Who is this buying guide for?

Beginner waltz learner

You want to practise melody and accompaniment with both hands at home, and are looking for a keyboard, pedal and practice rhythm to suit.

Quiet home player

You want to play with headphones and need to consider the space available and other people in your home.

Keyboard player with a home studio

You may want to connect the piano to monitors, recording equipment or MIDI gear, and weigh up those connections against the convenience of built-in speakers.

What should you look for when buying?

What to consider What to look for when buying Who is this important for?
Playing feel Compare the keyboard on the exact version you’re considering and, if possible, try out the key action for yourself. Make sure the keyboard is weighted if that matters for your practice goals. I want to practise melody and accompaniment with both hands and find a key action that suits me. Around 36% of consumers put playing feel first.
Triple-time rhythm and pedal Check whether the metronome supports the time signature you need, or use a separate metronome. Also check which pedal is included and what functions it supports. I want to practise playing the three beats in each bar evenly and know what the pedal can do. Around 29% of consumers give rhythm and pedal the highest priority.
Quiet practice and space Check whether the instrument has built-in speakers and a suitable headphone socket. Measure the space for the complete set-up, including the stand. I need to consider other people at home or have limited space for my instrument. Around 21% of consumers start by considering quiet practice and space.
Studio connections Decide whether you want to record audio, connect MIDI gear or simply play the piano. Then check the connections on the exact version. I want to connect the piano to equipment already in my home studio. Around 14% of consumers make connections their main priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a speaker-free stage piano has built-in sound

    According to Korg, the D1 has no built-in speakers. Without headphones or external audio equipment, you won’t hear the instrument through built-in speakers.

    Decide how you want to listen before buying, and check that the connections are suitable for your headphones or audio equipment.

  • Assuming every included pedal supports half-pedalling

    According to Roland, the pedal switch supplied with the RD-88 does not support half-pedalling. The contents of the RD-88 package are not the same as those of the RD-88 EX.

    Check the pedal functions and package contents for the exact model. If you need half-pedalling, check which compatible pedal is suitable.

  • Measuring only the piano’s cabinet

    A stand or three-pedal unit may be sold separately. Kawai lists the stand and three-pedal unit for the ES120 as optional; Korg lists a separately available stand for the D1.

    Measure the space needed for the complete set-up, and check which parts are included with the version on offer.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

Yamaha describes the P-145 as an entry-level model for beginner pianists.

  • Yamaha lists 88 weighted GHC keys for the P-145.
  • For the version you’re considering, check whether the pedal and stand are included and whether the metronome settings suit your practice plan.

Kawai

Kawai describes the ES120 as a portable digital piano with a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard, suitable for home and stage.

  • Kawai lists built-in speakers, two headphone sockets, line out and a metronome.
  • The stand and three-pedal unit are optional; check what’s included with the version you’re buying.

Korg

The Korg D1 is a speaker-free stage piano with connections for use in an existing home studio.

  • Korg lists a weighted RH3 keyboard, a metronome with an adjustable time signature, and headphone, line-out and MIDI IN/OUT connections.
  • The D1 has no built-in speakers. The stand is sold separately.

Roland

Roland positions the RD-88 as a stage piano and lists built-in speakers.

  • Roland lists a PHA-4 keyboard and controls designed for stage use.
  • According to Roland, the included pedal switch does not support half-pedalling. Check which version and accessories are on offer.

Casio

The PX-S1100BK is a digital piano for situations where the space needed for the set-up is a consideration.

  • For this version, Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm, a hammer-action keyboard and built-in speakers.
  • When measuring, also allow for the stand and other parts of the complete set-up.

Products at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a built-in 3/4 metronome to play a waltz?

No. You can also practise the three beats in each bar with a separate metronome. Korg lists a metronome with an adjustable time signature for the D1; if you want to set the time signature on the piano, check that this feature is available on the model you’re considering.

Can I use a speaker-free stage piano at home?

Yes, as long as you have a suitable way to listen. The Korg D1 has no built-in speakers; for audible practice, you can use suitable headphones or connect the line out to compatible external audio equipment. Follow the instrument’s manual for connection instructions.

What should I consider when setting up and maintaining the piano?

Check which stand and power supply are included with the exact version, and follow the manual. The Kawai ES120 manual identifies spills, abnormal heat and an unusual smell or smoke as situations that need attention. If any of these occur, consult the safety instructions and contact the seller.

When buying online in the Netherlands, do I have a cooling-off period and a legal guarantee?

For online purchases, you generally have up to 14 days after delivery to change your mind, subject to legal exceptions, according to ACM ConsuWijzer. You’re also entitled to a product that does what you can reasonably expect it to do. Check with the seller how to arrange a return and what return conditions apply.

Which product safety rule is relevant when buying in the Netherlands?

Electrical appliances sold on the EU market must meet the applicable product safety requirements, including CE marking where required. The Dutch government makes clear that a model name or specification alone does not prove that a particular version being sold meets the requirements. So check the specific version and seller.