Pianist who accompanies themselves
You want to practise chord voicings, bass lines and timing yourself. A suitable keyboard, pedal and metronome matter more to you than automatic accompaniment styles.
Which piano practice approach is right for you?
Player who practises with a beat
You want to play your own accompaniment patterns against drum rhythms, without the instrument taking over the whole chord part.
Player looking for a band to play along with
You want to play chords and practise with built-in automatic accompaniment. Check which styles and chord recognition features the specific model offers.
What should you look for when choosing?
Play your own accompaniment
A good fit if: you play the bass, chords and timing yourself and mainly want a keyboard and metronome. Yamaha specifies an 88-key GHC keyboard for the P-225; Korg lists 88 weighted keys and a metronome for the B2.
Keep in mind: a metronome isn’t automatic chord accompaniment. Also check which pedal and accessories are included with the version you’re considering.
Play yourself with drum rhythms
A good fit if: an audible beat helps you keep your own pattern steady. Kawai lists an adjustable metronome, recording function and 100 drum rhythms for the ES120.
Keep in mind: drum rhythms aren’t the same as full accompaniment that follows your chord changes.
Automatic chord accompaniment
A good fit if: you want to play chords while the instrument provides an accompaniment style. Yamaha specifies 263 styles and chord recognition modes for the DGX-670; Casio lists rhythm and automatic accompaniment for the PX-S3100.
Keep in mind: the space required varies by model. Yamaha gives the DGX-670 a depth of 445 mm; Casio lists 232 mm for the PX-S3100.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Type of accompaniment | Check whether the model has a metronome, drum rhythms or automatic chord accompaniment. Yamaha lists 263 styles and chord recognition modes for the DGX-670. | If I play myself, I mainly want to practise my own timing; if I’m looking for a band, I want the instrument to respond to my chords. Around 31% of shoppers prioritise the accompaniment function. |
| Quiet practice | Check the type of headphone socket and try the setup in the place and at the time you plan to practise. Roland lists two headphone outputs for the FP-30X. | If I practise in a shared home, I want to limit the amplified sound without assuming the keys and pedal will be silent. Around 25% of shoppers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Key action and pedal | Try the keyboard and check which pedal is included with the version you’re considering. Korg lists half-pedalling with the separately available PU-2 pedal unit for the B2. | If I play the bass, chords and dynamics myself, I want key action and a pedal that suit my practice goals. Around 25% of shoppers prioritise their own playing feel and pedal technique. |
| Space and accessories | Measure the space for the instrument, stand, bench and pedal; check what’s included with the version on offer. Instrument dimensions don’t show the full space needed for the setup. | If the piano is going in a guest room, I want to know whether the whole practice area will fit, not just the instrument itself. Around 19% of shoppers prioritise available space. |
Things to consider before you buy
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Confusing rhythms with automatic chord accompaniment
A metronome or drum rhythm gives you a beat, but on its own it doesn’t tell you whether an instrument will follow your chord changes with an accompaniment part.
For the exact model, check the manual or product information to see whether it has the chord recognition and accompaniment mode you want.
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Measuring only the depth of the instrument
You’ll also need room to sit and operate the pedal while practising; a stand and music rest can take up extra space.
Measure the space available for the complete setup and check which items are included with the specific version.
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Assuming headphones prevent all noise
Headphones limit the amplified piano sound, but they don’t eliminate audible keys or contact noise.
Try the setup in the place where you intend to use it. The Rijksoverheid advises neighbours to discuss and agree on arrangements together if noise is a problem.
Brands and models to help you choose
Yamaha
The P-225 is a piano-focused option for practising by yourself; the DGX-670 has automatic accompaniment styles.
- Yamaha specifies 88 keys and an instrument depth of 272 mm for the P-225. For the DGX-670, Yamaha lists 263 styles and chord recognition modes.
- According to Yamaha, the DGX-670 is 445 mm deep and weighs 21,4 kg. These specifications apply to these models, not every piano from the brand.
Casio
According to Casio, the Privia PX-S3100 combines rhythm with automatic accompaniment.
- Casio lists an instrument depth of 232 mm for the PX-S3100.
- Check that the accompaniment controls and the version on offer suit the way you want to practise.
Kawai
The ES120 is an option for playing your own patterns with a metronome or drum rhythm.
- Kawai lists an adjustable metronome, recording function and 100 drum rhythms for the ES120.
- Drum rhythms don’t mean that the model has the same automatic chord accompaniment as an instrument with that feature.
Roland
The FP-30X is a piano-focused option for practising with headphones.
- Roland lists two headphone outputs for the FP-30X.
- According to Roland Support, you can’t add or import sounds, rhythms or accompaniment to the FP-30X.
Korg
The B2 is designed for playing your own patterns, with weighted keys and a metronome.
- Korg specifies 88 weighted keys and a combined headphone/line-out socket.
- For half-pedalling, Korg lists the separately available PU-2. Check which pedal version is on offer.
Pianos and keyboards at Joybuy
This selection includes digital pianos and keyboards for playing your own patterns with a beat, including versions with automatic bass chords. Check which practice features and connections are available on each model.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
Suitable for practising your own patterns if you want to use a metronome and rhythms.
61 keys and weighted keyboard; the product information lists 300 rhythms, a metronome, recording function and headphone socket.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
Suitable for practising with rhythms and automatic bass chords; check that this accompaniment suits the patterns you want to play.
61 keys and weighted keyboard; the product information lists 300 rhythms, a metronome, automatic bass chords and a headphone socket.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need automatic accompaniment to learn chord patterns?
No, not if you want to play the bass, chords and rhythm yourself. A metronome may be enough; you could try drum rhythms if you want a beat. If you want a style to respond to your chords, check that the model specifically offers automatic accompaniment and chord recognition.
What should I check before putting the piano in the guest room?
Measure the entire setup, not just the piano itself. Also check whether the stand, bench and pedal you want are included with the version you’re considering. For example, Korg lists a separately available stand and an optional pedal unit for half-pedalling with the B2.
Will practising with headphones make no noise for the neighbours?
No. Headphones limit the amplified sound, but they don’t guarantee that the keys or contact noise will be inaudible. The Rijksoverheid advises neighbours to agree on arrangements together if noise is a problem.
What are my rights when buying a digital piano online in the Netherlands?
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, online purchases generally come with a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery; exceptions may apply. Your statutory guarantee is separate from any commercial warranty. If there’s a problem with a product, contact the seller.