Are you looking to buy your first digital piano? Over at Fair Deal Music we understand that this can be a daunting task, so we’ve asked our Piano Department for their expert opinion on all things pianos and keys, bringing you their favourite beginner digital pianos to get you hitting the right note straight from the get-go. We’ve compiled a list of our top 5 digital pianos below to make choosing your first instrument a little bit easier. We stock leading brands such as Yamaha, Roland and Casio and each instrument has its own merits and innovative features – all at a very Fair Deal Price.

Yamaha P-45

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Pros

•  88 fully weighted keys for authentic piano playing technique
•  Quality Yamaha tone
•  Suitable for exam for beginners
•  Optional wooden stand
•  Only 11.45 kg weight

Cons

• Mains power only. No Battery option
• Wooden stand is most expensive option in this list. No 3-pedal option available

Expert’s Opinion

An ideal starter instrument for the new pianist on a budget. Quality Yamaha, tone, feel, and construction means this piano will serve you well for longer than most and would also be a great choice for the better player on the move. No 3 pedal option prevents this from being first choice for players who require a piano for more advanced technique.

Click here to learn more about the Yamaha P-45

Roland GO:PIANO 88

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Pros

•  88 full size keys
•  Very nice sound quality
•  Bluetooth
•  Mains or Battery operation
•  Extremely light for 88 key instrument at 7.0kg
•  Great price for 88 key instrument

 Cons

• The keys are not weighted
• Feels a little flimsy

Expert’s Opinion

Truly a piano designed for those on the GO. Lightweight, portable and battery operated it’s definitely designed with the outdoor/mobile user in mind. Its tone is excellent, particularly through headphones and the Bluetooth operation is a breeze. It’s only Achilles heel is the lack of weighted keys (no doubt to save overall weight) and that it feels just a little flimsy.

Click here to learn more about the Roland GO:PIANO 88

Yamaha NP-32

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Click for current price (NP-23 White)

Pros

• 76 full size keys and slim case make this a very compact and easy to store instrument
• Lightweight and portable. 5.7kg
• Mains or battery operation
• Good choice as USB controller keyboard

Cons

• Not a weighted action
• Not 88 keys
• Speakers are small and impact sound quality. Would probably need supplementary amplification if using outside or with other musicians

Expert’s Opinion

This is a great choice for those on a budget or who are limited with space. It will fit easily in a cupboard or under the bed. It’s extremely light and great for those on the move. The downside is that this seeking an authentic piano key feel, and range will be disappointed, and it will not be suitable for all but the most basic examination studies. A good choice as a larger USB controller though as very few USB controllers with 76 keys omg the market.

Click here to learn more about the Yamaha NP-32 Black

Click here to learn more about the Yamaha NP-32 White

Roland FP-10

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Pros

• Fantastic 88 note action
• Synthetic ivory key top offers a premium feel
• Very nice quality optional wooden stand
• Bluetooth compatible
• Rich and powerful speaker system

Cons

• Most expensive on test.
• Heaviest instrument at 14.8kg.

Expert’s Opinion

By far and away the most premium feeling instrument on this list. Detailed tone and great functionality via the piano partner 2 app. The 3-pedal option and stand combined transforms this piano into a proper piece of furniture that would be at home in most spaces. It’s not the cheapest but is the most accomplished all-rounder in this list.

Click here to learn more about the Roland FP-10

Casio CDP-S100

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Pros

• Weighs just 10.8kg, making it the lightest piano on this list with a fully-weighted action
• Scaled Hammer Action II provides the authentic weighting of an acoustic piano
• Simulated ebony and ivory textured keys for a more natural and less-slippy feel
• Audio Input to play music from your mobile or tablet through the piano’s speakers
• Includes free access to online music lessons from the Casio Music Academy
• Mains or Battery powered (6 x AA batteries) allowing you to play it anywhere
• Headphone socket for private practise without disturbing those around you

Cons

• Matching stand available but NO 3-Pedal option
• USB only, there’s isn’t Bluetooth® connectivity
• Sustained sound when playing slowly can decay a bit quickly

Expert’s Opinion 

The musical expression you can achieve from the new CDP-S100 belies its slimline dimensions, thanks to a brand new Dynamic Stereo Sound Engine and improved built-in speakers. Works with Casio’s free Chordana Play Piano app which can teach you how to play over 100 famous pieces of classical music, work as a piano remote controller and PDF music viewer. A great first piano for aspiring pianists of all ages!

Click here to learn more about the CASIO CDP-S100