Introduction
The Korg B2+ arrives as the refined successor to the popular B2 digital piano, adding USB Type-C connectivity, an upgraded speaker system, and the same Natural Weighted Hammer Action (NH) keyboard at an unchanged entry-level price point. At 11.4 kg with 120-note polyphony, 12 curated sounds, and 15W × 2 amplification, the B2+ targets beginners, returning players, and apartment dwellers seeking an authentic piano experience without feature bloat.
This review examines whether the B2+’s incremental upgrades maintain the B2’s value proposition in an increasingly competitive entry-level market.
Design and Build Quality
The B2+ presents a clean, piano-focused aesthetic: matte black or white finish, minimal control surface (volume knob, three sound buttons, power), and a sturdy metal music rest. At 1,312 mm wide, 336 mm deep, 117 mm high, and 11.4 kg, it’s compact enough for small apartments and easily transported by one person.
Build quality exceeds price expectations: rigid chassis, secure keybed mounting, and a recessed control panel. The included damper pedal (DS-1H) supports half-pedaling. Optional STB1 stand and PU-2 three-pedal unit (with half-pedaling support) enable console-style setup.
The 2 × 15 W speaker system with oval speakers (10 cm × 5 cm) delivers surprisingly full sound for the price—clear treble, present midrange, and acceptable bass for apartment practice. For larger spaces, the 1/4-inch headphone/line output feeds external amplification.
Connectivity is modern and minimal: USB Type-C (MIDI + audio, class-compliant), PHONES/OUTPUT (1/4-inch stereo, doubles as line out), AUDIO IN (1/8-inch stereo for play-along), PEDAL (damper/half-pedal), DC 15V input. The USB-C port handles computer MIDI, audio interface (stereo in/out), and mobile device connectivity—eliminating the need for separate interfaces.
Keybed and Action: NH (Natural Weighted Hammer Action)
The B2+ features Korg’s NH (Natural Weighted Hammer Action) keyboard with 88 keys (A0–C8), graded hammer weighting, and three touch sensitivity levels (Light, Normal, Heavy). The action uses a hammer mechanism with progressive weighting: heavier in the bass, lighter in the treble, mimicking the mechanical leverage of an acoustic piano.
For an entry-level digital piano, the NH action delivers a credible piano response: graded weighting across the compass, velocity sensitivity that translates dynamic intention accurately, and a mechanical feel that encourages proper technique development. The three touch curves accommodate developing technique and personal preference.
The action’s touch is slightly lighter than premium console actions (Yamaha GH3, Kawai RM3II, Roland PHA-50), which actually benefits beginners by reducing fatigue during extended practice sessions. The keys have a matte texture on the black keys for grip.
Sound Engine: PCM Sampling with Resonance Modeling
The B2+ employs Korg’s PCM sampling engine with 12 curated sounds: 5 piano (Italian Concert, Italian Ballad, Italian Jazz, Electric Piano 1, Electric Piano 2), plus Organ, Harpsichord, Strings, Choir, Pad, and Clavinet.
Maximum Polyphony: 120 notes (stage electric piano uses 1 sample/note = 120; piano sounds use 2–3 samples/note = 60/40 effective polyphony). For solo piano practice, 60–120 notes is generally sufficient.
Resonance Modeling: Sympathetic string resonance and damper resonance are modeled for piano sounds, adding harmonic bloom and realism beyond static sample replay. The effect is subtle but perceptible on sustained chords with pedal.
Effects: Reverb (Hall, Room, Plate, etc.), Chorus (for E.Piano/Organ). Master EQ not available.
Connectivity and Workflow
USB Type-C is the B2+’s standout feature at this price: class-compliant MIDI + audio interface (stereo in/out), enabling direct recording to DAW, monitoring of DAW playback, and mobile device connectivity (iOS/Android) without adapters. Bluetooth MIDI not included.
Smart Piano app (iOS/Android) via USB-C provides: sound selection, metronome, recorder, lesson functions, and MIDI file playback.
AUDIO IN (1/8-inch) enables play-along with mobile devices. Partner Mode splits keyboard into two identical 44-note ranges for teacher/student practice.
Specifications Summary
| Category | Specification |
|———-|—————|
| Keyboard | NH (Natural Weighted Hammer Action), 88 keys (A0–C8), 3 touch levels |
| Sound Engine | PCM sampling with string/damper resonance modeling |
| Maximum Polyphony | 120 notes (piano: 60–40 effective) |
| Sounds | 12 (5 piano, 2 E.Piano, Organ, Harpsichord, Strings, Choir, Pad, Clavinet) |
| Speaker System | Oval (10 cm × 5 cm) × 2, 15 W × 2 |
| Effects | Reverb, Chorus |
| Connectivity | USB Type-C (MIDI+Audio), PHONES/OUT, AUDIO IN, PEDAL (half-pedal) |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 1,312 x 336 x 117 mm (51.65 x 13.23 x 4.61 in) |
| Weight | 11.4 kg (25.13 lbs) excluding music stand |
| Power | DC 15V (AC adapter), 8 W consumption |
| Colors | Black (B2+BK), White (B2+WH) |
| Included | AC adapter, Music stand, Damper pedal (DS-1H), Owner’s Manual |
| Optional | Stand STB1, Pedal unit PU-2 (half-pedal), B2+SP (with stand + 3-pedal) |
Value and Verdict
The Korg B2+ is a thoughtful evolution: it adds the modern connectivity (USB-C audio/MIDI) that beginners increasingly expect, upgrades the speaker system to 15W × 2, and retains the NH keyboard that has proven itself as a credible entry-level action. At 11.4 kg with 12 sounds and half-pedal support, it hits the sweet spot for first-time buyers, returning players, and apartment pianists.
The compromises are transparent: 12 sounds (vs. 24+ on Yamaha P-125), no master EQ, no Bluetooth MIDI, no Bluetooth audio, no master compressor, plastic chassis, single pedal jack (damper only, no assignable), no XLR outputs. But for the target user—someone learning piano fundamentals—these omissions are irrelevant to the core musical experience.
Pros:
– NH graded hammer action with 3 touch levels
– USB Type-C MIDI + audio interface (rare at this price)
– 15W × 2 speaker system (upgrade over B2’s 9W × 2)
– Half-pedal support on included damper pedal
– 11.4 kg weight is genuinely portable
– Partner Mode for teacher/student
– AUDIO IN for play-along
– 120-note polyphony sufficient for solo piano
Cons:
– Only 12 sounds (vs. 24 on P-125)
– No master EQ, compressor, or advanced effects
– No Bluetooth MIDI/audio
– No master tuning/transpose beyond basic
– Plastic chassis feels utilitarian
– Single pedal jack (no assignable pedal)
– No balanced outputs
– No LCD display
Bottom Line: The Korg B2+ is the most connectivity-forward entry-level digital piano in its class. For the beginner who wants USB-C audio/MIDI, a credible hammer action, and adequate speakers without paying for sounds they’ll never use, the B2+ delivers exceptional value. If sound variety and advanced features matter more, the Yamaha P-125 remains the feature leader at a modest premium.
