Players learning piano parts
You mainly want to practise the melody, accompaniment and dynamics of film themes. In that case, touch, pedal and a suitable listening set-up matter more than having a large selection of extra sounds.
Who is this buying guide for?
Players in a shared rehearsal room
Sometimes you practise alone and sometimes with others. Consider whether you want to use headphones, built-in speakers or the room’s sound system; the equipment available can vary from one room to another.
Players who travel regularly
You take your instrument with you, so weigh up how easy it is to transport against the keyboard, built-in speakers and any extra equipment you’ll need to carry.
What should you look for when buying?
Portable piano with speakers
A good fit if: you want to practise on your own in different spaces without relying on the amplification available.
Keep in mind: built-in speakers aren’t necessarily suitable for playing with a group; check that the connections meet your needs too.
Stage piano without speakers
A good fit if: you have suitable headphones or an external sound system, and its connections are compatible with the instrument.
Keep in mind: without headphones or external amplification, you won’t hear the instrument through built-in speakers.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and piano playing | Try passages from your own repertoire and check the keyboard type and pedal options for the exact version. | If I want to learn melodies, accompaniment and pedal technique carefully, the feel of the keyboard comes first. Around 33% of consumers give touch and piano playing top priority. |
| Listening set-up | Ask what equipment is available in the room and check that the instrument has the headphone or audio outputs you need. | When I practise alone as well as sometimes playing with others, I want to know in advance how I’ll hear the instrument. Around 27% of consumers prioritise their listening set-up. |
| Transport and set-up | Check the stated weight of the instrument and work out which stand, pedal and other accessories you’ll need. | If I take the instrument between rehearsal rooms, I need to consider the complete set-up, not just the piano. Around 20% of consumers give transport and set-up top priority. |
| Sounds for arrangements | Decide which sounds you’ll actually use and check how to switch between them on the exact model. | If I want to use sounds other than piano in an arrangement, I look at the available options. Around 20% of consumers put the range of sounds for arrangements at the top of their list. |
Common mistakes
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Choosing a stage piano without speakers as if it produces sound on its own
The Korg D1 has no built-in speakers. What’s more, the equipment available can vary from one rehearsal room to another.
Before deciding what equipment you need, check the room’s listening set-up and the instrument’s audio outputs.
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Comparing only the weight of the instrument
Your complete set-up may also include a stand, pedal, power supply and, potentially, external sound equipment. Korg lists the stand for the D1 as a separate accessory.
Make a packing list for your journey and check which accessories are included with the version you’ve chosen.
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Confusing a shared output with separate line outputs
According to Casio, the CDP-S110 has a shared PHONES/OUTPUT socket; the Korg D1 has separate LINE OUT sockets as well as a headphone socket.
Compare the connections on the exact model with the input on the sound system in your rehearsal room.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
The P-225 is a compact portable piano worth considering if you’re looking for an 88-key keyboard with built-in practice features.
- Yamaha lists a GHC keyboard, 24 sounds and a stated weight of 11,5 kg for the P-225.
- These specifications apply to the P-225; try the keyboard and check the connections on the version you’re considering.
Roland
The FP-30X is worth considering if you want to practise on your own and also be able to connect external active speakers.
- Roland lists built-in stereo speakers, two headphone outputs, separate audio outputs and an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard.
- Roland’s claims about touch and sound come from the manufacturer; decide for yourself whether the keyboard suits your playing style.
Korg
The D1 is a stage piano without speakers, designed for use with suitable external sound equipment or headphones.
- Korg lists an RH3 keyboard, 30 sounds, line outputs and a weight of 16 kg for the D1.
- The model has no built-in speakers; Korg lists the stand as a separate accessory.
Kawai
The ES120 is a portable option to compare if you’re looking for a weighted keyboard, built-in speakers and an external audio connection.
- Kawai lists a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard, speakers and separate Line Out sockets for the ES120.
- Kawai’s claims about realistic touch come from the manufacturer; try the keyboard for yourself.
Casio
The CDP-S110 is a straightforward portable practice option for anyone mainly looking for basic piano sounds.
- Casio lists ten sounds and an SP-3 sustain pedal included in the box.
- The PHONES/OUTPUT socket is shared; check that it suits your listening and rehearsal set-up.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy products are 61-key keyboards for practising piano parts. Compare the number of keys and listed features with your repertoire and the listening set-up in your rehearsal room.
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MLS-931 keyboard, 61 keys
The listed weighted keys make this model worth considering if you want to focus on touch while practising.
The product name lists 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, built-in speakers, a headphone socket and USB-MIDI. Check that the features and connections suit your set-up.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, with MIDI and recording function
The listed 61 keys make this model an option to compare with the range of piano parts you want to practise.
The product name lists MIDI, a recording function, speakers and a metronome. Check which connections and features your rehearsal set-up requires.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need built-in speakers to practise in a rehearsal room?
No, not if you use suitable headphones or connect the instrument to appropriate external sound equipment. The Korg D1 has no built-in speakers, but it does have a headphone output and a line output. Check in advance what equipment is available in the room.
What should I check before setting up the piano?
Check that you have a suitable stand, pedal, power supply and any audio cables you might need. Korg lists an adapter, music rest and damper pedal as included with the D1; the stand is sold separately.
What should I look for when buying a stage piano online?
Compare the listed keyboard specifications and connections with your playing needs and rehearsal set-up. For online consumer purchases, ACM ConsuWijzer says you generally have 14 days from delivery to change your mind, with some exceptions; assess the instrument carefully within the applicable terms.
What can I do if my instrument develops a fault after purchase?
With normal use, a product should meet the standard you could reasonably expect. According to ACM ConsuWijzer, the seller is responsible for the statutory guarantee and must offer an appropriate free solution if a product is faulty. In the Netherlands, there is no single fixed guarantee period for all products.
What should I consider when it comes to electrical safety?
The Dutch Government states that electronic devices offered for sale in the EU must carry a CE mark. Check the product information and that the power supply suits your set-up; a CE mark alone does not confirm that a specific listing has been checked in any other way.