First, choose a keyboard that feels comfortable for practising major scales, then measure the available space, including room for the music stand, piano stand and seat. Built-in speakers are handy if you want to play without headphones too. A speakerless stage piano requires external audio equipment for this, while a portable digital piano may be practical if stage features are less important.
Primarily wants a keyboard that feels comfortable to play and a useful way to practise in time. Korg specifies 88 RH3 keys and a metronome for the D1; the other models mentioned also have 88 keys. These specifications are not an independent comparison of how the instruments feel to play.
Wants to practise in a shared or noisy space, so compares headphone sockets with the option of playing through built-in speakers. Whether playing audibly causes a disturbance depends on the local circumstances.
Wants to practise scales at home, but may also be looking for stage controls and connections. Korg and Roland describe different features and connection options for their stage pianos.
A good fit if: you want to practise without headphones too and make use of stage features. Roland lists built-in stereo speakers for the RD-88 EX.
Bear in mind: extra stage features aren't essential just for practising scales; also check how much space the stand takes up.
A good fit if: you usually practise with headphones or already have external audio equipment. The Korg D1 has a metronome, a headphone socket and line outputs.
Bear in mind: the D1 has no built-in speakers. Korg lists a depth of 263 mm without the music stand and 375 mm with it.
A good fit if: a compact set-up matters more than stage controls. The Yamaha P-225, Casio PX-S1100 and Kawai ES120 are examples of portable alternatives.
Bear in mind: these aren't all stage-focused models, and a shallow cabinet doesn't necessarily mean the complete set-up will fit.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard and practice tempo | Try the action for yourself and check whether there is a metronome and how to use it. Korg specifies both features for the D1. | When practising scales, I mainly want an action and practice tempo that feel right for me; around 31% of consumers prioritise the keyboard and practice tempo. |
| Quiet practice | Check the headphone socket and decide whether you need built-in speakers. The Korg D1 has no speakers; Roland lists speakers for the RD-88 EX. | If I want to be considerate of housemates or neighbours, I want to be able to practise with headphones; around 31% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Space and set-up | Measure the space for the instrument, music stand, piano stand and seating. Compare dimensions on a like-for-like basis: the music stand and set-up can affect how much room you need. | When my practice space is limited, I want to know whether the complete piano set-up will fit, not just the cabinet; around 23% of consumers prioritise placement. |
| Use on stage | Check which audio and MIDI connections you need and whether you'll actually use the extra controls. | If I want to use the instrument for rehearsals or performances too, I look for suitable connections and controls; around 15% of consumers prioritise stage use. |
The stated depth may change when the music stand is fitted. Yamaha, for example, gives separate measurements for the P-225 with and without the music stand; Korg also lists different depths for the D1.
Measure the complete set-up, including the stand and space to sit, before choosing a model.
Korg describes the D1 as speakerless, while Roland lists built-in stereo speakers for the RD-88 EX.
Decide whether you'll practise with headphones, use existing external audio equipment or choose a model with built-in speakers.
Yamaha lists the LP-1/FC35 pedal unit for the P-225 as optional.
Check what is included in the offer and decide whether you need a pedal or pedal unit for your practice goals.
These examples show the differences you can compare between specific models. Including a brand here is not a recommendation of its entire range or confirmation that it is available.
The D1 is a stage-focused digital piano without built-in speakers, designed for use with headphones or external audio equipment.
The RD-88 EX combines stage features with built-in stereo speakers, making it an option for anyone who wants to use stage controls beyond practising scales.
The P-225 is a portable digital piano to compare if you don't necessarily need a stage-focused model.
The Privia PX-S1100 is a portable alternative to consider if cabinet depth is an important factor when planning where to put it.
The ES120 is a portable option to compare for home use and connection options.
Start with the keyboard and practice controls. Korg lists 88 weighted keys and a metronome for the D1; extra sounds and zones, such as those on the Roland RD-88 EX, are most relevant if you'll use them for more than practising scales.
Yes, you can listen on your own through a headphone socket, such as the one on the Korg D1. To play audibly through this speakerless model without headphones, you'll need external audio equipment.
Yamaha says its digital pianos don't need regular tuning. Roland recommends carefully removing dust with a suitable soft cloth; follow the manufacturer's instructions for your own model.
Check whether the stand, headphones and any external audio equipment are included in the offer; you'll need external equipment to play audibly with the speakerless Korg D1. According to ACM ConsuWijzer, for an ordinary online consumer purchase in the Netherlands, you generally have a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, with some exceptions. If a product is faulty, the seller is responsible for the statutory guarantee.
Don't assume there's one general rule for every practice space. The Dutch government states that nuisance between neighbours is covered by local by-laws (APV) in many municipalities, so check the relevant local rules and any agreement with your landlord or VvE.
