Hymn player with limited practice space
Wants to know whether the instrument, stand and seat will all fit. A shallow cabinet doesn’t necessarily mean the instrument takes up little width.
Which setup is right for you?
Pianist learning hymns
You may need the full keyboard and pedals for your arrangements, but don’t want a fixed piano cabinet. Yamaha and Korg’s specifications show why you should check both the range and the pedals included with each model.
Organ player
Looking for organ sounds and may consider a shorter keyboard if the sheet music suits it. Yamaha specifies that the CK61 has 61 keys and organ sounds.
What should you look for when choosing?
88 keys, with a shallow cabinet
When: If you want the full piano range and the main limitation is the depth of your space. Casio lists the PX-S1100BK’s cabinet depth as 232 mm.
Trade-off: That measurement doesn’t tell you how much width or space you’ll need for the stand and pedal.
Portable piano with 88 keys
When: If the full piano range and a piano-focused playing experience are important to you. The Yamaha P-145BT has 88 GHC keys, while the Korg B2+ has 88 NH keys.
Trade-off: Yamaha lists the P-145BT’s width as 1.326 mm and Korg lists the B2+ at 1.312 mm. You’ll also need room for the stand and pedal setup.
Shorter stage keyboard with organ sounds
When: If an 88-key instrument won’t fit, you can play your parts on a shorter keyboard and organ sounds matter to you. The Yamaha CK61 has 61 keys.
Trade-off: The shorter keyboard doesn’t offer the same range or playing feel as the 88-key pianos mentioned here.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Will the whole setup fit? | Measure the available width and depth, including the stand, sheet music and space to reach the pedal. | If my practice space is tight, I want to know everything will fit before choosing an instrument; around 36% of consumers put space and positioning first. |
| Keyboard, range and pedal | Check the lowest and highest notes in your sheet music, the key action and which pedal comes with the instrument. | If you mainly want to practise piano parts, look for a full range and pedal support; around 29% of consumers prioritise piano playing. |
| Practising quietly | Check whether the instrument has a headphone socket and whether your plug or adapter will fit. | If I’d rather listen to the electronic sound privately, I want a suitable socket; around 21% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Organ sound or piano range | Check that the instrument has the organ sound you want and that your part fits the chosen number of keys. | If you mainly play organ parts, you could consider a shorter keyboard if the music allows; around 14% of consumers prioritise organ sounds and a shorter keyboard. |
Common pitfalls
-
Comparing cabinet depth alone
An 88-key instrument can be shallow yet still take up a lot of width. The dimensions Korg lists for the B2+ also exclude the music rest.
Measure the complete setup before choosing a model.
A stand that doesn’t fit your available space could make the setup unusable after all.
-
Assuming every version comes with the same pedals
The pedals included vary by model and version. Korg says the B2+ comes with a damper pedal; the PU-2 for half-pedalling is sold separately. Yamaha lists the LP-5A pedal unit for the P-145BT as an optional extra.
Check the contents and compatibility for the exact model and specific offer.
You may need to buy a pedal unit separately to get the pedal function you want.
-
Choosing a shorter keyboard without checking the sheet music
The Yamaha CK61 has 61 keys, while the digital pianos discussed here have 88. Their range and key action differ, so a shorter keyboard won’t suit every piano part or lesson.
Before choosing a shorter keyboard, check the range your hymns require and any requirements for your piano lessons.
Brands worth comparing
Casio
The Privia PX-S1100BK is an 88-key option worth comparing if cabinet depth is a priority.
- Casio lists the PX-S1100BK’s depth as 232 mm.
- Check the width and space needed for the complete setup too; the depth measurement doesn’t answer those questions.
Yamaha
The P-145BT is a portable 88-key piano, while the CK61 is a shorter keyboard option with organ sounds.
- Yamaha specifies a GHC keyboard for the P-145BT and lists the LP-5A pedal unit as an optional extra.
- The CK61 has 61 FSB keys. Its shorter range and different keyboard action set it apart from an 88-key piano.
Korg
The B2+ is a portable 88-key piano worth comparing for its dimensions and pedals.
- Korg specifies an NH keyboard and lists a damper pedal among the included items.
- The listed cabinet dimensions exclude the music rest; the PU-2 for half-pedalling is sold separately.
Roland
The FP-10 is an 88-key option with built-in speakers, headphone use and additional sounds.
- Roland specifies a PHA-4 Standard keyboard and lists organ sounds among the additional sounds.
- Roland’s claims about authenticity and sound quality are the manufacturer’s own assessments, not independent comparisons.
Joybuy products for practising hymns
These 61-key keyboards are options if you’re considering a shorter keyboard and your hymns fit within its available range.
No image available
MLS-931 digital keyboard, 61 keys
Could suit you if your hymns fit within the 61-key range and you want to practise with headphones.
The product name lists weighted keys, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music stand. The product description mentions touch-sensitive keys and a metronome.
This keyboard doesn’t have the range of an 88-key piano, so check the notes in your own parts.
No image available
Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys
Could suit you if your parts fit within the 61-key range and you want to practise with headphones.
The product name lists MIDI, a recording function, speakers, a metronome and a music stand. The product description mentions a headphone socket and 500 sounds.
With 61 keys, this keyboard doesn’t have the range of an 88-key piano; check that your hymns fit on the keyboard.
Frequently asked questions
How can you tell whether a shorter keyboard has enough keys for your hymns?
Compare the lowest and highest notes in your own parts with the instrument’s range. The Yamaha CK61 has 61 keys; the portable digital pianos discussed here have 88. That doesn’t mean 61 keys will be enough for every hymn.
Which pedal comes with the piano?
It varies by model and version. Korg lists a damper pedal with the B2+ and sells the PU-2 for half-pedalling separately. Yamaha lists the three-pedal LP-5A unit for the P-145BT as an optional extra. Check what’s included with the specific offer.
What can you do if a piano you bought online turns out to be faulty?
For consumer purchases in the Netherlands, the ACM states that you have a legal guarantee: if the product doesn’t do what you could reasonably expect under normal use, the seller must provide an appropriate solution. For distance sales, the Dutch government says you’ll also have 14 days to change your mind in many cases; this is a separate right.
What should you check for when it comes to the safety of an electric piano?
The Dutch government says that electronic devices placed on the EU market must carry a CE mark and points out that purchases from online shops outside the EU may involve uncertainty. Check the specific product and seller; a listing on a search page doesn’t prove that the item on offer meets all applicable requirements.