Student practising piano technique
You want to learn to play blues chords and a left-hand part. Pay attention to the key response, keyboard range and whether you can practise with a pedal.
Who is this buying guide for?
Practising in a shared room
You want to practise through headphones and check in advance that the piano, with your preferred setup, will fit in the available space.
Student playing with accompaniment
You want to try a progression with sounds or automatic accompaniment as well as a metronome. Compare the features of the exact models you’re considering.
What should you look for when buying?
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Key response and chord control | If possible, try the key response and compare the keyboard type on the exact model. Also check whether a suitable sustain pedal is included. | If you’re practising different chord shapes and parts for both hands, you’ll want to know how the keyboard responds. Around 33% of consumers put control over key response first. |
| Quiet practice | Check the type of headphone socket and whether you want to listen on your own or alongside a teacher. | If you practise in a shared space, headphones can help keep the sound down for others. Around 27% of consumers give headphone use top priority. |
| Timing and accompaniment | Decide whether a metronome is enough or whether you’d like automatic accompaniment and specific sounds. Then check the controls and available styles. | If you want to play with sounds or an accompaniment part as well as chords, check exactly which features the model offers. Around 20% of consumers prioritise sounds or accompaniment. |
| Positioning and moving | Measure the available width and depth. Also check the weight and the space needed for the stand and music rest. | If the piano needs to fit in a shared music room or will be moved regularly, allow for the complete setup. Around 20% of consumers give positioning and moving the piano top priority. |
Buying pitfalls
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Confusing Bluetooth audio with automatic accompaniment
Playing music over Bluetooth is not the same as having accompaniment that responds to your chords. Roland says you can’t import extra rhythms or accompaniment into the FP-30X; the FP-E50 has a separate automatic accompaniment feature.
First decide whether you want to play along with audio or have the piano automatically accompany your chords. Then check the features of the exact model.
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Measuring only the piano
You’ll also need space for items such as a stand, music rest and pedal. The parts you need may vary depending on the model or package.
Measure the entire space you plan to use and check which parts are included with the version on offer before you buy.
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Assuming one headphone socket is enough for two listeners
Roland lists two headphone outputs on the FP-30X. According to Korg, the B2+ has a combined PHONES/LINE OUT socket. Check that the connections suit the way you plan to practise.
Decide whether you and a teacher need to listen through headphones at the same time, then check the connections on the exact piano.
Piano brands to compare
Yamaha
The P-145 is an entry-level portable piano worth comparing if you want to practise on a keyboard with 88 keys.
- Yamaha lists a GHC keyboard, headphone use and a metronome for the P-145.
- These specifications alone don’t tell you how the keyboard feels to play. Try the key response if it’s a deciding factor for you.
Roland
The FP-30X and FP-E50 are separate models to compare if listening options or automatic accompaniment matter to you.
- Roland lists two headphone outputs on the FP-30X and automatic accompaniment on the FP-E50.
- The features aren’t interchangeable: Roland says extra rhythms or accompaniment can’t be imported into the FP-30X.
Casio
The CDP-S110 is a compact digital piano to compare if a pedal and simple practice features are important to you.
- Casio lists a weighted keyboard, an SP-3 pedal and a headphone output. The metronome can also be controlled through CASIO Music Space.
- Check which parts are included with the version on offer and which app features are available.
Korg
The B2+ is an 88-key model worth comparing for its connections and how it fits in the room.
- Korg specifies an NH keyboard and a combined PHONES/LINE OUT socket.
- The stated weight of 11,4 kg excludes the music rest; the specifications aren’t an independent comparison of keyboard feel.
Kawai
The ES120 is a portable digital piano in Kawai’s ES series and another model to compare.
- Kawai Netherlands lists the ES120 as part of its portable ES series.
- That product information doesn’t support a claim that the ES120 offers better blues sounds or a better playing experience.
Digital pianos on Joybuy
These product options have 61 keys and are intended for practising on a digital piano or keyboard. Check that the range suits the blues part you want to learn.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
A 61-key option to consider if the blues part you want to practise fits within this range.
The product name lists a weighted keyboard, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, USB-MIDI, speakers and a headphone socket. Check that these features suit your practice goals.
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61-key keyboard piano with recording function and MIDI controller
A 61-key option to compare if you’d also like to use the listed recording function or MIDI controller while practising.
The product name lists a metronome, speakers and a music stand. Check that this version and its key range suit your practice setup.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need automatic accompaniment to learn a blues progression?
No, not if you want to practise the chords and timing yourself; a metronome can be a good place to start. If you want an accompaniment part that responds to your left hand, compare models such as the FP-E50 and check that its available style and chord controls suit your practice.
What should I check before placing the piano in the music room?
Measure the space, including room for a stand, music rest and pedal, and check that your preferred headphones and connections are compatible. Dimensions and weight apply to specific models and don’t necessarily include the complete setup.
What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?
When you buy at a distance, the seller must provide information about the product and the cooling-off period, among other things. According to the Dutch government, this period is usually 14 days. Statutory warranty also applies: when used normally, the product must meet what you could reasonably expect from it. ACM ConsuWijzer explains that if there’s a fault, the seller must offer an appropriate solution.
What should I check for product safety with an electric digital piano?
A CE marking is mandatory for electrical products, according to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority. Check the product information for the version on offer and its power supply. General model specifications alone don’t confirm that an individually offered product meets all requirements.