Home player who uses sheet music
You practise new piano pieces and want to position your sheet music clearly, with a keyboard and setup that support regular practice. ABRSM describes sight-reading as recognising musical patterns before you play.
Who is this for?
Player who doesn’t want to disturb housemates or neighbours
You want to practise regularly at home with headphones and prioritise this way of listening over sound through speakers. The Dutch government recommends agreeing things together when dealing with noise between neighbours.
Pianist who also performs
You practise at home but may also want to use the same instrument for stage sounds, connections or performances. In that case, stage features may matter alongside a practical home setup.
What should you look for?
When practising in a spare room, think about where to put your sheet music, how you’ll listen and how much space you have. Also decide whether you want to use the instrument away from home.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet music and setup | Check whether a music stand and pedal are included, and measure the setup with the stand in place. | If I use printed sheet music, I want to position it securely and read it easily. Around 33% of consumers make sheet music and playing setup their top priority. |
| Quiet listening | Check the headphone socket and, if you want to play without headphones, the built-in speakers or any external equipment you’ll need. | When others at home need peace and quiet, I mainly want to find a suitable way to listen privately. Around 27% of consumers prioritise quiet listening. |
| Space and moving the instrument | Measure the available space and compare the width and depth of the complete setup. Also consider the weight if you’ll be moving the instrument often. | If the piano needs to fit in a small spare room or be put away regularly, the space it takes up matters. Around 20% of consumers make space and portability their main consideration. |
| Stage features | Check which audio and MIDI connections and keyboard features you actually need for performances. | If you also want to take the same instrument to rehearsals or performances, stage features may matter more than extra convenience at home. Around 20% of consumers put stage use first. |
Things to consider before buying
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Assuming every stage piano can be heard without extra equipment
The Korg D1 and Yamaha CP88 reviewed here don’t have built-in speakers. Headphones are one way to listen; to hear the instrument through speakers in the room, you’ll need suitable external equipment.
Decide in advance whether you’ll only play with headphones or also want to listen to the instrument without them.
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Assuming a pictured music stand or pedal is included
What comes in the box varies by model and version. Korg lists a music stand and pedal with the D1; the compatible YMR-04 music stand for the Yamaha CP88 is optional.
Check what’s included with the exact version you’re buying, and measure the space with the music stand in place.
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Treating a 61-key model as equivalent to an 88-key model
An instrument with 61 keys has a different range from the 88-key pianos reviewed here.
Check the full model number and decide whether 61 keys will cover the sheet music you want to practise.
Brands and models reviewed
Roland
The RD-88 EX is a stage piano for combining practice at home with stage features. The FP-30X is a portable digital piano designed for home use.
- According to Roland, the RD-88 EX has weighted keys, three zones and built-in stereo speakers. The FP-30X has built-in speakers and two headphone outputs.
- These features apply to the models listed and don’t automatically apply to other Roland pianos. Check which music stand and accessories are included with each version.
Korg
Korg says the D1 is designed for daily practice and stage use.
- Korg lists an 88-key RH3 keyboard, metronome, music stand and pedal as included with the D1.
- The D1 doesn’t have built-in speakers. You’ll need external equipment to play through speakers in the room.
Yamaha
The CP88 is a stage piano; the P-225 is a more compact, portable digital piano for home use.
- Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys for the P-225. The CP88 has stage connections and a headphone socket.
- The CP88 doesn’t have built-in speakers. The compatible YMR-04 music stand is optional; the CP88 and P-225 are different product ranges.
Casio
The Privia PX-S1100 is a portable digital piano for those who need to make the most of their available space.
- Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm and 88 hammer-action keys for this model.
- Depth alone doesn’t tell you how much room the complete setup, including the music stand and seat, will take up.
Kawai
Kawai describes the ES120 as a portable digital piano for use at home, in the studio and in teaching spaces.
- Kawai lists a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard, Bluetooth audio and MIDI, and a weight of 12.5 kg.
- These specifications don’t tell you which playing feel you’ll prefer. Compare the keyboard and complete setup with your own needs.
Joybuy products
The Joybuy options shown are 61-key models for practising sheet music at home. Check that this key range suits the pieces you want to play.
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61-key keyboard with music stand
The listed music stand and listening options may suit practising sheet music at home.
61 keys; built-in stereo speakers and headphone socket; metronome, MIDI controller and recording function.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys
The listed music stand and listening options may suit practising sheet music at home.
61 keys with weighted keyboard; built-in stereo speakers, headphone socket and metronome.
Frequently asked questions
Does a stage piano need built-in speakers for practising in a spare room?
No, not if you’re happy to listen through suitable headphones. The Korg D1 and Yamaha CP88 don’t have built-in speakers; you’ll need external equipment to hear the instrument through speakers in the room. Roland says the RD-88 EX does have built-in stereo speakers.
How do you set up a stage piano for printed sheet music?
Check that the version you’ve chosen includes a suitable music stand and pedal, and measure the space with the stand in place. Korg lists a music stand and pedal with the D1; Yamaha lists the YMR-04 as a compatible, optional music stand for the CP88.
What can you do if practising causes noise disturbance for your neighbours?
Headphones are a practical way to listen without using the built-in speakers. The Dutch government recommends agreeing things with your neighbours first, for example about when you can play music. This doesn’t set a general time when playing the piano is always permitted.
What rights do you have when buying online from a business in the Netherlands?
According to the Dutch government, consumers buying from a business at a distance generally have 14 days to change their mind. If a product is faulty, the seller is your point of contact for a solution. The Dutch government says there is no fixed statutory warranty period that applies to all products in the Netherlands.