We made this top 5 article of the best budget-friendly stagepianos on the market. They all have 88 fully weighted keys, build-in-speakers and nice piano sounds, but they still have different pros and cons. Read more here, to find the right piano for you!
Roland FP-10
Action
The Roland FP-10 uses Roland’s renowned “PHA-4” keyaction with 88 keys that includes a real escapement and Roland’s synthetic Ivory Feel.
The escapement system mimics the feel of an acoustic piano by adding a small “click” feel to the action so that the player feels resistance when pressing down a key slowly. Ivory Feel basically means that the surface of the keys has a rough feel to it, compared to the very shiny and smooth surface of a lot of other digital pianos, in the same price range.
Sound
Even in this low-range piano, Roland has added their famous SuperNATURAL Piano Sound Engine that is normally found in higher-end models. This sound engine uses computer modeling to generate a piano-like sound. “Piano-like”, because no samples are involved whatsoever like in competitor’s designs, but nevertheless amazingly realistic sounding.
The only downside is that the speakers are so small and weak. The amplifier only generates 2 x 6 W of power, which affects the sound quality. If you want to improve your playing experience, we recommend that you use headphones! Check out our Digitalpiano.com DPH-5 headphones that are specially made for digital pianos.
Design
The Roland FP-10 has a very elegrant design, but is also very compact, so it’s also easy to take it with you everywhere you go! Nicely curved edges, a smooth black surface and a simple user interface make this instrument nice to look at.
But make no mistake: This instrument is no one-trick pony! The built-in Bluetooth antenna makes it possible to connect it to your favorite mobile device and use it with Roland’s Piano Partner 2 app, which gives you access to many additional features, such as extra sounds, the Piano Designer, scores, metronome, and much more! Additionally, Bluetooth can be used to send MIDI signals to your favorite MIDI-compatible applications.
Summary
Buy this product if you…
You need a cheap, portable 88-key instrument that has many features, good sound in headphones and a modern look.
What we like
- Bluetooth connectivity
- SuperNATURAL sound engine
- PHA-4 keybed
- Stylish and compact design
What we don’t like
- Limited amplification
Buy Roland FP-10
Yamaha P-145
Action
The predecessor P-45 uses Yamaha’s 88-key GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) action, which can also be found in some of the most popular digital pianos on the market, like the Yamaha YDP models. As the name of this action indicates, the action is graded, i.e., the weighting is heavier in the lower register than in the higher, which makes it feel remarkably similar an acoustic piano.
The newly developed and more compact GHC (Graded Hammer Compact) keyboard on the new P-Series reproduces the playing comfort of its predecessors in every way.
Further, the keyboard unit is more compact than in previous models, while still offering an outstanding playing feel.
Sound
The P-145 uses the new CFIIIS sound engine, which is sampled from Yamaha's concert grand piano CF-IIIS, featuring a clear tone with beautiful treble. This is an improvement from its predecessor, the P-45, which used Yamaha's AMW Stereo Sampling sound source that could not fully live up to the quality found in Yamaha's more advanced sound sources. The two speakers are each amplified to 7 W each.
Design
The P-145 now has a more modern and compact design, making it convenient to transport. The piano has fewer buttons, which may make it somewhat less intuitive to access its various features. However, this design choice lends it a simpler and more classic look, setting it apart from other pianos and keyboards that feature lots of illuminated buttons.
Summary
Buy this product if you…
Want a sturdy stage-piano with a more classic look at a good price.
What we like
- GHC-action
- Good price
- Compact
- Smart Pianist app
What we don’t like
- Lack of buttons for functions
Buy Yamaha P-145
Yamaha P-225
Action
The "big brother" to the Yamaha P-145 is the Yamaha P-225. It uses the same GHC mechanics as the P-145, making them identical in that regard.
Sound
The P-225 employs the Yamaha CFX sound source, which includes samples from Yamaha's flagship, the CFX concert grand piano. Additionally, the model is equipped with Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) technology that reproduces the complex resonance produced by the strings of a grand piano.
Moreover, the P-225 features a "two-way" speaker system. This means that sound is played both from the top and the bottom of the instrument, creating a more realistic "surround sound" experience. Thus, the sound feels more spacious and lively. It has the same amount of amplification as P-145 but four speakers instead of two.
Design
The Yamaha P-225 shares the same modern and compact design as the P-145. A nice addition to the P-225 (compared to the P-145) is the increased number of physical buttons, making it easier to access the piano's features and functions.
Summary
Buy this product if you…
Want a sturdy stage-piano with an excellent speaker system and a more classic look, at a good price.
What we like
- GHC-action
- Compact
- Smart Pianst app
- Two-way speaker system
What we don’t like
- The price is a bit higher than other entry-level models
Buy Yamaha P-225
Kawai ES-120
Action
The ES120’s Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard action has been specially developed to allow portable instruments to reproduce the distinctive touch of an acoustic grand piano. Based on the highly regarded RH action design, its spring-less technology and sturdy construction delivers consistent upward and downward motion, while improved cushioning material helps to reduce keyboard noise, resulting in a smooth, natural, and highly authentic piano playing experience.
Just as acoustic pianos utilise heavier bass hammers and lighter treble hammers, the RH Compact keyboard action also employs different hammer weights, appropriately graded for each playing range.
Sound
The ES120 captures the magnificent tone of the flagship Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano. This peerless instrument is hand-built by Master Piano Artisans at the Shigeru Kawai Piano Research Laboratory in Ryuyo, Japan, and widely regarded as one of the finest instruments in its class.
In addition, the ES120 also features the distinctive sound of Kawai’s highly acclaimed EX concert grand piano, which has been selected by professional pianists in such prestigious events as the Chopin, Tchaikovsky, and Rubinstein international piano competitions, among others.
Both the SK-EX and EX are faithfully reproduced with full 88-key sampling using advanced Harmonic Imaging™ sound technology, to establish a new standard in digital piano tonal quality and allow musicians to appreciate the contrasting properties. Amplification is 10 W x 2.
Design
ES-120 has a sleek design with neat, rounded edges and is available in both black and white. In terms of functionality, the ES-120 has a simple and streamlined control panel that makes the main functions easily accessible.
Summary
Buy this product if you…
Are looking at buying a stage-piano with an authentic hammer action and detailed samples.
What we like
- RH-action with hammers
- Harmonic Imaging sound engine
- Samples from SK-EX and EX concert grands
What we don’t like
- The price is a bit higher than other entry-level models
Buy Kawai ES-120
Casio CSP-S110
Action
The most budget-friendly stage piano of this list. This model is equipped with Casio's "Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II" with textured keys to make them rough and mimic the feel of ivory. It might not have the most authentic mechanics on the market, but it has 88 fully weighted keys and can also be adjusted between 3 different levels of touch sensitivity.
Sound
Casio’s "Air" sound source has recently been updated with better samples for a more defined piano sound, since the last generation of Casio pianos. This model has 10 sounds to choose from: 3 different grand piano sounds, 3 different electric piano sounds, as well as some organ sounds, strings, and a harpsichord.
Each speaker boasts an 8 W amplification, quite substantial for a piano of its small size.
Design
The piano is significantly smaller than instruments from other brands. The CDP-S110 delivers a stable piano experience in a sleek unibody case that's hardly bigger than the keys themselves. It weighs only 11 kg and can run on AA batteries – thus, the CDP-S110 has a strong focus on portability and convenience.
Additionally, you can download the "Chordana Play" app and connect via USB to your iOS or Android device to make adjustments to your CDP-S110, as well as play your favorite MIDI files. The USB port is class-compliant and can also connect to any Mac or PC without the need for drivers or installation.
Summary
Buy this piano if you…
Are looking for a very small and simple stage piano, which is easy to transport, can run on batteries, but at the same time must keep the price as low as possible.
What we like
- Really good price
- 8 W x 2 speakers
- Connection to Chordana Play app
- Lightweight and portable
What we don’t like
- The keyaction is not as authentic as some other brands
- The sound engine could be improved
