If you want the instrument to play chords with automatic accompaniment, look at models such as the Casio PX-S3100, Korg XE20 and Roland FP-E50. If you play the patterns yourself, a simpler model with a weighted keyboard may be enough. Drum rhythms and a metronome are not the same as automatic chord accompaniment. Measure the entire setup, including the stand, music rest and pedals, as the piano’s casing alone won’t tell you how much space you’ll need.
You want to play along with rhythm- or chord-driven parts, but don’t have much room for a large, permanent piano cabinet. Casio and Korg describe automatic accompaniment on the PX-S3100 and XE20 respectively.
You want to put your piano away after use, or you don’t have much depth available. Compare the space needed for the complete setup with the dimensions listed by Casio, Korg and Yamaha for their models.
You practise accompaniment using your own hands and are mainly looking for a weighted keyboard, and perhaps a metronome or drum rhythm. Kawai lists drum rhythms for the ES120; Yamaha specifies a GHC keyboard for the P-145.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Type of accompaniment | Check whether the exact model offers automatic chord accompaniment, drum rhythms or just a metronome. | If I want parts to follow the chords I play, I’ll look for automatic accompaniment; if I play patterns myself, a rhythm or metronome may be enough. Around 34% of consumers prioritise automatic accompaniment. |
| Space for the setup | Measure the available width and depth, and allow for the stand, music rest, pedals and seating. | If my practice area is tight or I want to put the piano away, I need to consider the entire setup, ready to play. Around 33% of consumers prioritise the space needed for the complete setup. |
| Keyboard and pedal | Try the key action and check which pedals are included and whether they’re compatible with the exact model. | If I play accompaniment patterns myself, I want a keyboard and pedal that suit the way I practise. Around 20% of consumers prioritise playing piano accompaniment themselves. |
| Private practice | Check whether the version you’ve chosen has a headphone socket, and try out your preferred practice setup. | If I want to practise without playing the instrument through speakers, using headphones is important. Around 13% of consumers prioritise listening privately. |
An instrument may play a beat or drum groove without generating accompaniment parts based on the chords you play.
Look in the manual for the exact model for details of automatic accompaniment, and try out how to start and change chords and patterns.
A piano that fits on paper may still be impractical once you add the music rest, stand, pedals and seating.
Map out the complete setup, ready to play, and check which parts are included with the version you’ve chosen.
The XE20SP is a bundle with a stand and three pedals, so the included parts differ from those supplied with the XE20 on its own.
Compare the exact model and the parts included in the offer, not just the product image. Korg says that a specific stand and three-pedal unit are separate accessories for the XE20 on its own.
The PX-S3100 is worth considering if you’re looking for a slim casing and automatic accompaniment.
The XE20 is a portable ensemble piano for practising with accompaniment styles and variations.
According to Roland, the FP-E50 combines an 88-key keyboard with interactive accompaniment and vocal features.
The portable ES120 is an option if you play along with a drum rhythm yourself, rather than using automatic chord accompaniment.
The P-145 is a portable model for practising patterns yourself on 88 weighted keys.
These products are designed for practising with keys, rhythms or a metronome. If automatic chord accompaniment is important to you, check which accompaniment features the exact version offers.
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The product name mentions a metronome, which may be useful if you practise patterns yourself to a steady beat.
61 keys; metronome; recording function; MIDI controller; speakers; music stand.
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The product name mentions weighted keys; check whether the key action suits the way you practise.
61 keys; weighted keyboard; 300 sounds; 300 rhythms; LCD screen; USB-MIDI; headphone socket; music stand.
No. A metronome keeps the beat; Kawai lists drum rhythms for the ES120, while Casio lists automatic accompaniment for the PX-S3100 and Korg does so for the XE20. Choose the feature that suits what you play yourself and what you want to play along with.
Measure more than just the piano casing. Allow for the stand, music rest, pedals and your seating area too. Korg lists the XE20’s dimensions without the music rest; the XE20SP is a differently equipped bundle.
A digital piano doesn’t need tuning like an acoustic piano. Follow the manual for the exact model when cleaning, connecting and setting it up, and check which accessories are included with your version.
For a consumer purchase in the Netherlands, you’re entitled to expect a product that meets the legal requirements. According to the Government of the Netherlands, the seller must provide a solution if something goes wrong; a manufacturer’s warranty does not replace this right.
For distance sales from a business, a 14-day cooling-off period applies in many cases, although exceptions and the specific terms of sale are still relevant. According to the Government of the Netherlands, an online purchase from a private seller is not a distance sale.
