Practising musician with limited space
You need to fit the instrument, music stand and a seat into a small room. Casio and Korg list different cabinet depths, but these measurements don’t tell you how much space the complete set-up will take up.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Practising musician who doesn’t want to disturb others
You want to be able to play at different times, so you’re looking for a headphone socket and the option to play without an external amplifier. Casio and Korg list a headphone socket for the models mentioned.
Beginner pianist looking to progress
You’re learning one melody for now, but may want to practise with both hands and a pedal too. So compare the keyboard type and what’s included with the version you’re considering.
What should you look for when choosing?
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Will the set-up fit? | Measure the width and depth of the piano, music stand and stand, and allow space for your seat. Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm for the CDP-S110BK; Korg gives dimensions of 1.312 × 336 × 117 mm for the B2, excluding the music stand. | If I have limited space, I want to know whether the instrument and playing area will fit in the room. Around 31% of consumers put the space needed for the set-up first. |
| Practising without disturbing others | Check whether the exact model has a headphone socket and built-in speakers. Casio lists PHONES/OUTPUT for the CDP-S110BK; Korg lists PHONES for the B2. | If I want to play at different times without disturbing others, I check how I can listen with headphones. Around 25% of consumers give being able to listen quietly their highest priority. |
| Keyboard and pedal | Compare the number of keys and keyboard type; try the feel of the keys if possible. Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys for the P-145, while Korg lists an 88-key NH keyboard for the B2. Also check which pedal is included. | If I want to move on to playing piano after learning the tune, I look at the number of keys, how they feel and how the pedal works. Around 25% of consumers put developing their piano technique first. |
| Help with practising on your own | Check which practice features the instrument offers and whether you need a compatible mobile device for any app features. Korg lists a metronome on the B2; Casio lists metronome controls and PDF sheet music via CASIO Music Space for the CDP-S110BK. | If I want to practise the melody on my own, I look for features such as tempo guidance or sheet music. Around 19% of consumers put practice aids such as a metronome or sheet music first. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming a stage piano has built-in speakers
According to Bax Music’s buying guide, stage pianos often don’t have built-in speakers. This means you may need other equipment to play audibly in a small room.
Check how you can hear the instrument on the exact model, both through speakers and with headphones.
If there are no speakers, you may need a separate amplifier to play without headphones.
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Measuring only the depth of the piano cabinet
The listed dimensions for the Korg B2 exclude the music stand. So the cabinet size isn’t the same as the space you need to play.
Measure the complete set-up, including the stand, music stand and the space for your seat.
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Assuming the pedal you want is included
A damper pedal is listed with the Korg B2; Korg lists the PU-2 for half-pedalling support as a separate accessory.
Compare what’s included with the exact version against the pedal function you want to practise.
You may need a separate pedal or pedal unit if you want half-pedalling support.
Brands to compare
Casio
The CDP-S110BK is a portable option to compare if cabinet depth is important to you.
- Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm, a PHONES/OUTPUT socket and an SP-3 sustain pedal included.
- The cabinet depth doesn’t tell you whether the instrument, music stand and seat will all fit in your room.
Yamaha
The P-145 is worth comparing if you’re looking for an 88-key keyboard with a specified hammer action.
- Yamaha specifies 88 GHC keys and a width of 1.326 mm for the P-145.
- A keyboard specification doesn’t tell you whether you’ll like the feel of the keys; measure the available width.
Korg
According to Korg, the B2 combines an 88-key NH keyboard with a metronome and built-in amplification.
- Korg lists PHONES, 15 W × 2 amplification and a cabinet depth of 336 mm, excluding the music stand.
- The amplification specification isn’t an independent sound measurement; also measure the space needed for the complete set-up.
Roland
The FP-30X is a portable piano to compare if headphone and speaker options matter to you.
- Roland lists an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard, built-in speakers and two headphone outputs for the FP-30X.
- Check the version and what’s included with the offer you’re considering.
Kawai
The ES120 is worth comparing if practising together or connecting to external equipment is important to you.
- Kawai lists two headphone sockets and separate stereo line outputs for the ES120.
- Kawai warns that versions may differ between markets; check the version and what’s included.
Joybuy products
The Joybuy options below are digital pianos and keyboards with 61 keys, designed for practice with built-in speakers. Check that the number of keys suits what you want to learn.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
This portable 61-key model is worth comparing if you’re looking for an instrument to practise on and don’t need a larger range of keys.
61 weighted keys; 300 tones and 300 rhythms; LCD; USB-MIDI; speakers and headphone socket; music stand.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black
Compare this model if you’re looking for a 61-key keyboard with features for practising on your own; check whether the number of keys is enough for your plans.
61 keys; MIDI controller; recording function; speakers; metronome; music stand.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a separate amplifier for a small practice space?
Not for every model: Korg specifies built-in amplification for the B2, and Roland lists built-in speakers for the FP-30X. You can’t assume a stage piano designed for performance has speakers; check the specifications for the exact model.
How do I check whether a stand is suitable?
Follow the manual for the model you choose. Roland specifically lists the KSCFP10 or KS-12 for the FP-10 and warns that an incorrect set-up can be unstable; this recommendation doesn’t automatically apply to other models.
What warranty and cooling-off period apply to an online purchase in the Netherlands?
For a consumer purchase in the Netherlands, the legal guarantee depends on what you could reasonably expect from the product; there’s no fixed statutory guarantee period. For a standard online purchase of goods, you generally have up to 14 days after delivery to change your mind, subject to legal exceptions. ACM ConsuWijzer explains these rules; also check the seller’s sales and returns information.
What should I look for in terms of product safety in the Netherlands?
EU rules may require electrical and electronic equipment to carry a CE marking. Check the marking and the information provided about the version on offer. According to the European Union, a CE marking is a declaration by the manufacturer and, on its own, isn’t proof that a specific item has been independently checked.