Who is this choice relevant to?

Blues beginner with limited space

You want to start by learning chords and a melody, and need to put the instrument in a small space or put it away after use. Yamaha Music describes I–IV–V chords as a foundation for blues; the Yamaha NP-15 is an example of a compact 61-key model.

Beginner pianist planning lessons

You’re starting with blues, but also want to practise on a weighted keyboard and across the full piano range. The Yamaha P-145, Roland FP-10 and Casio PX-S1100BK are examples of 88-key models.

Home player in a shared space

You practise close to other people in your household, so you mainly need a useful headphone socket and a stable setup. Yamaha lists a PHONES/OUTPUT socket on the NP-15; Roland describes headphone use with the FP-10.

What should you look for?

Compact 61-key instrument

Choose this option if: you want to start by practising a simple blues progression and need a narrower instrument. The Yamaha NP-15 is 1,052 mm wide.

Bear in mind: its light touch is not the same as a weighted piano keyboard, and its smaller range leaves less room for bass lines and melodies that span more notes.

Digital piano with 88 weighted keys

Choose this option if: alongside blues chords, you want to practise piano technique and pieces across a wider range of keys.

Bear in mind: a shallow case doesn’t make an 88-key instrument any shorter; the stand and music rest can also increase the space you need.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Setup dimensions Measure the available width and depth, including the stand and music rest. Yamaha lists the P-145 as 272 mm deep without the music rest and 362 mm with it. If you have limited space, you’ll want to know whether the instrument will fit with your chosen setup. Around 33% of consumers prioritise saving space.
Key range and touch Compare the number of keys and check whether the action is light or weighted; these are not the same thing. If you want to move on from basic blues to practising piano technique and pieces across a wider range, the keyboard should be a priority. Around 27% of consumers choose mainly for piano feel and key range.
Headphone socket Check the socket type and whether headphones are included with the exact product on offer. In a shared space, you’ll want to practise without using the built-in speakers. Around 20% of consumers prioritise quiet practice.
Blues sounds and practice features Check whether the model has the electric piano sound and metronome you want, and what type of pedal socket is available. If you’re mainly interested in sound options and practising in time, you’ll want to be able to use these features on the exact model. Around 20% of consumers prioritise blues sounds and rhythm tools.

Common mistakes

  • Comparing only the case depth

    An 88-key digital piano with a shallow case is still a wide instrument. A music rest or stand may also need extra depth.

    Measure the complete setup where you plan to practise, not just the bare case.

    A suitable stand or alternative setup may take up extra space and might need to be purchased separately.

  • Confusing touch-sensitive keys with weighted keys

    The Yamaha NP-15 has adjustable touch response, but Yamaha describes its keys as lighter than those of a standard piano keyboard.

    If practising on weighted keys is important to you, check the action of the model specifically.

  • Assuming a pedal or adapter is included

    Available connections and what’s included in an offer are not the same thing. Yamaha notes that the adapter supplied with the NP-15 may vary by region.

    Check the contents and compatibility of the exact model before buying a pedal, stand or adapter.

Brands to consider

Yamaha

The NP-15 offers a lightweight 61-key option; the P-145 is a portable 88-key model for anyone looking for a weighted keyboard.

  • Yamaha Netherlands lists the NP-15 as 1,052 mm wide and the P-145 as 1,326 mm wide. The P-145 has a GHC keyboard.
  • According to Yamaha, the P-145 is 362 mm deep with the music rest and 272 mm without it. Measure the complete setup.

Roland

The FP-10 is a portable digital piano with 88 PHA-4 Standard keys for practising on a weighted keyboard.

  • Roland mentions headphone use, electric piano sounds and a built-in metronome.
  • Roland notes that Bluetooth functionality may vary depending on the country of purchase. If Bluetooth is important to you, check the features of the exact model.

Casio

The Privia PX-S1100BK is an 88-key option for anyone looking for a shallow case.

  • Casio lists a case depth of 232 mm and a hammer action.
  • Case depth doesn’t tell you how much width you’ll need. Also measure the available space for the complete instrument and your chosen setup.

Joybuy products for compact practice

These are 61-key instruments for anyone looking for a compact way to practise a blues progression. Check the connections, included accessories and applicable CE marking for the exact model.

Electronic keyboard piano with 61 keys, black

Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black

The 61 keys and metronome are useful for practising chord changes and rhythm.

The title lists a recording function, speakers and a music stand; the product description mentions a headphone socket.

Before buying, check the applicable CE marking and conformity of this exact model.

View at Joybuy
MLS-931 digital piano with 61 keys, black

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black

The 61 keys make this a compact option for anyone looking to practise a blues progression; the title mentions a weighted keyboard.

The product information lists 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music stand. It also mentions a metronome and automatic bass chords.

Before buying, check the applicable CE marking and conformity of this exact model.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do I need 88 keys to learn a simple blues progression?

Not necessarily for the basic chords in an I–IV–V blues progression. Choose 88 keys if you also want to practise bass lines, melodies and piano technique across a wider range; a shorter keyboard may suit you if its smaller range and lighter touch meet your needs.

What should I measure before setting up the instrument?

Measure both the width and depth of the space, including your chosen stand and music rest. Yamaha lists the P-145 as 272 mm deep without the music rest and 362 mm with it.

What should I check about connections and accessories?

Check that the headphone plug, any pedal and the power adapter are compatible with the exact model and whether they’re included. Yamaha lists a PHONES/OUTPUT socket on the NP-15 and notes that the included adapter may vary by region.

What can I do if the instrument is faulty, and can I return an online purchase?

If a product is faulty, contact the seller; they must offer a solution. According to the Dutch government, there is no fixed statutory guarantee period for all products in the Netherlands. For distance purchases from a business, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period, with some exceptions.

Is CE marking relevant for an electronic keyboard instrument in the Netherlands?

Yes. According to the Dutch government, electronic devices placed on the EU market must carry a CE marking. Before buying, check that the applicable conformity requirements and marking apply to the exact model on offer.