If you want to play chords while an accompaniment changes along with them, choose a digital piano with automatic accompaniment styles; a drum rhythm doesn’t do the same thing. Korg says the XE20’s Styles follow chord changes, while Casio lists automatic accompaniment for the PX-S3100. For studio work, the right MIDI or audio connections are also important: check which signal you want to record and which pedals, stand and cables are included with the version you’re buying.
You want to practise chord changes with your left hand while the instrument plays a suitable accompaniment. Look out for the difference between automatic Styles and standard drum rhythms, as described by Korg and Casio for their models.
You create accompaniment patterns in software or record your piano playing. USB-MIDI and an audio output serve different purposes; Korg and Kawai list both types of connection for certain models.
You often practise with headphones or have limited space. Check the available headphone sockets, dimensions and the components you’ll need for a permanent set-up; Kawai, Roland and Yamaha highlight these considerations for their models.
First decide whether you want to practise with accompaniment that follows your chords, a steady rhythm or your own studio signal. Then look at the connections and set-up that suit your needs.
Choose this option: if you want to play chord changes with accompaniment that adapts as you play. Korg describes this feature for the XE20; Casio lists automatic accompaniment for the PX-S3100.
Bear in mind: USB-MIDI doesn’t automatically mean you can record the piano’s sound via USB. Korg also lists separate audio outputs for the XE20.
Choose this option: if you mainly practise to a steady beat or create accompaniment in software. Kawai lists drum rhythms, USB-MIDI and stereo line outputs for the ES120.
Bear in mind: drum rhythms aren’t the same as accompaniment that follows chord changes; the stand and three-pedal unit are optional extras for the ES120.
Choose this option: if piano playing, practising along with existing music or a compact set-up matters more to you than automatic accompaniment. Roland lists Bluetooth audio playback for playing along on the FP-30X; Yamaha describes the P-225 as having a compact 88-key keyboard.
Bear in mind: audio playback or MIDI recording alone doesn’t confirm that a piano has accompaniment that follows chord changes. Check that each model supports the recording and playback set-up you need.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic accompaniment | Check whether the accompaniment follows chord changes and whether you can control variations and fills. | If I want to change chords with my left hand, I want to hear how the accompaniment responds; around 29% of consumers say automatic accompaniment is their top priority. |
| Recording and connections | Decide whether you want to record MIDI performance data, the piano’s sound or both; then check the connections and inputs. | When I create patterns in studio software, I want the right connection for my recording set-up; around 29% of consumers put studio recording first. |
| Touch and pedal | Try repeated chords and changes in dynamics; check which pedal functions and pedals are included with the version you’re buying. | For recurring patterns, I want a keyboard and pedal set-up that suit the way I play; around 21% of consumers say touch and pedal control are their top priority. |
| Quiet practice and space | Check the headphone socket and measure the space you have, including room for the music rest and stand; bear in mind that mechanical key noise may still be audible. | If I need to practise quietly at home and have limited space, I want to know whether the complete set-up will fit; around 21% of consumers put quiet, compact practice first. |
A drum rhythm helps you practise keeping time, but it isn’t the same as an accompaniment style that responds to chord changes.
Ask for a demonstration on the exact model, showing chord changes and how to control any variations and fills.
For the XE20, Korg lists USB-MIDI as well as separate audio outputs. So the MIDI connection doesn’t confirm that the piano’s own sound can be recorded via USB.
Decide in advance which signal you want to send to your computer, then check the inputs and connections you’ll need.
You may need suitable additional recording equipment or cables to record the instrument’s sound.
For the models mentioned, the stand or three-pedal unit may be an optional extra; what’s included varies by version.
Compare what’s included in the package on offer with the stand and pedal set-up you want to use.
A suitable stand or three-pedal unit may need to be bought separately.
The XE20 is worth considering if you want to combine built-in accompaniment styles with chord playing.
The European Privia PX-S3100 is worth considering if you’re looking for a digital piano with automatic accompaniment.
The ES120 is a piano-focused option if drum rhythms and studio connections are important to you.
The FP-30X is worth considering if you’re looking for audio playback, headphone use and separate outputs.
The P-225 is a compact, piano-focused option if built-in automatic accompaniment isn’t a priority.
No. Kawai lists drum rhythms for the ES120, while Korg says the XE20’s Styles follow chord changes. Choose based on what you want to practise.
No, USB-MIDI alone doesn’t confirm that. For the XE20, Korg lists USB-MIDI and separate analogue audio outputs. First decide whether you want to record MIDI performance data, the instrument’s own sound or both.
Check the dimensions with the music rest in place, whether the piano can stand securely, and whether the pedal and stand are included in the package on offer. Thomann notes that a digital piano doesn’t need tuning by a piano tuner; this doesn’t rule out maintenance or repairs to the electronics.
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, for a standard online product purchase you generally have 14 days from delivery to change your mind, subject to statutory exceptions. The statutory guarantee also applies if, under normal use, the product doesn’t do what you could reasonably expect; in the Netherlands, there is no general fixed two-year period for this.
Using headphones doesn’t automatically rule out noise disturbance. The Dutch government recommends agreeing with your neighbours about music noise; in a specific situation, also check any agreements with your landlord or owners’ association, as well as local circumstances.
