-in speakers may suit practice in a music room, provided the 61-key range covers your recital piece.
61 keys; 300 sounds; 300 rhythms; LCD; USB-MIDI; headphone socket.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play any stage piano out loud without extra equipment?
No, not every stage piano has built-in speakers. Korg states that the D1 has no speakers, so you’ll need to use headphones or connect its line-outs to suitable audio equipment. Roland specifies built-in stereo speakers for the RD-88 EX.
Do I need a three-pedal unit for my recital piece?
That depends on the pedal technique your piece requires. Yamaha lists an optional LP-1/FC35 three-pedal unit for the P-525, while Kawai lists optional three-pedal options for the ES120. Check what’s included with the model you choose and try out the technique you need.
How do I connect a stage piano to the music room’s audio system?
First, check which inputs the system has, then choose a suitable output and cable. Yamaha specifies 6.3mm line-outs and balanced XLR outputs for the CP88; Korg specifies line-outs and a separate headphone socket for the D1. A headphone output isn’t necessarily the same as a line-out.
Do workplace noise rules automatically apply to students in a music room?
The rules that Arboportaal describes for employers and employees don’t establish a general volume limit for every student or music room. Ask your institution about the room’s rules, and be considerate of others sharing the space when you practise.
What should I check to use a digital piano safely?
Use the power supply intended for your specific instrument and follow the manual. In the ES120 manual, Kawai advises switching off the instrument, unplugging it and contacting the shop if you notice smoke, an unusual smell or water inside the instrument.