Accessories for digital pianos: stand, pedals and headphones that really matter

Maybe you’ve just bought a **digital piano with 88 keys**: weighted action, realistic sounds, everything looks perfect. Then you check what’s in the box: * a...

Maybe you’ve just bought a digital piano with 88 keys: weighted action, realistic sounds, everything looks perfect.

Then you check what’s in the box:

a wobbly X‑stand,
a feather‑light plastic sustain pedal,
no headphones (or some very basic ones).

The result: the instrument is good, but the playing and practice experience doesn’t match its potential.

In this guide we’ll look at the accessories that really make a difference for a digital piano:

stand: stability, correct height and posture;
pedals: from simple sustain to three‑pedal units;
headphones: practising in silence without hurting your ears.

1. Piano stands: much more than a "table"

The stand is the foundation of your posture.

1.1 X‑stands: pros and cons

They’re the most common and are often included in bundles.

Pros:

affordable;
foldable and easy to transport;
fine for lighter keyboards and standing players.

Cons:

cheaper models can be unstable, especially with heavier digital pianos;
the X frame can get in the way of your knees;
it’s not always easy to find the perfect height for seated practice.

They’re ok to start with or for mobile gigs. For serious, regular practice, a more solid solution is usually better.

1.2 Table‑style stands and furniture stands

These are table‑like stands or dedicated furniture‑style bases, often designed for a specific piano model.

Advantages:

much more stable: the piano doesn’t move even when you play hard;
height designed for classical‑style posture;
often allow you to attach a three‑pedal unit, just like an upright;
look cleaner and more integrated at home.

If your piano doesn’t need to travel and you mainly play at home, this is usually the best option.

1.3 Height and posture: two details that change everything

Whatever stand you choose, make sure that:

when you sit on the bench, your forearm and hand form a straight line with the keys (no raised shoulders or very low elbows);
your legs fit comfortably underneath, with your right foot reaching the pedal without effort.

Poor posture leads to:

muscle fatigue;
technical difficulties;
more risk of pain in shoulders, back and wrists.

2. Pedals: from basic sustain to full three‑pedal units

Most digital pianos ship with a simple sustain pedal, similar to a keyboard footswitch.

It works, but for serious practice it’s quite limited.

2.1 Basic footswitch: entry‑level solution

The classic pedal:

light;
rectangular or square shape;
on/off only, no in‑between.

It’s fine to get started, but has some downsides:

it tends to move around under your foot;
it doesn’t simulate the travel and feel of a real piano pedal;
no half‑pedal support for subtle control.

2.2 Piano‑style sustain pedal with half‑pedal

This is the single pedal shaped like an acoustic piano pedal.

Benefits:

more stability thanks to its weight and rubber base;
travel similar to an acoustic piano;
half‑pedal support on compatible instruments.

If you want to work seriously on legato, clean pedal changes and sustain control, this upgrade is almost mandatory.

2.3 Three‑pedal units

For classical studies or a true upright‑like feel, a three‑pedal unit is the standard.

The three pedals are:

left – soft/una corda: softens and darkens the sound;
middle – sostenuto (not always present): holds only the notes already played;
right – sustain: extends the notes.

Why it matters:

mirrors the layout of an acoustic piano;
trains your body (especially the right leg) to the correct posture;
lets you tackle classical repertoire with the same gestures as on an acoustic instrument.

If your digital piano supports a dedicated three‑pedal unit, it’s one of the smartest long‑term investments you can make.

3. Headphones: practising in silence without damaging your hearing

Headphones are essential when you need to:

play in an apartment;
practise early in the morning or late at night;
focus without external noise.

But not all headphones are created equal.

3.1 Open, semi‑open and closed headphones

Open‑back More natural, airy sound, but they leak sound both in and out. Not ideal if you need to be quiet.
Semi‑open A compromise: slightly more isolation than open headphones, still fairly natural sound.
Closed‑back Better isolation from and to the outside. Ideal if you don’t want to disturb people you live with.

For home practice with a digital piano, closed‑back headphones are usually the most practical choice.

3.2 Comfort and cable

When choosing headphones, also consider:

earpad comfort: for one‑hour practice sessions or more, you need soft pads and a headband that’s not too stiff;
cable length: too short = annoying, too long = cable spaghetti; 2–3 meters usually works well;
connector: most digital pianos have a 1/4" (6.3 mm) jack, so you need either:
- a full‑size jack plug, or
- a good quality 3.5 → 6.3 mm adapter.

3.3 Volume and hearing health

It’s easy to overdo it with volume in headphones.

A few simple rules:

keep the volume low enough that you could still hear someone talking near you;
take breaks during long practice sessions;
if you hear ringing or muffled sound after removing the headphones, the volume was too high.

4. Other useful accessories (bonus)

Even if they’re not in the title, two more accessories are worth mentioning.

4.1 Adjustable bench

Playing on a random chair often means:

wrong height;
twisted posture;
back pain.

An adjustable bench lets you:

set the right height for your body;
keep your legs in the correct position relative to the pedals;
move your arms and torso freely.

4.2 Stable music stand

Most digital pianos have a built‑in music stand, but if it’s:

too low,
unstable,
unable to hold books and binders properly,

then an external stand with adjustable height and angle can be a big help.

5. Quick guide: choosing in practice

You’ve just bought a digital piano to start or restart as an adult. → Prioritise a stable stand + comfortable closed‑back headphones.
You’re studying classical piano or enrolled in a conservatory. → Go for a three‑pedal unit + furniture‑style stand.
You also play in a band and move the piano around. → A solid X‑stand, single piano‑style sustain pedal and lightweight headphones are a good combo.
You live in a flat with thin walls. → Quality closed‑back headphones and sensible volume are your best friends.

FAQ – Accessories for digital pianos

Is the X‑stand included in bundles enough?

It’s usually fine at the beginning, especially if the instrument isn’t too heavy. But if you practise seated on a regular basis, a more stable stand or dedicated furniture base will make the piano feel more solid and improve your posture long term.

Is it really worth upgrading the sustain pedal?

Yes, especially if you play often and care about expression and control. A piano‑style pedal with longer travel and more stability gives you better sustain handling and, on compatible instruments, access to half‑pedal techniques.

Can I use my phone earbuds with a digital piano?

Technically yes, with the right adapter. But earbuds designed for phones don’t always reproduce the full dynamics and low end of a piano. For regular practice, investing in a decent pair of closed‑back headphones is a much better idea.

Are open‑back or closed‑back headphones better for digital piano?

It depends on your environment. If you need to avoid disturbing others (flat, late‑night practice), closed‑back headphones are safer. If you have a dedicated room and care mainly about the most natural sound, open‑back can feel more spacious but leak sound.