Players looking for chord-controlled accompaniment
You want an accompaniment part that follows the chords you play. Casio lists automatic accompaniment for the PX-S3100BK; Kawai describes the ES120 as having drum patterns.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Players with limited space
You need to fit the piano into a small room or put it away after practising. Compare the dimensions of the complete playing set-up, not just the instrument.
Pianists who practise with headphones
You want to listen to the patterns you play yourself without disturbing others, and perhaps listen along with a teacher. Check the number of sockets and bear in mind that key and pedal noise may still be audible.
What should you look for when buying?
First decide whether you need automatic accompaniment or want to play the accompaniment part yourself. Then measure the complete set-up and check that the keyboard and connections suit the way you practise.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Accompaniment features | Check whether the model offers chord-controlled automatic accompaniment, drum patterns or just a metronome. | If you want your chords to control an accompaniment part, check that the model actually does this, rather than simply playing a rhythm. Around 31% of consumers prioritise automatic accompaniment. |
| Space and storage | Measure the space for both the instrument and the complete playing set-up; compare its width, depth and weight. | In a small room, you’ll want to know whether the piano, stand and playing space will all fit together. Around 25% of consumers put the space needed for set-up or storage first. |
| Headphones | Check the number and type of sockets, and try listening for key and pedal noise in the room too. | If you practise in a shared space, you’ll want to listen through headphones without assuming that key and pedal noise will disappear too. Quiet practice is the main priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Touch and pedal | Try playing your own chords and left-hand patterns, and check which pedal is included. | If you play patterns yourself, key action and pedal response may influence your choice. Around 19% of consumers choose primarily for a piano-style touch. |
Common pitfalls
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Assuming a list of rhythms means full accompaniment
Drum patterns don’t automatically provide a chord-controlled accompaniment part. If you want the accompaniment to change with your chords, a rhythm feature alone may not meet your practice needs.
Check the manual or product information to confirm exactly what plays when you change chords.
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Measuring only the cabinet depth
You’ll also need space for the stand, music rest, seat and pedal, for example, to create a set-up that’s ready to play.
Measure the complete set-up and check which parts are included with the version you’ve chosen.
Depending on the version, you may need to buy a stand, bench or pedal separately; check what’s included in the offer.
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Assuming touch sensitivity means hammer action
A touch-sensitive keyboard isn’t automatically the same as one with hammer action. So if you’re looking for a particular piano feel, relying on the product description alone may not be enough.
Try playing the same left-hand pattern on the keyboards you’re considering before making your decision based on weight or size.
Brands to compare
Casio
The Privia PX-S3100BK is worth considering if you’re looking for automatic accompaniment and want to factor in cabinet depth.
- Casio lists automatic accompaniment and a cabinet depth of 232 mm for the PX-S3100BK.
- That depth doesn’t tell you how much room the stand, accessories and playing area will take up together.
Yamaha
The DGX-670 is designed for players looking for a wide range of accompaniment styles; the P-225 is a more compact, piano-focused option to compare.
- Yamaha lists 263 accompaniment styles for the DGX-670 and a depth of 272 mm for the P-225.
- According to Yamaha, the DGX-670 is 445 mm deep and weighs 21,4 kg. The P-225’s depth alone doesn’t confirm that it offers equivalent automatic accompaniment.
Kawai
The ES120 is an option if you play patterns yourself and want rhythmic support alongside a hammer-action keyboard.
- Kawai lists 100 drum patterns and two headphone sockets for the ES120.
- Drum patterns are not the same as chord-controlled automatic accompaniment. Also check whether the version you want is available in your market.
Roland
The FP-30X is worth considering if you practise patterns yourself and want to listen together through headphones.
- Roland lists an 88-key PHA-4 keyboard and two headphone outputs.
- The available model information doesn’t confirm automatic accompaniment styles for the FP-30X. If you need this feature, check that it’s available on the exact version you’re considering.
Korg
The Liano is worth considering if you play patterns yourself and need to put away a lightweight 88-key piano regularly.
- Korg lists 88 touch-sensitive LS keys, a metronome and a weight of 6,0 kg.
- The specifications don’t mention hammer action, and the stated dimensions don’t include the music rest.
Joybuy product picks
These picks are aimed at practising patterns you play yourself, with rhythmic support. If you need chord-controlled accompaniment, check which parts play along on the exact version you’re considering.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys
For practising patterns you play yourself, with rhythmic support and headphone listening.
61 weighted, touch-sensitive keys; the product description lists 300 rhythms, automatic bass chords and a metronome.
The product description also mentions USB-MIDI and a headphone socket.
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61-key keyboard piano with MIDI controller
For rhythm practice and patterns you play yourself, with a metronome and headphone socket to hand.
The product description lists 500 sounds, 300 rhythms, a metronome and a recording function.
A headphone port and music stand are also listed.
Frequently asked questions
Is a rhythm feature the same as automatic accompaniment?
No. Kawai lists drum patterns for the ES120, while Casio lists automatic accompaniment for the PX-S3100BK. Check which part the instrument plays when you change chords.
What should I measure before setting up a digital piano?
Measure the space for the instrument as well as the stand, music rest, seat and pedal. For example, Korg states that the Liano’s quoted dimensions don’t include the music rest.
Will headphones stop me disturbing other people?
Headphones reduce the piano sound you hear, but they don’t automatically get rid of key and pedal noise. Check the connection and try the instrument in the room where you plan to practise.
Do I get a cooling-off period when buying online in the Netherlands?
For a qualifying distance purchase from a business, the Dutch Government generally provides a 14-day cooling-off period. Check whether your specific purchase is covered by these rules.
What can I do if the piano develops a fault after purchase?
Report the fault to the seller. According to the Dutch Government, the Netherlands has no fixed statutory guarantee period for a product that works properly; what you can expect depends, among other things, on the nature of the fault and how the product is used. A manufacturer’s guarantee doesn’t replace your statutory rights.