Aspiring jazz pianist
You practise chords, melody and touch on a piano-style keyboard, and have room for 88 keys. Korg and Roland describe piano models with 88 keys; Yamaha also specifies this number for the P-145BT.
Which option is right for you?
Player with limited storage space
You want to put your instrument away after a practice session. So compare the range of your arrangement with the smaller keyboard, and measure the space available for playing and storage. Casio gives the CT-S300 dimensions of 930 × 256 × 73 mm.
Solo player who wants accompaniment
You want to practise a jazz standard with automatic accompaniment. Yamaha describes Styles as automatic accompaniment; this feature does not replace the piano part you play yourself.
What should you look for when choosing?
Compact 61-key keyboard
Choose this option if: you mainly practise melody, chords and accompaniment, and want to put the instrument away afterwards. Yamaha describes the PSR-E383 as having touch-sensitive keys and automatic Styles.
Bear in mind: it has a narrower range than the 88-key models mentioned; check that the highest and lowest notes in your arrangement fit.
Digital piano with 88 weighted keys
Choose this option if: piano-style touch and a wider keyboard matter more to you than being able to put it away quickly. Roland and Korg describe models with 88 keys and the option to play through headphones.
Bear in mind: the space it requires. Korg lists the B2+ as 1.312 mm wide, excluding the music stand; Yamaha gives the P-145BT width as 1.326 mm.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Piano-style touch and range | Compare the lowest and highest notes in your sheet music with the keyboard; distinguish between touch-sensitive keys and weighted hammer action. | If I want to practise piano-style touch and range, I first check that my arrangement fits the instrument. Around 29% of consumers prioritise piano-style touch and range. |
| Space and storage | Measure the playing and storage space, and check whether the stated dimensions include the music stand. | If I have limited space and want to put the instrument away after use, I also allow for the music stand and playing set-up. Around 29% of consumers prioritise space and storage. |
| Practising with headphones | Check the headphone output, plug size and included accessories for the exact version. | If I share my practice space, I want to check whether I can listen through headphones while playing the instrument. Around 24% of consumers prioritise private practice. |
| Automatic accompaniment | Check that the model has the accompaniment feature you want and that the controls suit the way you practise. | If I want to play solo with automatic accompaniment, I check that it can play alongside my own piano part. Around 18% of consumers prioritise accompaniment they can play along with. |
Common buying mistakes
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Confusing touch-sensitive keys with weighted piano keys
Touch sensitivity and a weighted piano keyboard are different features. Yamaha describes the PSR-E383 as touch-sensitive; Korg specifies that the B2+ has a weighted keyboard with 88 keys.
First decide what kind of touch you want to practise, then check the keyboard type on the specific model.
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Measuring only the instrument’s depth
The width, music stand and full playing set-up also need to fit in your room. The stated width of the Korg B2+ excludes the music stand.
Measure the space where you play and store the instrument, including room for the music stand.
If the full set-up does not fit, you may need a different place to play or store it.
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Assuming the pedal or connection is the same on every version
Korg says that a damper pedal is included with the B2+; Roland lists the DP-10 for half-pedalling on the FP-10 as optional.
Before buying, check the contents of the package and the compatibility of the exact version.
You may need to buy a separate compatible pedal or connection accessory to get the pedal function you want.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The PSR-E383 offers a compact keyboard option with touch-sensitive keys and Styles; the P-145BT is a separate 88-key option.
- Yamaha describes Styles as automatic accompaniment on the PSR-E383.
- The PSR-E383’s 61 keys are not the same as the P-145BT’s 88-key keyboard. Yamaha lists the P-145BT as 1.326 mm wide.
Casio
The CT-S300 is a compact keyboard option to take with you or put away after use.
- Casio specifies dimensions of 930 × 256 × 73 mm and a weight of 3,3 kg without batteries.
- These dimensions and this weight alone do not tell you whether an arrangement or mains adapter will suit your set-up.
Korg
The B2+ is a piano-focused option with 88 keys, a headphone output and a metronome.
- Korg says that a damper pedal is included with the B2+.
- It is 1.312 mm wide, excluding the music stand. The B2+SP is a separate set-up; check which version you are looking at.
Roland
The FP-10 is a piano-focused option with an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard and the option to play through headphones.
- Its 88-key keyboard makes the FP-10 an option to compare with other digital pianos.
- Roland lists the DP-10 for half-pedalling as optional. Check the package contents and connections for the exact version.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy products are 61-key instruments for a compact practice set-up. Check that your arrangement fits the range and that the instrument fits your playing space.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
The 61 keys may suit you if the notes in your jazz standard fall within this range.
The product name lists MIDI, a recording function, speakers, a metronome and a music stand. The product description also mentions a headphone port.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
The product name specifies 61 weighted keys; check that your arrangement fits the range.
The product name also lists 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music stand.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know whether 61 keys are enough for my jazz standard?
Compare the lowest and highest notes in your arrangement with the instrument’s range. The jazz genre or model name alone will not tell you whether all the notes will fit.
What should I have ready for my first practice session?
Measure your playing space, including room for the music stand and your seating position. Then check the power supply, headphone connection and pedal connection for the version you have chosen. For example, Korg says that a damper pedal is included with the B2+, while Roland lists the DP-10 for the FP-10 as optional.
Who should I contact about a fault after buying in the Netherlands?
Report a fault to the seller. According to the Rijksoverheid, statutory rights apply alongside any manufacturer’s warranty, and the seller must provide a solution if there is a problem. How long a product is expected to last depends on the product and the circumstances of the purchase; do not assume there is one fixed period.
Which safety marking should I check when buying in the Netherlands?
The Rijksoverheid states that electronic devices placed on the EU market must carry the applicable CE marking. Check the exact version on offer and the electrical parts included; a general product specification does not automatically confirm the marking for that particular offer.