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A stage piano is an 88-key weighted keyboard built to be played through an amplifier or a mixer, and it suits a pianist who plays out or who wants one instrument for piano and other sounds. Most beginners need a digital piano with speakers instead.
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If you only read one section, read this: one pick for most people, one for a careful budget, one to grow into.
Best overall
Two split points and built-in speakers in an 88-key stage keyboard. A stage piano is built to be played out and carried, so I would send an adult beginner to a home piano first and keep this for a player who already has a touch to protect.
I suggest it for a keyboardist who plays in a band and at home.
See it on AmazonBest value
The most affordable RD model Roland has made, with a weighted PHA-4 action. It has no cabinet, so you will also want a stand and a sustain pedal; the instrument is the keybed and the sound, which is the part a pianist judges first.
I suggest it for a player who wants a lean stage piano for home and the occasional gig.
See it on AmazonPremium pick
88 natural wood keys with a Graded Hammer 3 action and a sustain pedal included. I would choose a stage piano for its action and its piano voices, and treat the extra sounds as a bonus.
I suggest it for a performing pianist who wants Yamaha's stage action.
See it on AmazonAn instrument is only the beginning. My 41-lesson beginner course is free and I read the playing you send me at no charge. I am also preparing a method book series for adults who learn alone; the email list on this page hears first.
A stage piano is a different tool from a home digital piano. It is built to be carried, to connect to an amplifier or a mixer, and to give a performer many sounds. Some have no speakers at all. I include them because adults who return to piano sometimes want to play in a band, in church or at a party, and because a few of these keyboards have excellent actions. The notes below follow each listing.
I recommend this gear because it is what my adult students need to work through my free 41-lesson course and, later, to use with my upcoming method books. I am a concert pianist and a university piano professor, and these are the kinds of tools I look at first when a student asks what to buy.
How this helps you learn: if your goal is to play with others, a stage piano puts a good weighted action in a form you can carry to a rehearsal.
The most affordable RD model Roland has made, with a weighted PHA-4 action. It has no cabinet, so you will also want a stand and a sustain pedal; the instrument is the keybed and the sound, which is the part a pianist judges first.
I suggest it for a player who wants a lean stage piano for home and the occasional gig.
See it on AmazonTwo split points and built-in speakers in an 88-key stage keyboard. A stage piano is built to be played out and carried, so I would send an adult beginner to a home piano first and keep this for a player who already has a touch to protect.
I suggest it for a keyboardist who plays in a band and at home.
See it on Amazon88 natural wood keys with a Graded Hammer 3 action and a sustain pedal included. I would choose a stage piano for its action and its piano voices, and treat the extra sounds as a bonus.
I suggest it for a performing pianist who wants Yamaha's stage action.
See it on AmazonA stage vintage piano with an RH3 hammer action and 64 instant-access presets. It suits a player who gigs or plays with others, and it is fully usable at home with headphones.
I suggest it for a player who loves vintage electric piano tones.
See it on AmazonRoland premium digital stage piano. The Roland Premium Digital Stage Piano RD-2000 EX is one of my premium picks for this list.
I suggest it for a returning player who gigs or plays with others and wants a stage action to grow into.
See it on AmazonPiano, organ and synthesizer engines on a fully weighted triple-sensor keybed. The Nord Nord Stage 4 88-Key Keyboard is one of my luxury picks for this list.
I suggest it for a working keyboardist who wants one instrument for every sound.
See it on AmazonAn expressive grand piano sound with string resonance and layering and splits. The Nord Nord Grand 2 Stage Keyboard is one of my luxury picks for this list.
I suggest it for a professional who wants a grand piano feel on stage.
See it on AmazonA stage piano is made for performing and is often without speakers; a home digital piano is made for a living room, with speakers, a stand and pedals.
No. An adult beginner is better served by a digital piano with speakers and a stand. Choose a stage piano if you plan to perform with a band.
Yes, if it has a headphone output, which the listings below describe. Check the jack size and bring an adapter if needed.
A stand, a sustain pedal, headphones or an amplifier, and a bench at the right height. My other shop pages cover each.
Yes. The links go to Amazon.com and open your local Amazon store when the model is sold there: the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and Singapore. Models, voltages and plugs differ by country, so on your local listing check for the 230-volt or UK-plug version of a digital piano or a suitable mains adapter, and check that the sustain pedal, bench (keyboard stool) or keyboard stand you want is sold in your country. If a model is not sold locally, the page will say so.
Wooden-key console and grand-style digital pianos.
Sustain pedals and pedal units.
The right height changes how you sound.
The shop exists to support your learning. The learning itself can start free: all 41 lessons of my beginner course are published, and I give feedback on your playing at no charge. When you want a teacher, I take private students online. I am also preparing a method book series for adults who learn alone.
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