First, choose a stage piano that fits in your practice space when fully set up, including the music rest. Casio lists the PX-S1100 as having a body depth of 232 mm; Yamaha gives the P-225 a depth of 272 mm without the music rest and 362 mm with it. Then compare features such as the keyboard, metronome and headphone sockets. If possible, try the action for yourself: specifications can’t tell you what will feel comfortable to play.
You want to read sheet music without the piano taking up too much depth when the music rest is attached. Yamaha lists the P-225 as 272 mm deep without the music rest and 362 mm with it; Kawai gives the ES120’s depth as 28 cm and 35 cm respectively.
You practise in a shared space or with a teacher and want to know how many headphones you can connect. Roland lists two headphone sockets for the FP-30X.
You want to practise passages at tempo and are considering the metronome, keyboard and music rest position. Roland’s manual describes a metronome function on the FP-30X. Try the keyboard for yourself if you want to see how the action feels.
First measure the complete set-up, then compare the practice features, connections and accessories included with the specific offer.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Positioning the piano and sheet music | Measure the piano, music rest, cables, stand and seating space together. Yamaha specifies the P-225 as 272 mm deep without the music rest and 362 mm with it; Kawai gives the ES120’s depth as 28 cm and 35 cm. | If I read from the music rest, the whole set-up needs to fit in my small room. Around 33% of consumers prioritise having enough room for both the piano and sheet music. |
| Quiet practice | Check the number and type of headphone sockets, and whether you need an adapter. | If I practise in a shared space or want my teacher to listen in, using headphones is important. Around 25% of consumers prioritise quiet or shared listening. |
| Tempo and touch | Try the action and metronome controls while playing sheet music at a tempo you can maintain. | When I’m practising a new passage from sheet music, I want to set a suitable tempo and have a keyboard that feels comfortable. Around 25% of consumers prioritise tempo and playing feel. |
| Completeness of the set-up | Check whether the music rest, stand, power adapter and pedal are included with each offer, and what type of pedal it is. | If I want to set up the piano straight away with a music rest and pedal, I want to know in advance which accessories are included. Around 17% of consumers prioritise a complete set-up. |
The music rest can increase the depth you need. For example, Yamaha gives the P-225’s depth as 272 mm without the music rest and 362 mm with it; Kawai lists the ES120 as 28 cm and 35 cm.
Measure the complete set-up before ordering. If you’ll be reading from the music rest, use the measurement that includes it.
If the piano doesn’t fit with the music rest attached, you may need to find a different position or layout.
Kawai describes the F-1SP pedal listed with the ES120 as an on/off pedal. Half-pedalling requires a different compatible pedal option.
Check which type of pedal is included with the offer and whether it suits what you want to play.
A description of a keyboard can’t tell you what will feel comfortable to play.
If possible, try the same passage on the models that will fit in your space.
The Privia PX-S1100 may be worth considering if space behind the keyboard is limited.
The P-225 is worth comparing if you want to take the piano’s depth with the music rest into account.
The FP-30X is worth a look if you want to use headphones when practising alone or with someone else.
The ES120 may suit a portable set-up with a removable music rest.
Measure with the music rest if you plan to read from it. Yamaha gives the P-225’s depth as 272 mm without the music rest and 362 mm with it; Kawai lists the ES120 as 28 cm and 35 cm. Remember to allow for cables and your seating position too.
Start at a tempo that gives you time to process the notes, and only increase it when you’re ready. Roland’s manual describes the FP-30X metronome. An exploratory study of pianists’ eye movements warns that a tempo above a comfortable level can put pressure on visual processing; it doesn’t establish an ideal setting for everyone.
This varies by model and offer. Kawai lists an F-1SP on/off pedal with the ES120 and mentions other compatible pedal options. Check what’s included with the specific offer and whether the accessories will suit your set-up.
When you buy as a consumer, the product must conform to the contract. According to the Dutch government, the Netherlands has no fixed statutory warranty period, and the seller is your point of contact if there’s a problem. For online purchases, ACM ConsuWijzer says you generally have 14 days from delivery to change your mind, with some exceptions. The right to change your mind about a purchase you don’t want to keep is different from seeking a remedy for a faulty product or one that doesn’t conform to the contract. Check the applicable returns policy.
