Who is this for?

Piano student

You’re learning a waltz with both hands and mainly want to practise touch and the sustain pedal. Compare the keyboard and pedal setup with what your teacher requires for your piece.

Practising in a shared room

You want to be able to switch between playing aloud and practising with headphones. Check the sound options the model offers and what the music room already has.

Student who moves the piano

You need to set up or put away the instrument after use. Compare the complete playing setup, including the stand, pedal, power supply and any sound equipment.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with your lessons’ requirements for touch and pedal, then make sure the sound setup and storage work for the music room.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Keyboard and piano technique Try the touch and compare the keyboard type of the exact model. The models reviewed have 88 keys, but they don’t all use the same keyboard mechanism. I mainly want a touch that suits my piano technique for waltz lessons; around 36% of consumers prioritise the keyboard and piano technique.
Sound in the room Check whether the model has built-in speakers and a headphone socket, and what sound equipment the room has. In a shared room, I want to choose between playing aloud and practising privately; around 29% of consumers prioritise the sound setup.
Waltz rhythm and sustain pedal Check which pedal is included and whether it meets your lesson requirements. Also see if the metronome offers the time signature and accents you need. If my piece requires a particular pedal technique or accents on certain beats, I want to be able to practise them specifically; around 21% of consumers put rhythm and pedal at the top of their list.
Moving and setting up Measure the available space and check which stand, power supply, pedal and sound equipment are included with the model. If I need to set up or put away the piano after every practice session, the complete setup matters; around 14% of consumers start by considering moving and setup.

Things to watch out for when buying

  • Assuming every stage piano has built-in speakers

    A model without speakers can’t be played aloud on its own. Korg, for example, states that the D1 has no built-in speakers, while Roland lists speakers for the RD-88 EX and Yamaha for the CK88.

    Decide in advance whether you’ll practise through speakers, headphones or an existing external sound system.

    With a model that has no speakers, you may need a suitable external sound system to play aloud.

  • Assuming a pedal socket means the right pedal is included

    A socket doesn’t tell you which pedal is included in the package or which pedal functions it supports. Korg lists a sustain pedal included with the D1 and a separate pedal for half-pedalling, available to buy separately.

    Ask which pedal technique your lessons require, then check the package contents and compatibility of the exact model.

    A suitable pedal may be a separate accessory.

  • Comparing only the instrument and forgetting the playing setup

    The stand, power supply, pedal and sound equipment can vary by model or version. Korg lists a stand for the D1 as a separate accessory; Yamaha warns that the adapter supplied with the CK series may vary by region.

    Check what’s actually included with the model and what’s already available in the music room.

    Depending on the model, you may need extra accessories for the complete setup.

Brands to compare

Roland

The RD-88 EX is worth considering if you’re looking for a stage piano with 88 weighted keys and built-in speakers.

  • Roland lists a PHA-4 hammer-action keyboard and built-in stereo speakers for the RD-88 EX.
  • These specifications don’t determine which keyboard feel is right for you. Also check the pedal package and headphone setup.

Yamaha

The CK88 is an alternative to compare, with 88 keys, speakers and stage sounds as well as piano practice features.

  • Yamaha lists a GHS keyboard, built-in speakers, a headphone socket and two foot pedal sockets for the CK88.
  • A pedal socket doesn’t confirm that the practice pedal you want is included. Yamaha also states that the mains adapter supplied may vary by region.

Korg

The D1 is a slim, stage-focused digital piano to compare if you’re looking for an RH3 keyboard and can arrange the sound setup yourself.

  • Korg lists 88 RH3 keys, a metronome, a headphone socket and a sustain pedal included.
  • According to Korg, the D1 has no built-in speakers. You’ll need an external sound system to play aloud without headphones.

Kawai

The MP7SE is an option to compare if piano-focused touch and pedal technique are important to you.

  • Kawai lists an 88-key Responsive Hammer III keyboard and a sustain pedal with half-pedalling support for the MP7SE. The manual also describes metronome functions.
  • Specifications don’t prove that the playing feel will suit every beginner. Consider the complete sound and room setup too.

Joybuy product selection

This selection includes a 61-key digital piano for anyone considering a compact option in this category. Check that 61 keys suit the repertoire and lesson requirements for your waltz lessons.

MLS-931 digital piano with 61 keys, black

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black

Could be a good fit if 61 keys suit the repertoire for your lessons; check before choosing it for piano-focused practice.

61 keys; weighted keyboard; built-in speakers and headphone socket; metronome.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does a stage piano in a music room need to be connected to an amplifier?

Not always: some models have built-in speakers. Roland lists them for the RD-88 EX, and Yamaha for the CK88. Korg describes the D1 as having no speakers; to play aloud without headphones, you’ll need a suitable external sound system.

Which pedal should I check for waltz lessons?

Check which sustain pedal your lessons require and whether it’s included with the exact piano model. Korg lists a sustain pedal included with the D1; for half-pedalling, Korg lists a separate accessory available to buy separately.

What should I check if I’ll put the piano away after practising?

Measure the available space and check the complete setup, including the stand, power supply, pedal and sound equipment. Korg lists a stand for the D1 as a separate accessory; Yamaha states that the adapter supplied with the CK series may vary by region.

What consumer rights apply when buying a piano online in the Netherlands?

For a standard online consumer purchase, you generally have up to 14 days from delivery to change your mind, according to ACM ConsuWijzer; some exceptions apply. A product must also perform as you could reasonably expect when used normally. The retailer is your point of contact for the statutory guarantee, and the statutory guarantee period isn’t simply two years for every product.