For practising the waltz in a small room, a compact portable digital piano is the more practical choice if space and everyday practice features are your priorities. A stage-focused stage piano is mainly worth considering if you also need the extra connections for live performance; for example, Yamaha states that the CP88 is 364 mm deep and weighs 18,6 kg. Measure the complete set-up and check which pedal is compatible with your chosen model.
You want to practise your touch and the separate roles of your left and right hands. Compare the keyboard action and check whether the piano has a metronome and the pedal controls you need. Casio, Roland and Yamaha list these features in their product specifications.
You need to fit the piano, stand and sheet music into a small practice room. Compare the piano’s stated dimensions and measure the space taken up by the complete playing set-up. Casio, Yamaha and Korg publish dimensions for the models mentioned here.
You want to practise with headphones, so check the connection and the plug or adapter required for each model. Casio, Roland, Korg and Yamaha list headphone connections for the models covered here.
First compare the keyboard and the overall set-up dimensions. Then check that the headphones, metronome and pedal suit the way you want to practise.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard feel | Compare the exact type of keyboard action: Casio lists Scaled Hammer Action II, Roland PHA-4 Standard, Yamaha GHC and Korg NH. Try the keyboard yourself if possible; specifications don’t prove that one will feel different to play. | If I want to practise gentle accompaniment and a clearer melody with both hands, I put the touch response first. Around 36% of consumers give keyboard feel top priority. |
| Set-up space | Measure the available width and depth, and compare dimensions on a like-for-like basis. Casio lists a depth of 232 mm for the CDP-S110BK; Yamaha lists dimensions of 1326 × 268 mm for the P-145; and Korg lists 1312 × 336 mm for the B2, excluding the music rest. | In a small room, I want to know whether the piano will fit with its stand, bench, sheet music and pedal, not just whether the casing fits on the floor. For around 29% of consumers, set-up dimensions come first. |
| Headphones | Check that the connection is compatible with your headphone plug. Korg describes the B2 as having a combined PHONES/line-out connection. | If I want to practise without sound coming from the speakers, I check whether I can connect my headphones directly. Headphone use is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Waltz rhythm and pedal | Check whether the metronome has a time-signature setting and which pedal is included. Korg lists tempo and time-signature controls for the B2; half-pedalling requires the optional PU-2 for the B2 and the optional DP-10 for the Roland FP-10. | If I want to practise a steady three-beat rhythm and controlled pedal use, I look at the metronome and the exact pedal function. Around 14% of consumers put rhythm and pedal aids first. |
The stated dimensions may exclude the music rest, while a stand, bench and pedal also take up space. As a result, a piano that seems to fit on paper could take up too much room in practice.
Compare dimensions on a like-for-like basis and measure the entire playing area in advance, including the stand, music rest, bench and pedal.
The model name alone doesn’t tell you how many keys the instrument has or what type of keyboard action it uses. The Joybuy product description for the MLS-931 lists 61 keys, while Yamaha lists 88 keys for the P-145 and Korg lists 88 for the B2.
Check the exact model number, number of keys and keyboard action for the product before comparing it with others.
Pedal functions vary by model. For half-pedalling, Korg lists the optional PU-2 for the B2, while Roland lists the optional DP-10 for the FP-10.
Check whether the included pedal supports the technique you want to practise and whether any additional pedal is compatible.
These brands and models can help you compare specifications. The features listed are manufacturer information, not an independent assessment of playing feel or suitability.
The CDP-S110BK is worth comparing if the depth of the casing is important to you.
The FP-10 is a portable model with an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard.
The portable P-145 and stage-focused CP88 are designed for different uses.
The B2 is worth considering if practice rhythm controls and connections are important to you.
The ES120 is a portable model worth comparing if you also want to look at connections for playing with others.
Start at a relaxed tempo and select a three-beat time signature if the model offers that setting. Korg lists controls for both tempo and time signature on the B2; check the manual for other models.
Measure the complete playing set-up and check the power supply, headphone plug, stand stability and pedal compatibility. For example, Korg lists the STB1 stand and PU-2 pedal unit as separate purchases for the B2.
A digital piano doesn’t need tuning like an acoustic piano with strings. Follow the manual for your exact model for cleaning and safe use; this doesn’t in itself tell you how accessories should be maintained.
For a standard online consumer purchase, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period after delivery, subject to exceptions. The seller is also responsible for the statutory guarantee if the product doesn’t meet what you could reasonably expect under normal use. ACM ConsuWijzer makes clear that this isn’t the same as a fixed two-year guarantee period for every piano.
