Practising chords in a small space
Looking for a keyboard for chord changes but don’t want a permanent upright piano? Measure both the space for the instrument and the room you’ll need to sit and use the pedal.
Who is this choice relevant for?
Putting your keyboard away often
If you want to put your instrument away after practising, weigh up its weight and ease of handling against the feel of the keys you want. Touch sensitivity doesn’t automatically mean a keyboard has a weighted hammer-action mechanism.
Practising at home and rehearsing too
Want to play on your own at home and call up settings for rehearsals too? Consider built-in speakers and stage controls as separate criteria.
What should you look for when choosing?
Stage piano with stage controls
Choose this option: if you want to call up settings for rehearsals or performances as well as practising at home.
Bear in mind: the extra controls offer little benefit if you only use one piano sound at home.
Portable digital piano with weighted keys
Choose this option: if the feel of piano keys is important and stage controls aren’t a priority.
Bear in mind: the models mentioned are over 1.3 m wide, so check the space needed for the complete setup too.
Lightweight keyboard without specified hammer action
Choose this option: if you put your instrument away often and weighted hammer action isn’t essential.
Bear in mind: the Korg Liano has touch-sensitive LS keys and, at 290 mm deep, is deeper than the weighted alternatives mentioned.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space for the setup | Measure the available width and depth, allowing for the stand, stool, pedal and any music rest. | If you have limited floor space, you’ll want to know whether both the instrument and playing area will fit. Around 36% of consumers make the complete setup their top buying priority. |
| Feel of the keys | Compare the keyboard action on the exact models; don’t just look at the number of keys. | If you play lots of chord changes, the feel of the keys you want may matter more than how easy the instrument is to put away. Around 29% of consumers give this feel top priority. |
| Quiet practice | Check whether the exact version has a headphone socket and whether you’ll need an adapter. | If you want to practise without sound coming through the speakers, listening with suitable headphones matters. Around 21% of consumers put this feature first. |
| Stage features | Find out whether you want to save settings and call them up quickly during rehearsals or performances. | If you practise at home but also rehearse or perform, settings you can call up quickly may be useful. Around 14% of consumers make stage features their top buying priority. |
Things to consider before buying
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Comparing only the depth of the instrument
The space you need may change if you use a music rest or stand. You’ll also need room for a stool and pedal.
Measure the complete playing setup before choosing a model based on a single measurement of its casing.
You may need a different stand or a rearrangement of the room to fit everything in.
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Confusing touch sensitivity with weighted hammer action
Korg describes the Liano as having a touch-sensitive LS keyboard; Yamaha and Casio specify hammer action for the models mentioned.
Decide what feel you’re looking for and compare the action on each model, not just the number of keys.
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Assuming a stage piano needs external speakers
This varies by model. Roland lists built-in stereo speakers for the RD-08.
Check the speakers and connections on the exact version before choosing any other equipment.
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Assuming a short manufacturer’s warranty means you have no other rights
According to the Dutch government, a manufacturer’s warranty is separate from your statutory right to a product that is fit for purpose; there is no fixed statutory warranty period for this right.
Check what any additional warranty covers and contact the seller if there’s a fault.
Brands to compare
Roland
The RD-08 combines a stage piano with controls for other playing situations.
- Roland specifies 88 weighted PHA-4 keys, built-in speakers and Scene memories.
- The instrument measures 1,284 × 258 × 159 mm. Allow for sitting and playing space too; these are not the dimensions of the complete setup.
Yamaha
The P-145BT is a portable digital piano for those who prioritise weighted keys over extensive stage controls.
- Yamaha specifies 88 GHC keys and an instrument depth of 268 mm.
- With the music rest, Yamaha gives a depth of 320 mm. Check that you’re looking at the P-145BT and not another P-series model.
Casio
The CDP-S110BK is a portable digital piano with weighted keys and a relatively shallow body.
- Casio specifies 88 Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II keys and lists an SP-3 pedal as included.
- The instrument is 232 mm deep, but still 1,322 mm wide. A shallow body won’t solve a lack of width.
Korg
The Liano is a lightweight, portable option if easy storage matters more than weighted hammer action.
- Korg specifies 88 touch-sensitive LS keys, a weight of 6.0 kg without batteries or music rest, and an included pedal switch.
- Korg doesn’t specify weighted hammer action for this model; the instrument is 290 mm deep.
Kawai
Consider the ES120 if you’re looking for a portable digital piano with weighted keys and connections for more than just home use.
- Kawai lists a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard, built-in speakers and separate line outputs.
- Check the dimensions of the exact version before deciding whether the ES120 will fit in your available space.
Joybuy products
The Joybuy products below have 61 keys and are worth comparing for practice in a limited space. Check the keyboard and the dimensions of your complete setup for each version.
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MLS-931 digital piano with weighted keyboard, 61 keys
For anyone looking for a weighted keyboard and a 61-key layout for practice.
The product name lists 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music rest.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
For anyone looking for a 61-key layout with features for practising and recording.
The product name lists a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to buy a stage piano for chord changes?
No. If you mainly use one piano sound at home, you can compare portable digital pianos too. A stage piano is particularly worth considering if you also want to use its controls and recallable settings at rehearsals or performances.
How can you set up a piano safely in a small practice room?
Allow space for the stand, stool, pedal and plug, and follow the manual for the exact version. The Yamaha P-145BT manual specifies using the recommended power adaptor and voltage, and advises keeping the socket accessible.
Is a pedal always included?
No, check the packaging for the exact version. Casio lists an SP-3 pedal as included with the CDP-S110BK, while Korg lists a PS-3 pedal switch with the Liano. This doesn’t tell you what’s included in bundles for other models.
What are your rights when buying online in the Netherlands?
According to the Dutch government, when you buy from a business at a distance, you’ll often have a 14-day cooling-off period. A private online sale isn’t automatically covered by this rule. You’re also entitled to a product that is fit for purpose, with no fixed statutory warranty period. Contact the seller if there’s a fault.
What should you check when buying an electric piano from outside the EU?
The Dutch government states that electronic devices placed on the market in the EU must carry a CE marking. If you’re buying from abroad, also check the seller, your applicable return rights, any additional costs and the power supply specified for the exact instrument.