If you are on the quest for the best stage pianos, that offer exceptional sound quality, playability, and portability, then our list of the top 10 will surely help you narrow down your search!

Various models have been put to the test in this article from top piano manufacturers such as Nord, Korg, Yamaha, and Kawai. Let’s take a deep dive into the features of the best stage pianos available.

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1. Nord Stage 4

The Nord Stage 4 is a revamped and updated model of the acclaimed Nord Stage series. With a new control panel design, improved keybed, expanded effects section, and an updated synth engine, it’s one of the best stage pianos on the market.

Features

The new control panel is designed to be more intuitive, featuring dedicated LED faders for each sound layer, with most knobs and switches controlling one parameter.

The keybed has been redesigned with a triple-sensor hammer action keybed with aftertouch.

The sample memory has been doubled, so your favorite instrument sounds from the Nord Piano Library with even greater fidelity and range than before

With the Nord Stage 4, you can use 3 synth layers simultaneously. They can be independently managed and attenuated for complex patch construction with the Wave 2 Synth Engine.

Sound

The Piano Library and synth engine have been upgraded, and the effects section has been significantly improved, offering a complete and independent set-up of effects for each sound layer.

The Organ section features Nord’s award-winning simulations of B3 Tonewheel, B3 Bass, classic Vox, Farfisa, and two Pipe Organ models.

The Nord Stage 4 comes in three different models, with weighted, semi-weighted, and waterfall keybeds. Below is the compact, semi-weighted, 73-key model.

Read the full review!

The New Nord Stage 4 Has Arrived! (In-Depth Review)

2. Nord Electro 6D 61-Key

The 61-Key Nord Electro 6D is a great alternative to the Nord Stage 4 if you want something lighter and more compact. It is also a fantastic choice if you are more organ-focused thanks to the faithful recreations of famous organs onboard.

The semi-weighted keybeds are the lightest models and weigh around under 20 pounds which is extremely handy for musicians who perform regularly.

The piano section features a wide selection of acoustic, electric, and digital pianos from the exclusive Nord Piano Library, extended voice polyphony, and creative new Piano Filters.

The enhanced Sample Synth Section features expanded memory for the Nord Sample Library 3.0 and extended polyphony

Three independent sound sections Organ, Piano, and Sample Synth that can be used simultaneously as a layer or a split; 6 Keyboard Split points (C3-F5) with Split Point Crossfade functionality

• 61-key (5 octaves, C-C) Velocity-sensitive Fatar Semi-Weighted Waterfall keyboard; perfect for rapid organ shredding and synthesizer licks
• Organize/Page mode: Group sets of up to four Programs into Pages, and arrange these using the Organize mode
• 4 Live Slots; External keyboard feature: Freely assign sound engines to be controlled by an external keyboard, while others are played from the Nord Electro 6.

Read the full review:

Nord Electro 6D Review! The Best Lightweight Stage-Piano?

A Complete Guide To Nord: Piano, Stage, Grand, Electro

3. Yamaha P125A

The Yamaha’s P125A is designed with portability in mind, making it suitable for both practice and performance. It is a beginner-friendly model and one of the best Yamaha stage pianos available.

Features

The Pure CF Sound Engine includes the sound of the renowned Yamaha CFIIIS 9′ concert grand piano. It is the result of over a century of acoustic piano craftsmanship combined with state-of-the-art technology and expertise.

In addition, the Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) 88-key piano keyboard provides a heavier touch in the low end and a lighter touch in the high end, so it can be played with the expressiveness of an acoustic piano.

Even though this is a beginner digital piano, the P-125 allows for a surprising amount of performance dynamics and expressiveness.

The newly improved 2-way speaker system produces an expansive piano sound in both upward and downward directions giving the player a rich stereo sound as if you were sitting at an acoustic piano.

Connectivity

The P125A is also compatible with useful piano Apps. For example, the Smart Pianist App allows you to control the many functions included in your Yamaha digital piano with your smart device.

Voices, rhythms, and other settings can be selected through the familiar touch screen of your phone or tablet, making it easy to control the functions of your piano.

You can also use the Chord Tracker function to learn how to play the chords of your favorite songs. Chord Tracker analyzes the songs from your music library on your Android device, iPhone, or iPad and displays the chord symbols so you can play along.

It is available on the Google Play Store and for Apple iOS.

Table EQ

The new “Table EQ” feature enables the player to enjoy optimal acoustics, so even if you play on a hard, flat surface, you will get the best possible sound.

The Yamaha P125 is a beginner-intermediate stage piano that offers excellent value for money, and works well as a practice instrument and on stage for your ‘bread and butter’ sounds.

Read the full review below!

Yamaha P125 Full Review: The Best Beginner Digital Piano?

4. Korg D1 88-Key Stage Piano

The Korg D1 is another beginner-friendly stage piano, that works well as a practice instrument and on-stage for performances, due to its portable and lightweight design.

It has 30 high-quality sounds onboard and uses cutting-edge technology that accurately reproduces the sound of a Grand Piano.

The D1’s vintage-inspired electric pianos are wonderfully responsive to your touch, as are the onboard organ, clavinet, vibraphone, acoustic guitar, and string sounds.

Features

It has a highly regarded Korg RH3 keybed with fully weighted keys. They are ideal for playing piano and electric piano parts. There are basic onboard effects that will see you through most performance scenarios in bands, as well as damper resonance.

Another selling point for this model is that it weighs only 35 pounds. The D1 also includes a useful music rest, a power adaptor, and a dedicated sustain pedal.

The D1 is focused on providing the ultimate in slim, compact design. The result is a top-class keyboard that reproduces the playing feel of a grand piano while remaining portable.

The electric piano sounds reproduce the tonal differences in response to your playing touch and even the key-off noise.

Six variations are built in, covering sounds often used in popular music from the ’60s and ’70s soul music. Six versatile sounds are provided, ranging from sounds used in rock or jazz to solemn pipe organ tones.

With its high-quality keybed developed by Korg and its 30 rich sounds that cut through on stage, this is a fantastic instrument for home practice and stage use.

Read the full review:

Korg D1 Full Review: The Best Budget Stage Piano?

5. Casio PX-S1100

Casio’s PX-S1100 stands out for its compact and sleek design. It’s one of the slimmest stage pianos available, making it highly portable and suitable for performers on the go.

The PX-S1100 is not just about aesthetics; it also offers a range of features like Bluetooth connectivity, a vast song library through the Casio Music Space app, and synthetic ebony and ivory feel keys for an authentic playing experience.

Whilst it does have shorter keys than some other stage pianos, which some argue limits the expressiveness, this Casio is a unique instrument in its class and offers some unique features.

The touch screen buttons, for example, add a touch of elegance to the instrument. In terms of sound, Casio offers recordings of the sounds on their website. The ultra-slim and compact design will also appeal to many gigging pianists.

6. Kawai ES520

Kawai’s ES520 is celebrated for its warm tones and depth of sound, reminiscent of the iconic tones of the Shigeru SK-EX grand piano. It features hammer action and graded weighting across the keys, ensuring an authentic playing experience.

The ES520 also offers a variety of tones suitable for pop, jazz, and modern music, coupled with inbuilt effects to tailor the sound to different venues. It has 34 sounds including acoustic and electric pianos, organs, strings, bass, and more.

Sound

This digital piano is equipped with a powerful stereo speaker system developed by audio experts at Onkyo. The Kawai ES520 digital piano sings with exceptional clarity and richness and is one of the best Kawai stage pianos, surpassed only by the larger ES920.

Its 88-key keybed offers a grand piano-like feel and response, ideal for students, casual players, and veteran players alike. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to stream music directly to the speakers or send MIDI output to your PC wirelessly.

The Responsive Hammer Compact II keybed gives you the feel of a real acoustic piano with its innovative springless design.

Bluetooth connectivity and various inbuilt tools make the Kawai ES520 a versatile choice for both beginners and seasoned pianists.

• 88-key Digital Stage Piano with Responsive Hammer Compact II Action
• 40-watt Onkyo Stereo Speaker System – White
• Bluetooth MIDI pts
• 192-note Polyphony
• Dual Split Modes

7. Nord Piano 5

Looking back at Nord there is one other new model in their range to consider, the Nord Piano 5!

The Nord Piano 5 is the latest edition of Nord’s award-winning Piano series. It is equipped with dual piano engines, dual sample synths, and twice the memory of the previous model, the Nord Piano 4.

With its combination of a premium Triple Sensor keybed and Nord’s exclusive Virtual Hammer Action Technology, the portable Nord Piano 5 delivers an exceptional playing experience for pianists from beginners to professionals.

• 73-note Triple Sensor keybed with grand weighted action
• Equipped with dual piano engines, dual sample synths, and twice the memory of the previous generation
• Triple Sensor keybed and Nord’s exclusive Virtual Hammer Action Technology
• Advanced Layering (2 Pianos + 2 Sample Synths)
• Advanced KB Split with optional crossfades; seamless transitions; OLED display for excellent overview

Read the full review:

The New Nord Piano 5 Review – An Upgraded Classic

8. Roland RD-30X

Features

The Roland FP-30X is the digital/stage piano that I own and use daily. It is an excellent piano all around that ticks a lot of important boxes and it is one of the best stage pianos available in its price range.

The FP-30X is the sweet spot of Roland’s FP-X series. Balancing affordability with superior performance, this portable piano builds on the FP-10 with an enhanced sound engine, more powerful onboard speakers, and increased polyphony.

Featuring Roland’s SuperNATURAL Piano technology and the same expressive 88-note PHA-4 Standard keyboard as the FP-60X, the FP-30X is the perfect piano for beginners to intermediate and advanced players.

The Roland FP-30X functions as a professional practice and recording instrument in the home studio and as an excellent stage piano with its realistic piano, electric piano, and organ sounds.

Connectivity

With its easy-to-transport weight and Bluetooth connectivity for lessons and play-along audio, it’s an ideal choice for any pianist who wants to develop their skills or perform at events. The powerful 30-watt speakers can also be used to listen to your music at home!

It also boasts professional digital features such as escapement, Bluetooth, and ivory feel keys. The Bluetooth is useful when learning songs, as you can play songs through the onboard speakers and play along!

You can also control the piano from the Roland Piano App which I have found to be useful on stage when selecting sounds or using layers, without using the buttons on the instrument.

You can take things a step further and use Bluetooth MIDI to connect to music composition apps like Roland’s Zenbeats or Apple’s GarageBand.

The FP-30X even features USB audio/MIDI connectivity, allowing you to interface with computers and record tracks in professional music production software such as Logic Pro.

Read the full review:

Roland FP-30 vs FP-30X Full Comparison: Best Digital Pianos

9. Roland RD88

The Roland RD88 sounds and feels like an acoustic grand piano, all the way down to the expertly crafted hammer-action keys with perfectly refined escapement.

Features

Roland packed the RD-88 with more than 3,000 sounds from their ZEN-Core sound engine which utilizes SuperNATURAL technology. A range of legendary sounds from acoustic and electronic pianos to organs and flutes are onboard.

The RD-88 has a user-friendly interface that keeps all the necessary controls within easy reach. It’s just as easy to dial up a new sound as it is to shape your tone and add extra effects on the fly.

The RD-88 also integrates with Apple MainStage to control soft synths over three zones.

The RD-88 also features the same PHA-4 keybed found in the FP-30x and FP-60X, which offers natural playability and smooth action. The Ivory Feel finish behaves like traditional ebony and ivory keys, gradually breaking in over time.

The slim, streamlined design easily fits in the back of the van and is an absolute breeze to set up. This stage piano also has an integrated speaker system onboard, which is convenient for everything from intimate venues to solo rehearsals.

Warranty: Sweetwater’s FREE 2-Year Total Confidence Coverage Warranty.

10. Korg Kross 2

If you are looking for something ultra lightweight and portable (27 pounds for the 88-key model), then the Korg Kross 2 could be the one for you. The Kross 2 has more power, more presets (1075), more polyphony (120), a new sampling engine, and more!

Features

The Kross 2 88 packs a punch with 88 Natural Weighted Hammer Action keys, a huge library of sounds, and a bevy of intuitive and powerful production tools into a svelte, eye-catching chassis that weighs in at around 27 pounds.

It even runs on six AA batteries which is big huge deal for anyone looking to busk. With its mic input, built-in audio recorder, 16-track MIDI sequencer, drum track, arpeggiator, and Electribe-derived step sequencer, the Korg Kross 2 is an impressive instrument.

Korg’s EDS-i is a studio-grade sound engine distilled from the EDS/EDS-X sound engines found on Korg’s most advanced instruments. EDS-i lets you use a total of seven effects simultaneously: five insert effects plus two master effects.

You get essentials such as delay, reverb, chorus, flanger, and rotary speaker, but there’s also amp modeling powered by Korg’s REMS modeling technology. With 134 different high-quality effects onboard, you’ll never run out of inspiration.

Sound

Korg Kross 2 88 is loaded with piano, electric piano, and drum sounds that have been taken from flagship Kross instruments used by the pros giving the Kross 2 a sound that surpasses other instruments in its price range.

The grand piano, for example, includes lavishly sampled decays with three different levels of velocity. Korg has even sampled damper pedal noises, juicing your performances with the ultimate in realism and nuance.

The Kross 2 is one of the lightest and best stage pianos for your money in 2023! Read the review of the original Korg Kross below:

The Korg Kross 88: Ultimate Synth Review In 2023

FAQ

1. What Is a Stage Piano, and How Does It Differ From Other Types of Pianos?

A stage piano is a portable electronic keyboard designed for use on stage during live performances. Unlike traditional pianos, they are lightweight, and compact, and often come with a variety of built-in sounds and features.

They are ideal for musicians who need a versatile instrument for gigging and performing in different venues.

2. What Features Should I Look for in a Stage Piano?

When choosing the best stage piano, consider factors such as key action, sound quality, portability, and connectivity.

Look for a piano with weighted keys for a realistic playing experience, high-quality sampled sounds, and versatile connectivity options such as MIDI and USB ports.

3: How Important Is Portability for a Stage Piano?

Portability is a crucial factor for stage pianos, as they are designed to be easily transported from one venue to another. Look for a lightweight and compact design, and consider features such as built-in handles or carrying cases for added convenience.

4. Are There Any Specific Brands Known for Producing the Best Stage Pianos?

Several reputable brands excel in producing high-quality stage pianos. Some notable names include Yamaha, Roland, Kawai, Nord, and Korg. It’s essential to consider individual models within these brands, as features and preferences can vary.

5. What Is the Difference Between Hammer Action and Graded Hammer Action in Stage Pianos?

Hammer action refers to the mechanism that simulates the feel of an acoustic piano. Graded hammer action means that the keys have different weights, mimicking the heavier feel in the lower register and the lighter feel in the higher register.

Both are excellent choices, with graded hammer action providing a more authentic piano-playing experience.

6. Can I Use a Stage Piano for Home Practice as Well?

Yes, many stage pianos are suitable for home practice as they often come with headphone jacks for quiet practice sessions. Additionally, some models have built-in speakers that can be utilized for home use.

7. What Additional Features Should I Consider for Live Performances?

For live performances, look for stage pianos with easy-to-use controls, quick sound selection options, and the ability to layer or split sounds. Additionally, having customizable effects, such as reverb and chorus, can enhance your live sound.

• Consider which specific features are you looking for in a stage piano, and how these models align with your needs.
• How important is portability to you, and how do these pianos meet that requirement?
• Which piano offers the best combination of sound quality, key action, and additional learning tools for your needs?

8. How Does the Price Range Affect the Quality of a Stage Piano?

While higher-priced stage pianos often come with more advanced features and superior sound quality, there are excellent options available in various price ranges.

Consider your budget and prioritize features that align with your specific needs and preferences.

9. Can I Connect a Stage Piano to External Devices or Software?

Yes, most stage pianos offer connectivity options like MIDI and USB, allowing you to connect to external devices such as computers, tablets, or other MIDI controllers.

This opens up possibilities for recording, using virtual instruments, or integrating with music production software.

10. Are There Any Maintenance Tips for Keeping a Stage Piano in Optimal Condition?

To maintain your stage piano, keep it in a clean and dry environment, protect it during transport, and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for care and maintenance. Regularly clean the keys and surfaces, and be cautious with liquids near the instrument.

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Conclusion

Choosing the best stage piano involves considering various factors such as sound quality, key action, portability, and additional features that enhance the playing and learning experience. I hope this article helped you to choose a piano!