SHOPIFY-FIELDS (complete in dashboard before publishing)──────────────────────────────────────────────────────Blog title: Buying a digital piano: what should you look for?SEO page title: Buying a digital piano: tips & advice | Stockenhof MuziekMeta description: Buying a digital piano? Look for weighted keys, polyphony, and built-in speakers. Advice for every budget from Stockenhof Muziek.URL/Handle: buy-digital-piano-tipsTags: Piano, Keyboard, Beginners, Buying advice, Digital piano-->
✓ Quick answer
A good digital piano for beginners costs between €800 and €1,800 and features weighted, touch-sensitive keys, at least 88 keys, and built-in speakers. Brands like Yamaha, Roland, and Kawai provide excellent quality in this segment. At Stockenhof Muziek, we help you make the right choice based on your level, space, and budget.
Digital piano or keyboard: what is the difference?
Many people use "digital piano" and "keyboard" interchangeably, but there is an important difference. A digital piano has 88 weighted keys that mimic the touch of a real acoustic piano — ideal for those who want to learn to play the piano seriously. A keyboard usually has fewer keys (61 or 76), unweighted or semi-weighted keys, and places more emphasis on various sounds and arrangements. For piano lessons and classical playing, a digital piano is the right choice.
Do you prefer the warmth and sound of an acoustic piano? Discover our range of acoustic and digital pianos at Stockenhof Muziek. However, for most beginners, a digital piano is the more practical and affordable start.
How much does a digital piano cost?
The price of a digital piano depends on the quality of the key action, the sound system, and additional features. The overview below gives you an honest picture:
| Level | Price range | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | €800 – €1,200 | 88 weighted keys, touch sensitivity, built-in speakers, headphone output |
| Semi-professional | €1,200 – €2,500 | Better key action simulation (e.g., graded hammer action), higher polyphony, better sampling quality |
| Professional / studio use | €2,500 – €5,000+ | Ivory-touch keys, advanced modeling, 3-pedal system, concert grand samples |
The five most important features when buying
There are dozens of specifications on which manufacturers distinguish their pianos, but five points are truly decisive:
- Weighted keys (hammer action): This is the most essential feature for piano students. Weighted keys mimic the operation of a hammer mechanism in an acoustic piano. You feel resistance when striking, which trains your fingers and makes expressive playing possible. Without weighted keys, you cannot learn proper piano technique.
- Touch sensitivity (velocity sensitivity): The softer you strike, the softer the sound — and vice versa. This is crucial for musical expression. Almost all modern digital pianos have this, but the quality varies greatly.
- Polyphony: This is the number of notes a piano can produce simultaneously. For piano music with complex chords and pedal use, a polyphony of at least 128 voices is recommended. More is better — 256 voices is the gold standard.
- Speakers: Not all digital pianos have built-in speakers. Check this — a piano without speakers only sounds through headphones or an external sound system. For home use, you will almost certainly want built-in speakers.
- Pedal system: A sustain pedal (on the right) is indispensable. Better digital pianos have three pedals that precisely mimic the functions of an acoustic piano: sustain, sostenuto, and una corda. Check if a pedal is included or needs to be ordered separately.
Tip from Stockenhof Muziek: Always visit the store to play the piano yourself, even if you have only had a few lessons. Play a simple scale and feel how the keys respond. The "touch" of a piano is subjective — what is ideal for one person may feel too heavy or too light for another. Our staff will gladly take the time to guide you.
Console model or portable model?
Digital pianos are available in two main forms: the console model (with a fixed stand, pedal unit, and cabinet design that resembles an acoustic piano) and the portable model (a slab with keys, on an optional stand). For home use, a console model is recommended: it is stable, has a complete pedal system, and fits better in a living room. A portable model is more convenient if you want to perform or regularly change locations.
Popular brands we recommend
At Stockenhof Muziek, we work with the leading piano brands:
- Yamaha: The P-series and CLP-series (Clavinova) offer a solid choice for every budget. Yamaha is known for its consistent quality and realistic piano sound.
- Roland: With the FP-series and HP-series, Roland delivers exceptional key action and sound quality. Its SuperNATURAL technology reproduces piano sounds in a particularly realistic way.
- Kawai: Less well-known but certainly no less good — Kawai's CN and ES series are loved by conservatory students and serious hobbyists for their excellent key response.
- Casio: For the lowest segment in our recommendations, Casio offers the GP-series with hybrid acoustic-digital technology for a surprisingly realistic playing experience.
Should I buy a piano immediately or rent one first?
If you are not yet sure whether you enjoy playing the piano, renting can be a smart first step. At Stockenhof Muziek, we also offer rental options and trade-in schemes. This allows you to start without a large investment and decide later if you want to upgrade. Just ask our staff — we are happy to help you think through your options.
Compare our selection of digital pianos and keyboards at Stockenhof Muziek and find the model that fits your ambition.
Conclusion: how to choose the right digital piano
A good digital piano for beginners has weighted, touch-sensitive keys, at least 88 keys, a polyphony of 128 or more, built-in speakers, and a durable sustain pedal. A budget of €800 to €1,500 is a realistic starting point for an instrument that will last you for years. Visit Stockenhof Muziek for personalized playing advice — because the best piano is the one that invites you to play every day.
View our range of digital pianos and keyboards — from beginner to concert level, always with expert advice from Stockenhof Muziek.
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