Which instrument is right for you?

Jazz piano student

You want to combine melodies, bass notes and chord voicings, while practising the dynamics and coordination of both hands. Berklee Online describes these skills in its guidance on working with lead sheets.

Quiet home practiser

You share your home and want to practise through headphones. Check the socket on the model you choose and whether the instrument will fit comfortably in your playing space.

Player using accompaniment or software

You want to practise with built-in accompaniment styles, or you already use music software and need a controller. These are different setups: a MIDI controller does not automatically have built-in sounds.

What should you consider when choosing?

When learning a jazz standard in a spare room, key range, quiet practice, placement and the choice between built-in accompaniment and software all matter.

Portable digital piano

Choose this if: you prioritise two-handed piano playing and a weighted keyboard. Yamaha describes the P-145BT as a model with 88 weighted GHC keys.

Trade-off: a full-size keyboard takes up space. Yamaha lists the P-145BT as 1.326 mm wide and says its three-pedal unit is optional.

Standalone keyboard with accompaniment

Choose this if: the notes in your arrangement fit within 61 keys and you want to practise with accompaniment without a computer. Yamaha lists 260 accompaniment styles for the PSR-E383.

Trade-off: 61 keys offer a narrower range than the 88-key pianos covered here. Touch sensitivity is not the same as a weighted piano keyboard.

MIDI controller with software

Choose this if: you already use music software and virtual instruments on a computer. Novation describes the Launchkey 61 MK4 as a DAW controller with 61 semi-weighted keys.

Trade-off: according to Novation, the Launchkey has no built-in sounds, so you will also need a suitable sound source and audio output.

What to consider What should you check? Who should pay particular attention?
Key range and piano playing Compare the lowest and highest notes in your piece with the keyboard range, and consider the key action you want to practise. If I want to play melodies, bass notes and chords with both hands, I need enough range for my arrangement. Around 33% of consumers give key range and two-handed piano playing top priority.
Practising with headphones Check the headphone socket and plug size on the exact version. When I share the spare room, I want to practise with headphones and avoid sound from the speakers. Quiet practice is a priority for around 27% of consumers.
Fitting it into the room Measure the available playing space and compare it with the instrument’s dimensions and the room you need to play comfortably. If space is limited, I want to know in advance whether the instrument will fit with enough room to play. Placement is the main concern for around 20% of consumers.
Accompaniment or software Decide whether you want to play without a computer or already use suitable software sounds and audio output. If I want to practise with rhythms or use my existing computer setup, I’ll choose an instrument that suits the way I work. Accompaniment or software is the top priority for around 20% of consumers.

Common buying mistakes

  • Confusing touch sensitivity with a weighted piano keyboard

    Yamaha describes the PSR-E383 as touch-sensitive and the P-145BT as having a weighted GHC keyboard. These are different types of keyboard.

    Choose based on the key action you want to practise, and check the description of the exact model.

  • Assuming a MIDI controller is a standalone instrument with sound

    Novation says the Launchkey has no built-in sounds. Simply connecting the controller will not automatically give you piano sound.

    If you want to play without a computer, choose a standalone instrument. Otherwise, check your software, sound source and audio output in advance.

  • Looking only at the instrument’s dimensions or a bundle photo

    Yamaha lists the P-145BT as 1.326 mm wide and says its three-pedal unit is optional. Casio lists an SP-3 sustain pedal as included with the CDP-S110.

    Measure the whole playing area and check which stand, pedals and connections are included with the exact version.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

For this choice, Yamaha offers both a standalone keyboard and a digital piano with a full-size keyboard.

  • Yamaha lists 260 accompaniment styles and touch-sensitive keys for the PSR-E383.
  • Yamaha describes the P-145BT as a model with 88 weighted GHC keys.
  • The three-pedal unit Yamaha lists for the P-145BT is optional.

Roland

The FP-10 is a digital piano worth comparing if a piano-style keyboard and headphone use matter to you.

  • Roland lists a PHA-4 keyboard, a metronome and headphone use for this model.
  • The DP-10 half-pedal that Roland lists is optional.

Casio

The CDP-S110 is worth comparing if a digital piano with sustain and a headphone socket suits your setup.

  • Casio describes a scaled hammer-action keyboard, an included SP-3 sustain pedal and a PHONES/OUTPUT socket.
  • The keyboard and casing descriptions come from Casio; they are not the result of an independent playing test.

Kawai

The ES120 is a portable digital piano worth comparing if you want built-in rhythms as well as piano playing.

  • In its 2022 launch announcement, Kawai listed a weighted RHC keyboard, headphone sockets and 100 rhythm patterns.
  • Check the current product specifications and included accessories for the version you are considering.

Novation

The Launchkey 61 MK4 is a MIDI controller for a computer and music software setup, not a standalone keyboard with sound.

  • Novation lists 61 semi-weighted keys and controls for music software.
  • Novation says Launchkey controllers have no built-in sounds, so you will need a sound source and audio output as part of your setup.

Joybuy products for independent practice

These 61-key models are designed for a compact, standalone practice setup. Check that your jazz standard fits within their range and consider which features matter for the way you practise.

MLS-931 digital piano with 61 weighted keys

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 weighted keys

This 61-key model may suit you if the notes in your arrangement fall within its range; the product name specifies weighted keys.

Joybuy
Electronic keyboard with 61 keys

Electronic keyboard, 61 keys

A 61-key model to consider if your arrangement fits within its range.

The product name lists a MIDI controller function, recording function, speakers, metronome and music rest.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do you need 88 keys for every jazz standard?

No, not every arrangement requires them. First, compare the lowest bass note, highest melody note and chord voicings you want with the instrument’s range. A 61-key model may suit some pieces, while a full-size keyboard offers a wider range for other parts.

Can you connect a MIDI controller and hear piano sound straight away?

Not with a Launchkey controller alone: according to Novation, it has no built-in sounds. Connect a suitable software or hardware sound source and set up the audio output before you practise.

What should you check for headphones and pedals?

Check the connections and accessories included with the exact version. Casio lists an included SP-3 sustain pedal and a PHONES/OUTPUT socket for the CDP-S110; Yamaha lists an optional three-pedal unit for the P-145BT. Follow the manual for your model when connecting and maintaining it.

What are your rights when buying online from a business in the Netherlands?

When you buy at a distance from a business, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period, according to the Dutch Government. You are also entitled to a product that is fit for purpose. The Dutch Government states that there is no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands; if a product is faulty, contact the seller.