Pianists working on their touch
If you’re practising scales for evenness and dynamics, it’s best to try the keyboard for yourself: the models listed have different weighted keybeds.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Players without a permanent monitor system
If you want to hear sound straight away in the rehearsal room, compare built-in speakers with a set-up using headphones or external audio equipment.
Pianists who take their instrument with them
If you regularly set up and pack away your practice space, it’s worth considering the weight, stand and connections you’ll need.
What should you look for when choosing?
First compare the feel of the keys and the range, then decide how you’ll hear yourself, and finally consider transport, set-up and practice features.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and range | Try playing the exact model both softly and forcefully; check the number of keys and any touch settings. | If I want to practise my touch and dynamics with scales, I need to know whether the keyboard suits my playing style. Around 33% of consumers prioritise touch and range. |
| Being able to hear yourself | Check whether the model has speakers and which headphone and audio outputs are available. | Without a permanent monitor system, I want to hear sound straight away while practising. Around 27% of consumers prioritise being able to hear themselves without additional equipment. |
| Transport and set-up | Compare the weight of the exact model and check that a stand and pedal will work with your set-up. | If I practise in different places, I want to be able to take the instrument with me and set it up easily. Around 20% of consumers prioritise transport and set-up. |
| Tempo and practice features | Check that the metronome is easy to use and that you’ll actually use the other practice features. | If you want to repeat scales at a steady tempo, a metronome may matter more than extra performance features. Around 20% of consumers prioritise tempo and practice aids. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming every stage piano can be heard without extra equipment
According to Roland, the RD-08 has built-in stereo speakers, while Korg says the D1 has no built-in speakers. Without a suitable listening set-up, you may not be able to hear yourself through the instrument.
Before buying, decide whether you’ll use the speakers, headphones or external audio, and check the connections on the exact model.
A model without speakers may require headphones, audio cables or external sound equipment.
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Comparing only the instrument and forgetting about the set-up
Korg lists a damper pedal as an included accessory and a keyboard stand as a separate accessory. Check what’s included with the version you’re planning to buy.
Compare the included items with what you already have, such as a stand or case.
You may need to buy a separate stand or case for your set-up.
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Confusing extra performance features with better scale practice
According to Nord, the Piano 6 has piano and synth layers. For practising scales, the keyboard, listening set-up and tempo control may matter more than features you won’t use.
Choose extra sound layers and performance controls only if you’ll also use them in other rehearsals or performances.
Brands to compare
Roland
The RD-08 is worth considering if you’re looking for weighted keys, built-in speakers and performance controls in one instrument.
- Roland lists 88 PHA-4 keys and stereo speakers for the RD-08.
- Roland’s sound description isn’t an independent listening test; judge the volume in your own space.
Korg
The D1 may suit you if you’re looking for an RH3 keyboard and will use your own headphones or external audio equipment.
- Korg USA specifies 88 keys, a metronome, line outputs and a headphone output for the D1.
- Korg says it has no built-in speakers. Check the model and package contents before buying in the Netherlands.
Yamaha
The P-225 from the portable P series is an alternative if practice and portability are your priorities.
- Yamaha Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg lists 88 GHC keys and a weight of 11.5 kg.
- Compare its controls with those of a dedicated stage piano if you also want to use it for band rehearsals.
Nord
The Piano 6 88 is a performance instrument for pianists who also want to use separate sound layers and hands-on controls.
- Nord lists a Triple Sensor keyboard with 88 keys, piano and synth layers, audio outputs and a headphone output.
- These extra features aren’t essential if you’re only practising major scales; the specifications are from the manufacturer, not an independent performance comparison.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy options are suitable for practising scales on digital pianos and keyboards, including compact 61-key models.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
May suit you if you’re looking for a weighted keyboard and built-in speakers; check whether 61 keys are enough for the scales you want to practise.
Listed features: 61 keys, weighted keyboard, speakers, headphone socket, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, LCD, USB-MIDI and music stand.
Roland lists 88 keys for the RD-08; with 61 keys, the MLS-931 has a more limited range.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black
This model has 61 keys, speakers and a metronome; check whether the range suits the scales you want to practise.
Listed features: MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand.
Korg lists 88 keys for the D1; with 61 keys, this keyboard has a more limited range.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need external speakers in the rehearsal room?
It depends on the model and the listening set-up in the room. Roland lists built-in stereo speakers for the RD-08; Korg says the D1 has no built-in speakers, so you’ll need headphones or suitable audio equipment to hear yourself.
How should you use a metronome when practising scales?
Start at a tempo that lets you play the scale evenly, then adjust the tempo as you practise. The Roland RD-08 manual describes a metronome and tempo adjustment; Korg lists tempo and volume controls, among other features, for the D1.
Who can help if your piano develops a fault after purchase?
For a consumer purchase in the Netherlands, the seller must provide a solution if the product is faulty, according to the Dutch government. There’s no fixed statutory warranty period for all products; the expected lifespan and the circumstances are taken into account.
Is a CE logo always required, and is it an EU certification mark?
CE marking is required when the applicable harmonised EU rules specify it for the product. According to the European Commission, the logo is a declaration by the manufacturer, and no central EU authority issues a general CE certificate. Check which product rules apply to the exact model.