Beginner blues player
Wants to learn chord changes independently and perhaps improvise with accompaniment, without having to switch on a computer first. Yamaha, Roland and Korg describe models with learning or accompaniment features.
Who is this suitable for?
Quiet home practice
Wants to practise using a suitable headphone socket when other people are at home. On the Casio CT-S300, connecting headphones switches off the built-in speakers, according to the manual; the keys themselves may still be audible.
Player with limited space
Wants to check in advance that the keyboard, cables and playing area will fit in the spare room, and to be able to put the instrument away after use. Casio, Korg and Yamaha provide model dimensions that you can compare with your available space.
What should you look for?
| What to consider | What to look for | Who should pay particular attention |
|---|---|---|
| Chord accompaniment | See how the accompaniment responds to the chords you play and which rhythms are available. | If I’m repeating a blues progression and want to improvise over it, I’m looking for a rhythm that suits the way I play chords. Around 29% of consumers give accompaniment top priority. |
| Touch and learning | Compare touch sensitivity, key range and the learning or metronome features available. | If you mainly want to practise dynamics and timing, look at the playing response and the tools available. Around 23% of consumers prioritise touch and learning features. |
| Practising with headphones | Check the socket and plug size, and whether the speakers switch off when you connect headphones. | If I’m practising while other people at home need some peace and quiet, I want to be able to switch off the speakers; the sound of the keys may still be audible too. Around 18% of consumers put keeping things quiet for others at home first. |
| Positioning and storage | Measure the available width and depth, and leave room for cables, a music rest if included, and a chair. | If you want to use and store your keyboard in a spare room, consider its dimensions alongside the extra range offered by a larger keyboard. Around 18% of consumers prioritise a suitable size and easy storage. |
| Recording or using software | Decide whether you want to use MIDI notes, instrument audio or both, and check the USB function on the exact model. | If I want to record the parts I play using software, the connection needs to suit the type of recording I need. Around 12% of consumers give software use or recording top priority. |
Common mistakes
-
Mistaking a computer keyboard for a musical instrument
A product category name alone doesn’t tell you whether something is a musical instrument. Check that the product has sounds and the connections you need for practising.
Check the product details page, including the product name and features, before you choose.
Choosing the wrong item could cost you extra time before you find a suitable musical instrument.
-
Assuming touch sensitivity means weighted piano keys
Touch sensitivity describes how the keys respond when you play more softly or forcefully; it doesn’t in itself mean the keyboard has a weighted piano action.
If piano-like feel matters to you, compare the touch response and type of key action separately.
-
Measuring the width only
According to Korg, the EK-50 is 392 mm deep. So even if the width fits, you may not have enough table or playing space.
Measure the width and depth, and leave room for cables, a music rest if included, and a chair.
You may need a different setup or stand if the instrument doesn’t fit in the space you had in mind.
-
Assuming USB-MIDI means instrument audio can be recorded via USB
The Korg EK-50 specifications list USB-MIDI; Yamaha lists USB audio/MIDI for the PSR-E383. The two functions aren’t interchangeable.
Decide whether you want to record notes as MIDI, the audible sound or both, and check the USB specification for the exact model.
If your recording setup needs instrument audio, you may need a separate audio solution; check what your equipment requires.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
Yamaha describes the PSR-E383 as a model with 61 touch-sensitive keys, learning features and accompaniment Styles. According to Yamaha, the PSR-EW320 has 76 keys.
- The PSR-E383’s listed USB audio/MIDI function may be useful if you’re considering using a computer.
- According to Yamaha, the PSR-EW320 is 1.148 mm wide. Measure your available space first: the extra keys mean you’ll need a larger setup.
Casio
The Casio Casiotone CT-S300 is a compact option if you want a keyboard that’s easy to move or store away.
- Casio lists dimensions of 930 × 256 × 73 mm and a weight of 3,3 kg. The manual says that connecting headphones switches off the built-in speakers.
- The product information also focuses on Dance Music. Check separately whether the accompaniment suits your blues practice.
Roland
Roland describes the E-X10 as a standalone arranger keyboard with 61 keys, automatic accompaniment and learning features.
- According to Roland, you can control the accompaniment with your left hand while playing along with your right.
- Roland mentions USB use as a MIDI controller. Don’t assume this means instrument audio can be recorded via USB.
Korg
Korg describes the EK-50 as a keyboard with chord-controlled Styles and several accompaniment variations.
- According to Korg, the EK-50 has 61 touch-sensitive keys, a 3,5 mm headphone socket and USB-MIDI.
- Its listed dimensions are 994 × 392 × 132 mm. Its depth is particularly worth considering if you have limited playing space.
Joybuy product picks
Joybuy keyboards for home practice, with a 61-key setup.
No image available
MLS-931 digital keyboard, 61 keys, black
If you’re looking for a 61-key keyboard with rhythms for home practice, both are listed in the product name.
The product name lists weighted keys, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen and USB-MIDI.
Also listed: speakers, a headphone socket and a music stand.
No image available
61-key keyboard kit with stand and bench
This version is a good fit if you’re looking for a 61-key keyboard with a stand, bench and music stand.
The product name lists 300 tones, 300 rhythms, a 3-level learning mode, an LCD screen and USB-MIDI.
Frequently asked questions
Can I practise with headphones without disturbing anyone?
On the Casio CT-S300, connecting headphones switches off the built-in speakers, according to the manual. Check how this works and the plug size separately for other models; the keys may still make mechanical noise. The World Health Organization points out that louder sounds and longer listening times increase the risk of hearing damage, so keep the volume moderate.
Is automatic accompaniment essential for learning a blues progression?
No, you can play the chords yourself. Accompaniment is an option if you want a rhythm or part to practise along with. Korg describes the EK-50 as having accompaniment that responds to the chords you play. Check that the controls and rhythms on the model suit the way you practise.
What should I check when setting up the keyboard and its power supply?
Check the required power supply, the adapter included and the space needed against the manual for the exact version. Korg lists a mains adapter as included with the EK-50; power supplies and accessories can vary by model.
What warranty and cancellation period apply when buying online in the Netherlands?
When you buy as a consumer, the product must do what you can reasonably expect of it. If a fault develops during normal use, the seller is responsible for providing an appropriate solution. ACM ConsuWijzer states that for a standard online product purchase, you generally have 14 days from delivery to change your mind, subject to legal exceptions. The statutory guarantee does not simply limit every keyboard to two years.
Does an electronic keyboard need a CE mark?
A keyboard must carry a CE mark if it falls under EU rules that require one. The European Union explains that CE marking is only compulsory for products specifically covered by harmonised EU rules. The mark is a declaration by the manufacturer and does not, by itself, prove that a particular item being offered for sale meets all requirements.