Piano-focused ballad player
You want to practise chords, melody and dynamics, so you pay attention to the keyboard’s touch and range.
Which piano is right for you?
Quiet practiser
You share a music room and want to know how to connect headphones to your chosen instrument.
Multi-sound player
You want to use electric piano or other sounds as well as piano, and switch between them easily while playing.
What should you look for when choosing?
Stage piano or stage keyboard
A good fit if: you want to use different sounds or layers regularly for the ballad, or make adjustments directly while playing. Roland lists 88 weighted keys and built-in stereo speakers for the RD-08; Yamaha lists speakers for the CK88 too.
Keep in mind: key action, speakers, connections and accessories vary by model. Check the exact version before choosing your setup.
Portable digital piano
A good fit if: you mainly practise piano parts, chords and dynamics, and extensive stage controls aren’t a priority. Yamaha lists a GHC keyboard for the P-225, while Kawai lists speakers for the ES120.
Keep in mind: check the pedals, headphone socket, dimensions and sound-switching options for each model. A portable case won’t necessarily fit every space.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Key action and range | Compare the range and stated keyboard action of the exact models. If possible, try playing the chord and melody parts. | If I want to practise chords and melody, I want to know whether the range and key action suit my learning materials. Around 33% of consumers prioritise key action. |
| Quiet practice | Check the headphone socket on the exact version and find out which listening options are allowed in the music room. | In a shared room, I want to know whether I can practise with headphones. Around 27% of consumers say quiet practice is their main reason for buying. |
| Switching sounds | Compare the sounds your arrangement needs and check whether you can switch between them or set up layers while playing. | If I want to use different sounds for different sections of the ballad, these options matter to me. Switching sounds is the main reason for around 20% of consumers. |
| Moving and setting up | Measure the space available and compare the dimensions and weight of the exact version. Check the stand, power supply and pedal too. | If I need to move the instrument or set it up in a limited space, I want to know whether its dimensions and required parts will fit. This is the main reason for buying for around 20% of consumers. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming every stage piano has built-in speakers
A category name doesn’t tell you whether a specific model has speakers. Roland lists them for the RD-08, and Yamaha for the CK88.
Check the speakers and the headphone and audio outputs on the exact model before settling on your listening setup.
Depending on the model and the room, you may need additional listening equipment.
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Comparing the instrument alone
Connections and what’s included in the box vary by model. Your setup needs to work with the equipment already in the music room.
Compare the specifications and box contents with what’s in the room, and check whether you need a stand, a compatible pedal or connection cables.
You may need to buy a stand, pedal or connection cables separately; check what’s included with the version you choose.
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Assuming more sound sections make for a better choice
The Nord Stage 4 88 has piano, organ and synthesiser sections, but extra features don’t automatically make it the right instrument for your ballad.
First decide which parts and sounds you want to practise, then compare the key action and controls of suitable models.
Brands to compare
Roland
The RD-08 is a stage piano worth considering if you want to combine piano parts with direct control over different sounds.
- Roland says the RD-08 has 88 weighted PHA-4 keys, built-in stereo speakers and savable scenes.
- Decide for yourself whether the keyboard and listening setup suit your room; features of this model don’t necessarily apply to other models.
Yamaha
The CK88 and CP88 are stage-focused models, while the P-225 is a portable, piano-focused option.
- Yamaha lists built-in speakers and multiple sounds for the CK88, stage connections for the CP88, and a GHC keyboard for the P-225.
- Yamaha lists the CP88’s weight as 18,6 kg; compare the connections and setup for each specific model.
Kawai
The ES120 is a portable digital piano worth comparing if piano-focused practice is your priority.
- Kawai lists two speakers and a total output power of 20 W for the ES120.
- The stated power isn’t an independent measurement of how the instrument sounds in your music room.
Nord
The Stage 4 88 is designed for players who want to use piano, organ and synthesiser sections in one stage instrument.
- Nord lists a weighted keyboard with three sensors and separate sound sections.
- Decide in advance which features you’ll use for your arrangement and how you want to listen to the instrument in your room.
Casio
The Privia PX-S3100 is a portable digital piano worth comparing if a slim case and a wider range of sounds matter to you.
- Casio lists a Smart Scaled Hammer Action keyboard for the PX-S3100.
- A description of the playing feel isn’t a comparative test against the other models mentioned.
Joybuy product picks
Joybuy product picks for this topic, selected for piano-focused practice with digital pianos and keyboards.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
Could suit piano-focused practice if the touch-sensitive, weighted keyboard and headphone socket work for your learning materials and room.
61 keys; 300 sounds and 300 rhythms; USB-MIDI; built-in stereo speakers and headphone socket; metronome and recording function.
The 61-key range is more limited than that of an 88-key model; check that it suits the parts you want to practise.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black
Could suit practice with a steady beat or headphones if 61 keys provide enough range for your parts.
61 keys; 500 sounds; USB-MIDI; speakers and headphone socket; metronome, recording function and three-step lesson function.
The 61-key range is more limited than that of an 88-key model; check that it suits the parts you want to practise.
Frequently asked questions
Do I definitely need 88 keys for this ballad?
No, it depends on the learning materials and parts you want to play. Compare the range and key action of 88-key models if you’re practising parts that cover a wider range; 88 keys aren’t essential for every melody.
Can I practise in a shared music room without an external amplifier?
You can with models that have built-in speakers, such as the RD-08 according to Roland and the CK88 according to Yamaha. Check the listening setup for your chosen model and which practice options are allowed in the music room.
What should I check when connecting and setting up?
Check the power supply, headphone and pedal connections for the exact model, and compare the manual and box contents with the equipment in the room. Connections and required parts vary by model.
Who can help if the piano I bought online is faulty?
According to the Dutch government, you should contact the seller to find a solution. In the Netherlands, there’s no fixed statutory guarantee period for all products; what you can expect in terms of a product’s lifespan depends, among other things, on the product and the sales information.
Do I have a cooling-off period when buying online?
According to the Dutch government, a 14-day cooling-off period applies to many distance purchases. Check whether you’re buying from a business and which terms apply to your specific purchase; this isn’t a general rule for purchases from private sellers.