Blues beginner practising with both hands
You’re learning chords and a bass line at the same time, and are mainly looking for a keyboard that lets you work on your touch.
Who is this buying guide for?
Practising in a small room
You need to fit the instrument into a limited space and want the option of practising with headphones.
Blues fan keen to try different sounds
You’d like to explore electric piano and organ sounds alongside the same chord progression.
What should you look for when buying?
First, compare the keyboard for playing chords and bass lines. Then check that the complete setup will fit in your room and decide how you want to listen. Only then choose based on the sounds and accessories you’ll actually use.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch for chords and bass lines | If possible, try the same chord changes on the exact models you’re considering, and check the number of keys and the keyboard type. Yamaha specifies a GHC keyboard for the P-145BT; Roland describes the FP-10 as having a PHA-4 Standard keyboard. | If I want to practise chords and a bass line with both hands, I want to choose a keyboard whose touch suits the way I play; around 33% of consumers say touch is their top priority. |
| Quiet practice | Check the headphone socket and make sure it suits your plug. Headphones let you listen without using the speakers, but they won’t silence the sound of the keys being pressed. | If you want to listen without using the speakers in a shared home, pay particular attention to the connection and volume; around 25% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Fitting and setup | Measure the available width and depth, and allow room for your seat, pedal and music rest. Casio gives the CDP-S110’s cabinet depth as 232 mm; this is not the size of the complete playing setup. | If the piano needs to fit in a small spare room, I want to know how much space the complete setup will take up; around 25% of consumers put fit above their other buying concerns. |
| Sounds for blues playing | Listen to the actual piano, electric piano and organ sounds, and check how you switch between settings. Korg lists 12 sounds for the B2+, including electric piano and organ; Casio lists ten sounds for the CDP-S110, including electric piano. | If I want to play the same progression with different tones, I want to hear whether the available sounds appeal to me; around 17% of consumers say sound variety is their top priority. |
Things to consider before buying
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A compact piano doesn’t necessarily mean a compact playing area
The stated cabinet depth doesn’t allow for your seat, pedal, music rest or chosen stand.
Measure the complete setup and compare the cabinet and stand dimensions separately.
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Bluetooth audio doesn’t automatically mean support for wireless headphones
According to Roland, the FP-10 doesn’t support Bluetooth headphones. Audio features and headphone connections vary by model.
Check which headphone connection the version you’re considering explicitly supports.
You’ll need suitable wired headphones to practise with headphones on the FP-10.
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A standalone piano and a complete set aren’t the same package
Korg lists a stand and three-pedal unit with the B2+SP set; Yamaha describes the LP-5A as optional for the P-145BT.
Before buying, check what’s included with the specific version and bundle.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The P-145BT is worth considering if you’re looking for a portable 88-key model and want to compare how much room the setup needs.
- Yamaha specifies a GHC keyboard for the P-145BT and lists Bluetooth audio.
- The LP-5A three-pedal unit is optional. A specification can’t tell you whether the feel of the keys suits your preferences, so also check what’s included in your chosen bundle.
Roland
The FP-10 is a portable option that lets you try the feel of the PHA-4 Standard keyboard for yourself.
- Roland describes the FP-10’s PHA-4 Standard keyboard as responsive; this is the manufacturer’s claim.
- According to Roland, the FP-10 doesn’t support Bluetooth headphones. The dual headphone outputs mentioned by Roland are on the FP-30X, not the FP-10.
Casio
The CDP-S110 is worth considering if a shallow cabinet, electric piano sounds and a headphone socket are important to you.
- Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm, ten sounds and an included SP-3 pedal.
- The cabinet dimensions don’t include the full space needed for the stand, pianist and sheet music; check that the pedal suits your planned setup.
Korg
The B2+ is worth considering if you want to try piano, electric piano and organ sounds on one portable instrument.
- Korg specifies 88 keys, a headphone socket and 12 sounds for the B2+.
- The B2+SP is a different version, supplied with a stand and three-pedal unit. Don’t assume the standalone B2+ comes with the same bundle.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy options are 61-key digital pianos for anyone considering a more compact keyboard range. Check that the range suits the chords and bass lines you want to practise.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
The headphone socket may be useful for practising without using the speakers; bear in mind that this model has 61 keys.
The product name lists a weighted keyboard, 300 sounds and 300 rhythms. The product description mentions USB-MIDI.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black
The headphone socket is useful if you want to listen through headphones while practising; also check that the 61-key range suits the pieces you want to play.
The product name lists a metronome, recording function and music stand. The product description mentions USB-MIDI, a headphone socket and a lesson function.
Frequently asked questions
Can I practise with headphones without disturbing anyone?
With suitable headphones, you can listen without using the speakers, but the sound of the keys themselves may still be audible. If this is a concern, the Dutch government advises speaking to your neighbours first; there is no general time when playing the piano at home is always allowed or forbidden.
What else do I need for a permanent practice space?
Check whether the exact version includes a power supply, music rest, stand and pedal. Korg describes the B2+SP as a set with a stand and three-pedal unit, while Yamaha lists the LP-5A as optional for the P-145BT.
How do I connect the Yamaha P-145BT safely?
According to Yamaha’s manual, use the voltage shown on the rating plate and only the supplied or specified mains adaptor. Position the instrument so that the mains socket remains accessible.
What if a digital piano I bought online is faulty?
In the Netherlands, the seller is responsible for resolving the issue if the product is faulty. The Dutch government states that there is no fixed statutory warranty period; a manufacturer’s warranty is in addition to your legal rights, not a replacement for them.
Can I change my mind about an online purchase?
For distance sales covered by the rules, the Dutch government generally states that you have a 14-day cooling-off period. Check whether the specific transaction falls under these rules; an online purchase from a private individual is not automatically a distance sale under this legislation.