Start with the sound set-up: built-in speakers can be useful if the music room doesn’t have a permanent PA system, while audio outputs come in handy if there’s suitable equipment. Then compare the keyboard and pedal options. Only choose extra sounds or quick settings if you need them for your repertoire. Test how well the piano can be heard, and check the connections and included accessories for the exact model.
You want your piano accompaniment to be heard and to keep track of the sound as you play. Check whether the built-in speakers are loud enough for your group and which audio outputs will connect to the equipment in the room.
You’re practising dynamics, articulation and pedalling before the singers join you. Manufacturers list different types of keyboard action, so try the exact model for yourself and check which pedal options it supports.
You may need to set up the instrument in a different room each time. So take transport, available space, speakers and the connections in each room into account.
First, find out whether the room has a suitable sound system. Then compare the keyboard, pedal action and sound controls your repertoire calls for.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Being heard alongside singers | Check the equipment available, whether the connections are compatible and whether the instrument can be heard during a rehearsal. | If I’m rehearsing with singers, I want to know whether the piano can be heard clearly in the room. Around 33% of consumers prioritise audibility and connectivity. |
| Touch and pedalling | Play passages from your repertoire on the keyboard and check which pedal is included or supported. | If I want to practise pianistic expression and sustain, I want to try the keyboard and pedal for myself. Around 27% of consumers make touch and pedalling their top priority. |
| Changing sounds and keys | Make a note of the sounds and keys you need, then see whether you can access the settings you want while playing. | If my songs call for different sounds or keys, I want to be able to change the settings quickly as I play. Around 20% of consumers prioritise flexibility for their repertoire. |
| Transport and set-up | Measure the available space and check what you’ll need for transport, power and connections. | If I’m moving the instrument between rooms, I want to know in advance whether I can set it up easily. Around 20% of consumers prioritise transport and a straightforward set-up. |
Models vary in their built-in speakers and audio outputs. A headphone socket alone won’t make your accompaniment audible when you’re playing with singers.
Check what equipment is available in the room and whether the instrument’s outputs will connect to it.
Specifications won’t tell you whether the keys feel comfortable to play or how quickly you can call up the sounds you need for your songs.
Play your own repertoire on the exact model and test the pedal, sound changes and transposition if you need them.
An instrument won’t necessarily give you everything you need for rehearsals; what’s in the box and which connections are required can vary by model.
Before buying, check exactly what’s included and which accessories you’ll need for the room.
Yamaha says the CK88 combines an 88-key GHS keyboard with built-in speakers and line outputs.
Roland lists 88 PHA-4 keys, three zones, a USB audio/MIDI interface and built-in stereo speakers for the RD-88 EX.
According to Nord, the Nord Piano 6 88 offers splits, transposition and two audio outputs, and comes with a Nord Triple Pedal 2.
Kawai describes the ES920 as a portable digital piano with Responsive Hammer III and a built-in 40 W speaker system.
Casio lists a depth of 232 mm, 88 hammer-action keys and a wide choice of sounds for the Privia PX-S3100.
These picks are digital pianos and keyboard pianos with 61 keys and built-in speakers. Compare their playing range and controls with what your musical repertoire requires.
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The built-in speakers may suit practice without a permanent PA system; check whether the piano can be heard alongside singers in the room.
61 keys; weighted keys; 300 sounds and 300 rhythms; USB-MIDI; speakers.
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The built-in speakers may come in handy for a simple rehearsal set-up; check whether the sound and controls suit your songs.
61 keys; built-in speakers; recording function; metronome; music stand; MIDI controller.
Not with every model: Yamaha lists speakers for the CK88, and Roland does the same for the RD-88 EX. Test whether the instrument can be heard clearly with your group in the room, and check that its connections are compatible with the equipment available. The Nord Piano 6 specifications list audio outputs and a headphone socket, but no built-in speakers.
For the exact model, check the power supply, stand, pedal and any audio cables you’ll need. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for connection and care, and check what’s included in the box; a list of specifications doesn’t confirm what comes in a bundle.
For a consumer purchase, the seller is responsible for the statutory guarantee if a product doesn’t do what you could reasonably expect when used normally, according to ACM ConsuWijzer. For online purchases, there is generally a 14-day cancellation period, which ends 14 days after delivery according to ACM ConsuWijzer. Check which terms apply to your purchase.
Don’t assume you can share or publish copyright-protected music or lyrics without permission. The Dutch Government distinguishes between a copy for personal use and sharing or making material public. If you want to use it in another way, check which rights apply to the material and your plans.
