Who is this choice for?

Housemate who practises quietly

You practise regularly while other people are at home and want to hear the piano through headphones. When choosing, bear in mind that the sound of the keys, pedal and stand may still be audible around the house.

Pianist preparing for a recital

You’re working on the dynamics, passages and pedal changes in a specific piece. In that case, the keyboard and pedal functions matter more than extra sounds.

Player with limited space

You share a room or need to move your instrument regularly. Compare the space needed for the instrument, stand and pedal, and consider how you want to hear the sound.

What should you look for?

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Quiet practice in a shared home Check the headphone socket and also assess how audible the keys, pedal and stand are around the house. When I practise while my housemates are at home, I want to hear the piano privately and know what they can still hear outside my headphones. Around 33% of consumers prioritise quiet practice.
Keyboard and range Play both soft and powerful passages on the exact keyboard and check that the lowest and highest notes in your score are within its range. For my recital piece, I want a touch and range that let me practise the passages. That’s why around 27% of consumers prioritise playing feel and range.
Pedal technique Check which pedal functions your score calls for and find out which pedals are included with or compatible with the exact model. If my piece calls for specific pedal changes, I want to practise those techniques on the instrument. Around 20% of consumers give pedal functions top priority.
Space and set-up Measure the space needed, including the stand and pedal; also decide whether you’ll play with headphones, built-in speakers or external audio equipment. In a shared room, I want a set-up that fits the available space. Space and set-up are top priorities for around 20% of consumers.

Things to consider when buying

  • Assuming headphones make the whole set-up silent

    Headphones let you hear the piano privately, but they don’t tell you how audible the keys, pedal or stand will be to your housemates.

    Check the socket and assess the sound of the keys, pedal and stand in your own room.

  • Assuming the included damper pedal covers every pedal function

    Korg lists an included damper pedal with the D1 and says the DS-1H, which supports half-pedalling, is sold separately.

    Compare your score with the pedal functions and check exactly what’s included in the offer.

    If your piece calls for half-pedalling, you may need a compatible pedal.

  • Choosing a stage piano without speakers and having no plan for playing out loud

    Korg says the D1 has no built-in speakers, so you’ll need another way to play out loud.

    Decide in advance when you’ll practise with headphones and when you’ll want to play out loud.

    External audio equipment may require additional kit.

Relevant brands

Korg

The D1 is a slim stage piano without built-in speakers, designed for people who mainly practise with headphones.

  • Korg lists 88 weighted RH3 keys, a headphone socket, a music rest and an included damper pedal.
  • You’ll need another way to play out loud. According to Korg, the DS-1H for half-pedalling is sold separately.

Roland

The RD-08 is a stage-focused alternative with built-in speakers, for anyone who also wants to play out loud at home without an external amplifier.

  • Roland lists built-in stereo speakers and an 88-key PHA-4 keyboard.
  • The published keyboard specification doesn’t independently assess playing feel or how it sounds in a home. Try the keyboard and check the pedal configuration.

Yamaha

The CP88 is worth considering if you’re looking for a full-size keyboard and connections for stage use.

  • Yamaha specifies 88 NW-GH3 keys, a headphone socket and an included FC3A foot pedal for the CP88.
  • The CP73 has a different keyboard and range, so assess that model separately from the CP88.

Nord

The Nord Piano 6 88 is a stage-focused option to consider if sound layering and advanced pedal functions suit your piece.

  • Nord specifies an 88-key Triple Sensor keyboard, a headphone output and an included Triple Pedal 2.
  • You won’t need the extra features for every recital piece, so check that they suit the music you’re preparing.

Kawai

The MP11SE is a piano-focused stage piano to consider if the keyboard and pedal functions are high priorities.

  • Kawai lists a wooden Grand Feel keyboard and an included GFP-3 with damper, soft and sostenuto functions.
  • Kawai’s claims about playing feel are manufacturer claims, not an independent comparison.

Joybuy product picks

These Joybuy picks are a keyboard and a 61-key digital piano for practice. Check that the range of the model you choose covers the lowest and highest notes in your recital piece.

Black electronic keyboard with 61 keys

Electronic keyboard with 61 keys, black

May suit you if your recital piece fits within a 61-key range and you want to practise with headphones.

The product description lists a headphone socket and built-in stereo speakers.

The product name also mentions a MIDI controller function, recording function, metronome and music rest.

Joybuy
Black MLS-931 digital piano with 61 weighted keys

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 weighted keys, black

May suit you if you’re looking for a weighted keyboard and a 61-key range is enough for your recital piece.

The product description lists a headphone socket and built-in stereo speakers.

The product information also lists 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI and a music rest.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do I always need 88 keys for my recital piece?

Not necessarily. First, compare the lowest and highest notes in your score with the range of the exact model. Yamaha specifies 88 keys with an NW-GH3 keyboard for the CP88 and 73 keys with a BHS keyboard for the CP73, so the difference also involves the type of keyboard.

Can I practise with headphones without disturbing my housemates?

Headphones let you hear the electronic piano sound, but they don’t prove that the sound of the keys or pedal will be inaudible in your home. Try the set-up where you’ll be practising and, if needed, agree some arrangements with your housemates.

Do I need to buy a pedal or speaker separately?

It depends on the model and how you want to play. Korg lists an included damper pedal with the D1 and says the DS-1H for half-pedalling is sold separately. To play out loud on this stage piano, which has no speakers, you’ll need another way to hear the sound. Check what’s included with the exact model before ordering.

What happens if a product is faulty after an online purchase in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, the seller must provide a solution if a product is faulty. There is no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands; what you can expect depends, among other things, on the product and the sales information. In many cases, you also have a 14-day cooling-off period when buying from a business at a distance.