Choose an instrument based on what you want to learn, the accompaniment you want and whether the headphone connection suits your needs. A 61-key keyboard can save space; an 88-key instrument offers a wider range, but needs a larger set-up. Headphones won’t automatically prevent the keys from making an audible noise or avoid disagreements about practice times, so agree some ground rules with your housemates too.
You practise while your housemates are at home and want to avoid sound from the speakers. Check the connection and agree practice times; the keys may still be audible. The Dutch Government advises people experiencing noise from neighbours to try agreeing a solution together first.
You want to learn chord changes for yourself, then play along with accompaniment or a repeating chord sequence. Yamaha Music describes the I, IV and V chords for blues; accompaniment can provide a rhythmic backing.
You want to be able to put the instrument away after practising. Compare the number of keys and the dimensions of the complete instrument, allowing space for items such as a music stand and a seat.
First decide whether you mainly want to learn to play chords yourself or improvise with pre-set accompaniment. Then compare the headphone connection and how much space the complete set-up will take up.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet practice | Check the headphone connection on the exact version, as well as the compatible plug. Agree practice times too. | If I play while my housemates are at home, I want to avoid sound from the speakers and be considerate of audible key noise. Around 36% of consumers put peaceful shared living first. |
| Chords and rhythm | Check whether you can play chords yourself and adjust the tempo of the accompaniment. | If I want to learn the blues changes myself and play along with a rhythm, I’m looking for features that support that goal. Around 29% of consumers give blues chords and timing top priority. |
| Space and storage | Measure the available width and depth, including space for a music stand and chair. Compare these with the dimensions of the whole instrument. | If I need to be able to put the instrument away after practising, a suitable set-up matters more than other preferences. Around 21% of consumers put space and storage first. |
| Keyboard range | Compare the range of the music you want to play with the number of keys. Assess touch sensitivity and weighted hammer action separately. | If I also want to play pieces with a wider range of notes, I want to avoid a keyboard that’s too limited for them. Around 14% of consumers put a wider keyboard range first. |
According to Korg, the Korg Liano has a touch-sensitive LS keyboard. That doesn’t mean the instrument has weighted hammer action.
Compare these features separately if a piano-like feel is important to you.
According to its manual, the Roland GO:KEYS 3 lets you set a chord progression for accompaniment. This doesn’t replace practising the chords yourself.
Use accompaniment to practise your timing and playing along, and practise the I, IV and V changes without automation too.
According to Korg, the Liano is 1,282 mm wide; you’ll also need space for a music stand and chair.
Measure the complete set-up and check what’s included with the version you choose.
Korg says the stand for the Liano is sold separately.
These brands suit different learning goals and instrument styles; their inclusion here doesn’t indicate whether a particular version is available.
According to Yamaha Netherlands, the PSR-E383 is a 61-key keyboard with touch-sensitive keys and lesson functions.
According to Casio Europe’s product information, the CT-S400 is a compact Casiotone keyboard with sounds and rhythm patterns.
According to Roland, the GO:KEYS 3 offers automatic accompaniment and lets you set your own chord progression.
According to Korg, the Liano is a slim digital piano with 88 touch-sensitive keys and a headphone connection.
Start with the I, IV and V chords; in C, these are C, F and G. Yamaha Music recommends practising the changes slowly. Use accompaniment if you like, but play the chords yourself too.
No. Having a headphone connection doesn’t mean that practising at any time won’t cause a disturbance. Agree times and noise levels with your housemates. The Dutch Government also reminds tenants of their duty not to cause a nuisance.
Compare the available space with the dimensions of the complete instrument and check what’s included with the version you choose, such as an adapter, music stand, stand or pedal. Follow the model’s manual for cleaning and power requirements.
For an online consumer purchase, you generally have up to 14 days after delivery to change your mind, subject to legal exceptions, according to ACM ConsuWijzer. Your statutory guarantee is separate from any manufacturer’s guarantee. If a product doesn’t meet what you could reasonably expect when used normally, contact the retailer.
