Players practising left-hand patterns
You repeat bass patterns or accompaniment figures and want to assess your timing and touch. A metronome and a keyboard that suits the pieces you’re practising are important considerations.
Who is it for?
Housemates who want to keep the noise down
You want to hear the piano through headphones while also taking the sound of the keys and pedals into account, as well as any agreements you have at home.
Players with limited space
You need to fit the piano into a small space or be able to move it. So consider how much room the complete setup will take up, not just the piano itself.
What should you look for when buying?
Start with the practice features you’ll use regularly, then assess the keyboard and measure the space needed for the complete setup.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising your timing | Try starting the metronome and adjusting the tempo. Also consider whether you’d like a recording function so you can listen back to your playing. | When I repeat left-hand patterns, I want to keep a steady tempo. Around 29% of consumers say tempo is their top priority when practising. |
| Noise at home | Check the headphone socket and assess the sound of the keys and pedals separately. If necessary, agree practice times with your housemates. | I want to hear the piano privately while being considerate of others at home. Around 29% of consumers prioritise keeping the sound inaudible to others. |
| Touch and keyboard range | Try playing your own pattern on the exact model, both softly and with more force. Check that the keyboard range suits the pieces you play. | For my left-hand pieces, I want to assess the touch and the range I need. Around 24% of consumers choose mainly on the feel of the keyboard and its range. |
| Space for the setup | Measure the space for the piano, stand and stool, and check the dimensions of the model. Casio lists a depth of 232 mm for the CDP-S110; Yamaha gives a width of 1.326 mm for the P-145. | If I have limited space, the complete setup needs to fit. Space is the top buying priority for around 18% of consumers. |
Common pitfalls
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Assuming a headphone socket means complete silence
Headphones keep the amplified piano sound private, but they don’t tell you how much noise the keys or pedals will make in your home.
If possible, assess the piano in your own setup and agree practice times. The Dutch government advises people dealing with noise nuisance to try reaching an agreement together first.
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Measuring only the piano itself
The piano’s dimensions don’t tell you how much space you’ll need for the stand, stool and playing position. A three-pedal unit for the Yamaha P-145 is optional.
Check the dimensions, what’s included in the package and compatibility with the exact model before ordering.
You may need to buy a stand or the pedal extension you want separately. So check which components are included with the model you’ve chosen.
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Confusing the manufacturer’s warranty with your statutory rights
A manufacturer’s or seller’s warranty is separate from your statutory right to receive a product that conforms to the contract. The Dutch government identifies the seller as your point of contact if there’s a fault.
Keep your proof of purchase and contact the seller if you have a problem.
Brands to consider
Roland
The FP-10 is worth considering if you’re looking for a metronome, headphone connectivity and an 88-key keyboard.
- Roland lists a built-in metronome and a PHA-4 Standard keyboard for the FP-10.
- Descriptions of the feel and sound are the manufacturer’s claims; try the keyboard’s touch yourself if you can.
Yamaha
The portable P-145 is worth considering if you’re looking for a model with 88 weighted keys and want to check the available width.
- Yamaha specifies GHC keys and a width of 1.326 mm for the P-145.
- The LP-5A three-pedal unit is optional, so check whether it’s included with the model you’re buying.
Casio
The CDP-S110 is worth considering if a compact cabinet depth and practice features are important to you.
- Casio specifies a depth of 232 mm, 88 keys and a PHONES/OUTPUT socket.
- Casio says the metronome is controlled via an app, so check whether this suits your practice routine.
Kawai
The portable ES120 is worth considering if you want to explore a metronome, recording function and two headphone sockets.
- Kawai lists these practice and listening features, along with a Responsive Hammer Compact action, for the ES120.
- Claims about an authentic playing experience come from the manufacturer. Also check which components are included with the model you choose.
Products on Joybuy
This selection includes portable keyboards with 61 keys and listed features for practising and private listening. Check that the keyboard range suits the left-hand patterns you want to play.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys
The listed metronome may come in handy when practising patterns at a steady tempo.
The product name specifies 61 keys, a weighted keyboard and a headphone socket. The description mentions a recording function with playback.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys
The listed metronome and recording function may suit practice sessions with repeated patterns.
The product name specifies 61 keys and a metronome. The description mentions a headphone socket, playback and a music stand.
Frequently asked questions
Are headphones enough to let me practise at any time?
No. Headphones don’t tell you how much noise the keys or pedals will make in your home. Agree practice times with your housemates; the Dutch government advises people dealing with noise nuisance to try reaching an agreement together first.
Do I need a recording function for left-hand patterns?
Not necessarily. Start with a metronome if your main aim is to practise at a steady tempo, and choose a recording function if you want to listen back to your playing. Kawai lists both features for the ES120; Roland lists a metronome for the FP-10.
What should I check when setting up and connecting the piano?
Measure the space for the complete setup and follow the manual for your exact model when connecting it to the power supply. The Kawai ES120 manual specifies using a mains socket with the stated voltage and says that the supplied adapter and cable are intended for this instrument.
What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?
When you buy online from a business, you’re often entitled to a 14-day cooling-off period, subject to conditions and exceptions. You’re also entitled to a product that conforms to the contract; the Dutch government states that there’s no fixed statutory warranty period for this in the Netherlands. Contact the seller if there’s a fault.