Practising left-hand patterns
You want to control the touch and repetition of bass notes or chords. The feel of the keyboard and a suitable practice tempo matter more than a long list of sounds.
Who is this buying guide for?
Quiet home practice
You share your home with others and want to consider both the headphone socket and where the instrument will go.
Making flexible use of a guest bedroom
You don’t want to turn the room into a permanent piano room, so you’re comparing a separate instrument with a fixed furniture-style set-up.
What should you look for when buying?
If you want to practise left-hand patterns in a guest bedroom, your choice will mainly come down to playing feel, headphone practice, available space and the complete set-up.
Portable digital piano
A good fit if: you use the guest bedroom for other things too and want to be able to move the instrument when needed.
Keep in mind: you may need to buy a stand or a more advanced pedal set separately. Remember to measure the instrument’s width too.
Fixed furniture-style piano
A good fit if: you have a dedicated practice space and integrated pedals are important to you. Roland describes the RP107 as having three built-in pedals.
Keep in mind: this type of set-up is less flexible and needs enough floor space and room to sit.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Control over left-hand patterns | Play your own pattern at different tempos and compare the touch and key repetition. Also check how to set the metronome. | If you want to repeat bass notes or chords evenly, the touch is your first priority. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this control. |
| Practising with headphones | Check the socket and whether the speaker sound switches off as expected. Headphones won’t automatically block the mechanical sound of the keys and pedals. | If you want to practise at home without piano sound coming through the speakers, pay particular attention to the headphone socket. Around 29% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Space and portability | Measure the space needed for the whole set-up, including the stand, pedal, stool and access route; don’t just measure the depth of the cabinet. A full-size keyboard also takes up width. | If the guest bedroom needs to remain available for guests or other uses, free floor space is crucial. Around 21% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Complete playing set-up | Check what’s included with the exact version and whether pedals or a stand are available separately. | If you want to know what you’ll need to get the piano ready to play, look beyond the instrument itself. Around 14% of consumers focus on the complete set-up. |
Common buying mistakes
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Measuring only the cabinet depth
An 88-key instrument can also take up plenty of width. A stand, pedal and seat will also affect the space you need to play.
Measure the complete set-up, including the stool and the space needed to walk past the instrument.
You may still need to buy a suitable stand or seat.
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Assuming a standalone instrument has three pedals
Yamaha lists the LP-5A pedal unit as an optional extra for the P-145BT. Roland describes the RP107 as having three integrated pedals.
Compare what’s included with the exact version and check compatibility; don’t rely on the model series alone.
A compatible pedal unit or stand may be available separately.
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Assuming ‘weighted keys’ guarantee the right playing feel
A specification describes the keyboard mechanism, but it can’t tell you how it feels to play your left-hand pattern on that instrument.
Try the same slow passage and repeated notes on the models you’re considering.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The P Series includes portable models such as the P-145BT, which Yamaha says is compatible with the optional LP-5A three-pedal unit.
- Yamaha lists an 88-key GHC keyboard and Bluetooth audio for the P-145BT.
- The pedal unit is optional. Try the playing feel for yourself and measure the complete set-up.
Roland
The FP-40 is a portable model, while the RP107 is a furniture-style piano with integrated pedals.
- The FP-40 manual lists an 88-key PHA-4 keyboard and metronome settings for tempo and time signature. Roland describes the RP107 as having three integrated pedals.
- The stand and pedal board for the FP-40 are sold separately. The RP107 needs a dedicated space; these model specifications are not an independent comparison of playing quality.
Casio
The CDP-S110BK is a portable option for anyone considering cabinet depth and a headphone socket.
- Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm, a PHONES/OUTPUT socket and an SP-3 sustain pedal included in the box.
- The cabinet depth doesn’t tell you how much width or seating space the complete playing area will need.
Korg
The B2 is a standalone model; according to Korg Netherlands, the B2SP comes with a stand and a three-pedal unit.
- Korg’s B2 specifications list a weighted keyboard, metronome and PHONES socket.
- Check what’s included with the exact version sold in the Netherlands; accessories supplied with a version for another region won’t necessarily be included.
Joybuy products
These product choices focus on portable keyboards and digital pianos for practising to a set tempo and with headphones. Check for yourself whether the number of keys suits your playing needs.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
The listed metronome and headphone socket are useful for practising to a set tempo and listening without relying on the speakers.
The product name mentions MIDI, recording and playback functions, speakers and a music rest.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
This portable model could be a good fit if you’re looking for headphones and weighted keys. Try the keyboard for yourself to see whether it feels comfortable for your left-hand patterns.
The product name mentions weighted keys and a headphone socket. The description lists a metronome; the title also mentions USB-MIDI, speakers and a music rest.
Frequently asked questions
Are headphones enough to avoid disturbing anyone?
A headphone socket lets you practise without piano sound coming through the speakers, as long as you use the socket on your chosen model. Don’t expect complete silence: check whether the sound of the keys and pedals is acceptable in your room too.
How can I practise a tricky left-hand pattern at an even tempo?
Start at a tempo where you can repeat the movement confidently, and only increase it once the pattern stays even. Check how to set the metronome on the exact model you’re considering. The FP-40 manual describes adjustable tempo and time signature, while the B2 specifications mention metronome settings.
What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?
According to the Dutch government, when you buy at a distance you usually have 14 days to change your mind; check the terms and exceptions that apply to your purchase. You’re also entitled to a product that works as it should. There is no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands; if something is faulty, contact the seller.
What should I look for when checking the safety of an electric digital piano?
Electrical and electronic equipment sold in the Netherlands must comply with the applicable European product rules. Business.gov.nl says that, where required, the manufacturer must ensure CE marking and provide an EU Declaration of Conformity. According to government information, CE is not an independent quality mark. Check the information for the exact instrument and power adapter, especially if you’re buying an import version that differs from the usual model.