For piano technique with both hands and a wider range, a portable piano with 88 weighted keys is a better fit. If space is the deciding factor and a lighter keyboard suits your lessons, consider a shorter 61-key stage keyboard. PianoGroove covers the basics of 12-bar blues using I, IV and V chords, but your lesson materials and the left-hand patterns you want to play will determine how much range you need. Measure the entire playing area, including space for a stand and seat, and check that the speakers or headphone socket suit the way you practise.
You want to learn a chord progression with both hands and care more about the feel of the keys than extra stage features. PianoGroove covers the basics of 12-bar blues using I, IV and V chords; your lesson materials will determine the range you need.
You don't have room for a wide piano keyboard and want to weigh up whether a shorter instrument offers enough range. Yamaha UK lists the CK61 as having 61 keys; check whether that's enough for the exercises you want to play.
You want to practise at home and use piano or electric piano sounds at rehearsals. Roland describes the RD-08 as having built-in speakers and direct sound controls; think about which connections and features your set-up needs before you buy.
A good fit if: space is limited and a lighter keyboard suits your exercises.
The trade-off: 61 keys don't offer the same range as a piano with 88 weighted keys.
A good fit if: piano technique and room for two-handed exercises matter more than having a shorter instrument.
The trade-off: you'll need enough room for the instrument, stand, stool and pedal.
A good fit if: you want to practise at home and have direct control over sounds at rehearsals. Roland describes these features for the RD-08.
The trade-off: extra stage features aren't essential for a simple blues progression; Roland lists the RD-08 Upgrade as a separate purchase.
The main decision is how much range you need compared with the space you have available. Then consider how you want to listen at home and which sound controls you'll actually use.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Piano touch and range | Compare the number of keys and the action with your lessons. Yamaha lists 61 touch-sensitive FSB keys for the CK61 and 88 GHC keys for the P-145. | If I want to practise piano technique with both hands, I'll check whether the range and key action suit my lesson materials. Around 33% of consumers give piano technique and key range top priority. |
| Placement and storage | Measure both the width and depth of the instrument and the complete set-up, including the stand, stool and pedal. Casio lists the PX-S1100 as having an instrument depth of 232 mm. | When space is tight, I want to know whether the instrument and playing position will fit. For around 27% of consumers, fitting the instrument into their space is the top priority. |
| Listening at home | Check whether the model has built-in speakers and the headphone socket you need. Yamaha lists both for the CK61; check the plug size too. | If I want to practise at home without an external amplifier, I'll look for speakers or a compatible pair of headphones. Around 20% of consumers prioritise how they listen at home. |
| Sounds and controls | Check which piano and electric piano sounds are included and which controls are readily accessible. Korg lists twelve sounds for the B2; Roland describes direct sound controls for the RD-08. | If I want to change sounds during a rehearsal, I'll check which controls are included as standard. For around 20% of consumers, sounds and live controls are the top priority. |
A shallow instrument isn't necessarily narrow. Casio lists the PX-S1100 as having a depth of 232 mm, but a piano with 88 keys can still take up a lot of width.
Measure the available width and depth of the entire playing area, and work out which dimension is actually a problem.
Korg describes the B2SP as including a stand and three pedals; the B2N has a lighter-touch keyboard. The version you choose affects what you get.
Check the full model name, the type of keyboard action and which accessories come with the version you're considering.
Depending on the version, you may need to buy a stand or different pedal equipment separately.
For a simple 12-bar blues, PianoGroove describes a basic progression using I, IV and V chords. Extra sounds won't tell you whether the key range and action suit your piano lessons.
First choose a range and key action that suit your learning goals; then decide which sounds and controls you need.
Worth comparing if you're deciding between a short stage keyboard and a portable piano with 88 keys.
The RD-08 is worth considering if you want to use a stage piano with 88 weighted keys at rehearsals as well.
The PX-S1100 is a portable piano worth comparing if a shallow instrument is important to you.
The B2 is an alternative worth comparing if you're looking for a full-size keyboard and a straightforward selection of sounds.
These are two 61-key instruments from Joybuy for anyone considering a shorter key range; check the features listed for each model and whether it's suitable for your exercises.
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The 61-key layout suits anyone looking for a shorter instrument; compare its range with your blues lessons and the left-hand patterns you want to play.
The product information lists built-in speakers, a headphone socket, USB-MIDI and a recording function.
61 keys don't offer the same range as a piano with 88 keys.
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According to the product name, this model combines a 61-key keyboard with weighted keys; its range is still shorter than that of a piano with 88 keys.
The product name lists 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music stand.
Not for the basic progression alone: PianoGroove builds it around I, IV and V chords. If you'd also like to practise piano technique with both hands and cover a wider range, compare an instrument with 88 weighted keys with a shorter option, and make sure your lesson materials suit the range.
Measure the whole playing area, not just the instrument itself. Also check the headphone socket and which stand and pedals come with the version you've chosen; for example, Korg distinguishes the B2 from the B2SP, which comes with a stand and three pedals.
ACM ConsuWijzer says that online product purchases generally come with a cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, subject to legal exceptions. The statutory guarantee is separate from any seller's or manufacturer's warranty.
The Dutch government states that electronic devices sold in the EU must carry a CE mark. Check the product and safety information for the specific version; a similar model name alone doesn't confirm that the particular offer meets the requirements.
