Practising a melody
You want to repeat notes, phrasing and touch, and hear what you play straight away. Compare keyboards that feel comfortable and consider whether built-in speakers are right for your practice space.
Who is a stage piano suited to in the rehearsal room?
Playing with others
You practise the melody with other musicians and want to know whether the built-in speakers will be loud enough or whether you need to connect the instrument to the studio system.
Taking it to rehearsals
You regularly take the instrument with you and want to weigh up its keyboard, dimensions and weight against what else you need for sound and set-up.
What should you look for when choosing?
Portable digital piano with speakers
A good fit if: you want to practise the melody on your own without having to connect to a studio system every time.
Keep in mind: check that the speakers will be audible in your rehearsal set-up, and find out which stand and pedals you need.
Stage piano with speakers and extra features
A good fit if: you want to switch sounds or play with others as well as practising on your own. Roland lists built-in stereo speakers and three zones for the RD-88 EX.
Keep in mind: extra sounds and zones aren’t essential for learning a single piano melody. Check that the sound will carry with the group you rehearse with.
Stage piano for external monitoring
A good fit if: the studio already has suitable monitoring and you need connections for the equipment there. Yamaha lists jack and XLR outputs for the CP88.
Keep in mind: Yamaha says the CP88 has no built-in speakers, so you’ll need separate active monitors or headphones. The Dutch specifications list a weight of 18,6 kg.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this most relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and control of the melody | Play the same passage on different keyboards and compare the action; check the playing range of the specific model. | If I want to practise notes and phrasing repeatedly, I want to assess the action for myself. Around 33% of consumers prioritise touch and control of the melody. |
| Being heard during rehearsals | Ask what monitor, mixer or headphones are available, and check the instrument’s connections. | When playing with others, I want to be able to hear my part without assuming that small built-in speakers will be loud enough. Around 27% of consumers prioritise being heard during rehearsals. |
| Transport and set-up | Compare the dimensions and stated weight of the specific model; include anything else you need to bring separately. | If I regularly take the instrument to a different rehearsal room, I want to know how easy the whole set-up is to transport. Around 20% of consumers prioritise transport and set-up. |
| Sounds and connections | Decide whether you want to combine sounds or work with a computer; check the specific features and connections you’ll need. | If I also want to use the melody in arrangements, extra sounds and connections may be useful. Around 20% of consumers prioritise adding sounds and connections. |
Common mistakes when choosing
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Assuming every stage piano can be heard without extra equipment
According to Yamaha, the CP88 has no built-in speakers. Your listening set-up therefore determines how you hear the instrument in the rehearsal room.
Before you buy, find out what equipment is available and how to connect the piano to it.
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Confusing an extensive sound library with better melody practice
The extra sounds and three zones on the Roland RD-88 EX aren’t necessarily needed to practise a single melody.
Choose these features if you’re also planning arrangements, splits or other stage use.
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Comparing only the piano’s weight
The instrument may not be the only thing you take to a rehearsal.
Make a list of everything you’ll need and try transporting and setting it all up.
As well as the piano, you may also need to bring a stand, pedal and listening equipment.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The P-225 is a portable practice piano; the CP88 is designed for a set-up with external monitoring.
- Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys and a weight of 11,5 kg for the P-225. For the CP88, Yamaha lists 88 NW-GH3 keys and jack and XLR outputs.
- According to Yamaha, the CP88 has no built-in speakers and weighs 18,6 kg according to the Dutch specifications. You’ll need separate active monitors or headphones for sound.
Roland
The FP-30X is designed for portable piano practice; the RD-88 EX adds stage-ready sounds and zones.
- Roland lists 88 PHA-4 keys, built-in speakers and separate outputs for the FP-30X. For the RD-88 EX, Roland lists weighted keys, built-in speakers and three zones.
- Having built-in speakers doesn’t guarantee they’ll be loud enough for every rehearsal set-up.
Kawai
The ES120 is a portable digital piano for practice, studio use and more.
- Kawai lists a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard, metronome, recorder and separate line outputs for the ES120.
- Check the model and accessories you need for your rehearsal set-up.
Casio
The Privia PX-S1100 is a portable digital piano worth comparing if space for your set-up is important.
- Casio lists 88 hammer-action keys and a depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100.
- The claim about its shallow depth is based on Casio’s own comparison from July 2021, not a current independent comparison of the market.
Nord
The Stage 4 88 is worth considering if learning the melody goes hand in hand with more elaborate live arrangements.
- Nord lists a weighted 88-key keyboard and piano, organ and synthesiser sections.
- These features aren’t necessarily needed to learn a single melody; remember to factor in the monitoring you’ll need, too.
Joybuy product selection
This selection focuses on practising on your own with a portable digital piano that has built-in speakers. Check that the playing range and listening set-up suit the way you rehearse.
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MLS-931 portable digital piano, 61 keys
The listed speakers and headphone socket are suited to practising on your own; check whether 61 keys give you enough range for your repertoire.
The product name lists 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen and USB-MIDI.
Frequently asked questions
Can you hear a CP88 in the rehearsal room without any other equipment?
No. Yamaha says the CP88 has no built-in speakers. Use separate active monitors or headphones, and check which connection your set-up requires.
How can you make sure you don’t forget accessories for your practice space?
Before you buy, check what’s included with the specific model and plan for a stable stand, the pedal you want and your listening set-up. Roland lists stand and pedal options for the FP-30X; Yamaha lists an FC3A pedal for the CP88, but you’ll still need separate monitoring.
What can you do if the piano doesn’t work properly after you buy it?
When a consumer buys from a business in the Netherlands, they have a legal guarantee with no fixed statutory time limit. According to the Dutch government, if a product is faulty, you should contact the seller. What you can expect depends, among other things, on normal use and the product’s features.
Do you have a cooling-off period when you buy a piano online?
For distance purchases from a business, a 14-day cooling-off period applies in many cases. The Dutch government says this doesn’t automatically apply to purchases from private sellers. Check who the seller is and which terms apply to your purchase.
What should you check about product safety for the Dutch market?
Several EU product rules and CE requirements may apply to electrical and electronic equipment. According to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, the applicable requirements depend on the type of device. Check the product and conformity information for the specific model. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency stresses that a CE mark is not an independent safety certification.