Start with the range and key action your parts require, then check that your sheet music can be positioned comfortably. Next, choose between built-in speakers for practising on your own and a model without speakers if you already have suitable headphones or audio equipment. Manufacturer specifications describe the models, but they can’t tell you how the keyboard will feel to play. Check the pedal, stand, power supply and what’s included with the specific version, too.
You want to read and play unfamiliar piano parts. Key range, action and a well-positioned score matter more to you than a wide selection of extra sounds. ABRSM describes sight-reading as developing the ability to recognise key signatures and rhythmic patterns quickly.
You switch between practising on your own and playing with others, and want to choose between built-in speakers, headphones and the room’s audio setup. Check which connections the piano and studio actually have.
You take your instrument between rehearsal rooms. So don’t just consider the piano’s weight; think about what you’ll need for sheet music, a stand, power and a pedal, too.
First, compare the range and action with your parts, then consider how you want to listen in the studio. The stand, music rest and accessories you need can vary between models and versions.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Score and key range | Compare the lowest and highest notes in your pieces with the keyboard. Try the action and check whether a music rest is included with the version you’re buying. | When I’m practising unfamiliar parts, I want the notes to fit within the range and my score to sit securely. Around 36% of consumers prioritise sheet music and the range of their parts. |
| Being able to hear yourself play with others | Check for built-in speakers or the audio outputs you need, and find out which connections the studio has. | When playing with others, I want to hear myself through the piano or the studio’s audio setup. Around 29% of consumers give audible monitoring top priority. |
| Quiet practice | Check the number and size of the headphone sockets and whether they’re compatible with your headphones. | If other people are using the room, I want to practise without switching on the speakers. If I’m practising with a teacher, two headphone sockets may be useful. Around 21% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Transport and setup | Compare the weight and dimensions, and check which stand, music rest, pedal and power supply are included. | When I move between rooms, I want to know what I need to bring besides the piano to set everything up. Around 14% of consumers prioritise transport and the complete setup. |
The Korg D1 doesn’t have built-in speakers. You won’t be able to hear the instrument without headphones or connected audio equipment.
Decide in advance how you want to listen in the studio and check that the necessary connections are available.
You’ll need suitable headphones or an external audio setup to hear the D1.
A music rest, stand and pedal aren’t included in the same way with every version. Korg lists a music rest and damper pedal as included with the D1; the keyboard stand is sold separately.
Check what’s included with the exact version and think about where you’ll place your score.
If you need a stand for your chosen setup, you’ll have to arrange one separately.
A 61-key model has a more limited range than an 88-key keyboard. A description such as ‘weighted’ doesn’t, by itself, confirm that the range will suit your parts.
Check the number of keys and compare the range with the notes in some representative pieces.
The P-225 is worth comparing if you’re looking for a portable 88-key piano.
The RD-08 and FP-30X are worth comparing if built-in speakers or listening through two pairs of headphones is important to you.
The D1 is an option for a studio with monitoring equipment or for practising with headphones.
The ES120 is worth comparing if you’re considering built-in speakers and line outputs.
The European PX-S1100BK is worth comparing if the depth of an 88-key piano matters to you.
These products are portable 61-key digital pianos with speakers and a music rest.
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The product title mentions built-in speakers and a music stand, making it suitable for practising with audible playback and sheet music.
The title describes a weighted keyboard with 61 keys; the description mentions touch sensitivity and a metronome. Parts with notes outside the 61-key range can’t be played in full.
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The product title mentions speakers and a music stand, making it suitable for practising audibly from sheet music.
The keyboard has 61 keys. The product information also mentions a MIDI controller, recording function, metronome and headphone socket. Check that these features suit your practice setup.
Not for every practice piece. Compare the range of your sheet music with the keyboard, and choose 88 keys when your parts or the piano range you want call for them. ABRSM describes sight-reading as reading and playing new music, not as a requirement to use the same model for every piece.
Connect suitable headphones and check the volume before you start. Roland lists two headphone outputs for the FP-30X, so two people can use headphones at the same time. Follow the manual for your exact instrument for setup, power and safe use.
Contact the seller if the product doesn’t perform as you could reasonably expect under normal use. ACM ConsuWijzer explains that your statutory guarantee doesn’t automatically end when the manufacturer’s warranty expires. Also follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance and safe use.
For consumer purchases made online, you generally have a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery; ACM ConsuWijzer lists some exceptions. Check the returns policy in advance and handle the instrument carefully while trying it out.
Check that the specific electronic instrument on offer complies with the applicable EU safety requirements and bears the required CE marking. The Dutch government explains this requirement for electronic devices; a model specification alone doesn’t confirm that a particular item complies.
