For musical parts with a wide range and a piano-style playing feel, a portable piano with 88 weighted keys is an obvious choice, provided both the instrument and playing setup fit your space. If you can play your parts within 61 keys and want to switch quickly between sounds, a 61-key stage keyboard may be a better fit, although you’ll have less range and a different feel under your fingers. Then decide how you want to listen: built-in speakers let you play without a separate amplifier. For headphones or playing with others, check which connections and equipment the exact model requires.
You practise with both hands and need to fit the instrument, bench and pedal into a limited space. The stated dimensions for models such as the Yamaha P-145 and Casio CDP-S110BK cover the instrument, not the complete playing area.
You want to learn your parts without playing sound through speakers every time, so you’ll want to check for a headphone socket. Casio lists a PHONES/OUTPUT socket for the CDP-S110BK; Korg specifies a combined headphone/line output for the B2.
You switch between piano and other sounds and want to know whether a shorter keyboard will suit your parts. Yamaha specifies 61 FSB keys for the CK61; Roland lists scenes and three zones for the RD-88 EX.
First, check the range and key feel your sheet music calls for. Then measure the entire playing area and decide how you want to hear yourself or a singing partner.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Will the setup fit? | Measure the available width and depth, allowing for the stand, bench, pedal and playing space. | If I have limited floor space, I want to know whether the instrument, bench and pedal will all fit together. Around 28% of consumers prioritise whether the complete setup will fit. |
| Can you play the piano part? | Check the highest and lowest notes in your sheet music and try out the key feel you want. | If I practise a piano part with both hands, I want enough range and a key feel that suits the way I play. Around 22% of consumers prioritise piano range and key feel. |
| Can you practise quietly? | Check the headphone socket and plug type, and consider whether you’ll also need to share the sound with others. | If I practise at home without disturbing others through speakers, I look for the option of private listening with headphones. Around 22% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Can you switch sounds quickly? | Make a note of the sounds and changes you actually need, then check how to select them on the model. | If I switch from piano to other sounds during a song, I want to be able to select those settings easily. Around 17% of consumers prioritise switching sounds. |
| What’s included in the setup? | Check whether the stand, bench, music rest, pedal, power supply and any monitoring equipment are included. | If I want to put together a ready-to-play setup, I want to know in advance which extra items I’ll need. Around 11% of consumers focus mainly on the items required for the complete setup. |
Casio lists the CDP-S110BK as having a depth of 232 mm. That’s the size of the instrument, not the stand, bench or complete playing area.
Measure the available space to scale and check whether a stand or music rest takes up extra room for each model.
The name alone doesn’t tell you whether a model has built-in speakers. Roland lists built-in stereo speakers for the RD-88 EX.
Check the speakers and outputs on the exact version before deciding what listening equipment you’ll need.
Yamaha specifies 61 keys for the CK61 and 88 keys for the P-145. This means the instruments offer different ranges and types of keyboard.
Check the highest and lowest notes in your own sheet music and try the key feel before choosing a shorter keyboard.
These Yamaha product ranges include both a portable 88-key piano and shorter stage keyboards and stage-focused models.
According to Roland, the RD-88 EX combines a PHA-4 keyboard with stage-ready settings and built-in speakers.
The CDP-S110BK is a portable 88-key piano for anyone who wants to pay particular attention to the instrument’s depth when choosing.
The B2 is a portable digital piano with built-in speakers and a combined headphone/line output.
The ES120 is a portable piano with features for players who want to use registrations or splits as well as practise piano-focused parts.
These Joybuy products have 61 keys and are worth comparing if your parts fit within that range and you’re considering a more compact keyboard.
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A 61-key instrument to consider if your musical parts fit within that range. Check the highest and lowest notes, as well as the key feel you want, before buying.
The product name lists weighted keys, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, speakers, a headphone socket, recording function, metronome and music stand.
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A 61-key option for rehearsals where you can play your parts within the available range. Check that the key feel suits your piano part.
The product name lists MIDI, a recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand.
Check the highest and lowest notes in your own sheet music and decide whether you’re happy to change octaves. Yamaha specifies 61 FSB keys for the CK61 and 88 GHC keys for the P-145, so these models differ in both range and keyboard type.
First, decide whether the singer can hear the accompaniment through the built-in speakers or whether you’ll need external audio equipment. Then check the connections, cables, power supply, stand and pedal for the exact model. Roland lists built-in speakers for the RD-88 EX; Yamaha lists separate audio outputs for the CP73.
Measure not only the space for the instrument, but also the room needed for the stand, bench, pedal and movement while you play. The stated cabinet dimensions of a piano don’t automatically describe the complete setup.
No. According to the Dutch government, there is no fixed statutory period for the legal guarantee in the Netherlands, but you are entitled to a product that is fit for purpose. For applicable distance sales, a 14-day cooling-off period applies in many cases. Check whether your purchase meets the relevant conditions.
According to Ondernemersplein, electrical and electronic devices must comply with the applicable European rules. For a specific version, the manufacturer must carry out an assessment against the applicable requirements, affix a CE mark and draw up an EU declaration of conformity. Equipment with Bluetooth may also be subject to additional rules for radio equipment.
