- Three formats: portable digital piano, console piano, arranger keyboard. Three levels each: beginner, intermediate, advanced.
- For a piano course, the basics remain the same: 88 weighted keys, a sustain pedal and an adjustable touch.
- The portable is easy to carry and store. The console offers a 3-pedal unit and generous amplification. The 61-key keyboard opens up styles.
- Moving up a level means better mechanics, polyphony and connectivity. Three things you notice from the second year onwards.
We always get asked the same questions in the same order. âItâs for my daughter, sheâs starting piano in September.â Then: âDo you really need 88 keys?â And finally: âWill it fit in an apartment?â Between late August and early October, we answer these dozens of times a week in the keyboard department. So letâs make it clear: choosing a piano for beginners boils down to two decisions, not ten. First the format, because an instrument you carry and one you set up lead very different lives. Then the level of ambition. Here are nine models arranged according to this logic: for beginners, for progressing, for going further.
Comparison of the best portable digital pianos for back to school
The Woodbrass XP2 leads the way with the essentials well done. Hammer action, simulated escapement, triple sensor, touch adjustable over five levels, 189 polyphony voices. The pedal, music stand and adapter come in the box: the pupil can play the same evening. The Yamaha P-145BT relies on its GHC action and the sampled sound of the CFIIIS concert grand piano. All this in an 11.1 kg chassis that you can carry without thinking. The NUX NPK-20 broadens the playground: 271 sounds, 100 accompaniment styles, XLR mic input, colour screen. Enough to move from scale practice to the first sung piece. The whole range is covered in the portable digital pianos.
If the portable piano sits on a stand, choose a Z-stand rather than an X-stand for young pupils. Their knees fit underneath without bumping, and the seat stays at the right height. Add an adjustable bench: posture is set in the first months, not later.
Comparison of the best furniture pianos for progressing at home
Here, the 3-pedal unit is included as standard. The Woodbrass DP2 MK2 offers a heavy progressive touch adjustable on three levels and half-pedal sustain. It adds 2 x 25 W stereo amplification and two headphone outputs: handy for playing four hands with your teacher. The Korg LP-380U brings its RH3 action in a 26 cm deep silhouette, triple pedal and stand included. The Yamaha YDP-146 targets pianistic work: CFX grand piano voice, 192-note polyphony, VRM Lite for resonance. The Smart Pianist app helps structure your sessions. The rest of the selection is in the digital upright pianos.
Weight is a buying factor, not a detail. Between 37 and 45 kg depending on the model, an upright digital piano is carried by two people and set up once and for all. Measure the available width, about 1.36 m, and plan a nearby socket. Also check the seat height: it determines the wrist angle.
Comparison of the best keyboards for playing and accompanying
The Casio CT-S1 opts for simplicity: 61 velocity-sensitive keys, AiX sound source, 61 handpicked tones. Its 4.5 kg weight also allows battery operation, handy for playing in a bedroom or taking the keyboard to grandparentsâ house. The Korg i3 steps up the game: 800 sounds, 270 styles, 16-track sequencer, WAV or MP3 export. You compose, arrange, and record. The Yamaha PSR-E583 focuses on stage performance. Super Articulation Lite voices, Auto Chord Play, Looper, and Quick Sampling synced to the style. Explore these in the arranger keyboards section.
Portable piano, console piano or keyboard: which format to start with?
Before the brand, consider the format. A portable digital piano features 88 weighted keys over about 1.30 m, weighing 11 to 13 kg. It moves easily from stand to lesson, slips behind a sofa, and connects to headphones. A console piano comes mounted on its frame, with an integrated 3-pedal unit and larger speakers. It takes its place in a room and stays put. An arranger keyboard works with 61 velocity-sensitive keys. The focus is on sounds, styles, and accompaniment.
The smart move: start from actual use. Is the student following a piano course and working on dynamics? Weighted keys take priority. Do they want to accompany songs, explore rhythms, or plug in a mic? The keyboard opens that up faster. All three types sit side by side in the Woodbrass keyboards and pianos section.
The word âweightedâ means a key fitted with a counterweight or hammer. It resists under the finger, just like on an acoustic piano. âGradedâ means this resistance is firmer in the bass and lighter in the treble. The half-pedal allows you to control the sustain gradually instead of switching it fully on or off. This is what makes legato clean from the second year onwards.
What to check before buying a piano for beginners
- Number of keys: 88 for a piano course, 61 for keyboard and accompaniment use.
- Action: weighted and graded keys, ideally with triple sensors for repeated notes and trills.
- Touch adjustment: three to five levels to suit a childâs hand or an adult returning to playing.
- Pedals: at least a sustain pedal, with half-pedal as soon as the repertoire gets more demanding.
- Polyphony: from 64 to 192 notes depending on the model; the higher it is, the more sustained chords breathe.
- Headphone outputs: essential for late practice, and a second jack makes a big difference in duo lessons.
- Connectivity: USB MIDI and Bluetooth give access to learning apps and recording.
A tip we give all families: choose the action first, features second. A student keeps their instrument for three to five years. Itâs the touch that decides if they progress comfortably. Sounds, styles and apps can be explored along the way. A keyboard that feels right under the fingers canât be made up for later.
FAQ: choosing a piano for beginners
Which piano to choose for starting at music school?
For a piano course, schools generally require a 88-key weighted keyboard with a sustain pedal. The Woodbrass XP2 portable and the Woodbrass DP2 MK2 console models meet these requirements from the first year.
Is 88 keys really necessary to start piano?
88 keys give access to the full piano repertoire. They also prevent having to relearn landmarks later. With 61 keys, the student can play early pieces, chords and accompaniment very well. This is the format of arranger keyboards, aimed at style-based playing.
Portable digital piano or console piano: how to decide?
The portable moves around, stores easily and follows the student to lessons or rehearsals. The console stays put, offers a 3-pedal unit and more powerful amplification. The question to ask: does the instrument move, or does it hold its place in a room?
Is an arranger keyboard suitable for piano lessons?
It depends on the course. For classical repertoire and touch work, schools usually require 88 weighted keys. For pop, song accompaniment and arranging, a Yamaha PSR-E583 or Korg i3 open up style-based playing straight away.
What accessories to prepare for the new term?
A headphones for practising without disturbing the household. An adjustable bench for posture. A stable X or Z stand if the piano is portable. And a sustain pedal if not included. Console pianos come with their pedal units.
Getting off to a good start, then letting the instrument take over
Nine models, three sizes, three levels: everything you need to kit out for the new term without a hitch. It all boils down to two questions. Should the instrument be portable? Is the course focused on piano repertoire or accompaniment? The rest naturally follows. And if youâre still unsure, our keyboard advisors are ready to help by phone or in-store: nothing beats ten minutes hands-on at the keyboard. Discover the full selection of keyboards and pianos to compare the touch.
