Who is this keyboard for?

Blues beginner looking for accompaniment

You want to learn the I, IV and V chords and practise with a rhythm, perhaps playing a melody with your right hand. Compare the chord and accompaniment features of the exact model you’re considering.

Practising at home with headphones

You practise in a room where other people might hear you. Check that the keyboard has a suitable headphone socket, and bear in mind that the keys may still make audible noise. It’s also worth agreeing on practice times with the people you live with.

Practising with limited space

You want enough room for your hands, music stand and seat while you play, but you also need to be able to put the instrument away. Compare the stated dimensions with the space you have available.

What should you look for?

Berklee College of Music describes the blues form using I, IV and V chords. First decide how you want to practise those chord changes, then compare the groove, keyboard action and space the instrument takes up.

What to consider What to look for when buying Who should prioritise this?
Practising chords with a groove Check whether the keyboard has automatic accompaniment, how left-hand chords control it and whether the available styles suit the blues rhythm you want. If I want to learn to play the I, IV and V chords in time with a rhythm, I’m looking for accompaniment that suits my practice. Around 26% of consumers put blues accompaniment first.
Practising without speaker sound Check the model’s headphone socket and plug size. Headphones won’t eliminate the physical sound of the keys. When other people are at home, I want to practise with suitable headphones while bearing in mind that some sound may still be audible. Around 21% of consumers make quiet practice their top priority.
Learning independently Check which lesson features and songs the model actually offers. If it has a recording function, find out whether it can record your own playing. If I want to practise chords and timing without a teacher or computer, I’m looking for features that can guide me. Around 21% of consumers put independent learning at the top of their list.
Playing and storage space Compare the exact model’s width and depth with the space you have for playing and storage. Also consider the weight if you’ll be moving the instrument often. When my spare room is used for other things too, I want to be able to set up and store the keyboard without overlooking the space I need to play. Around 16% of consumers make available space their top priority.
Touch response and future progress Check the touch response and the number and type of keys. Touch sensitivity isn’t the same as weighted piano keys. If I want to practise dynamics or focus on piano technique later, I’ll consider the feel of the keys as well as the accompaniment features. Around 16% of consumers put the keyboard action or future progress first.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming the number of styles guarantees blues accompaniment

    A long list of preset styles doesn’t tell you whether the groove or chord controls you want are available.

    Check the style list or watch a demonstration of the exact model to make sure you can play the chord changes in the way you want to practise them.

  • Confusing touch sensitivity with weighted piano keys

    Touch response can reflect differences in how forcefully you play, but it’s not the same as the action of a weighted piano keyboard.

    Choose according to your learning goals: a portable keyboard for blues and accompaniment, or a keyboard action suited to piano technique.

  • Looking only at the keyboard’s dimensions

    Your playing area also needs room for your hands, music stand and seat. What’s included in an offer can also vary between versions.

    Measure both your playing and storage space, and check which accessories are included with the specific offer.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

The PSR-E383 is a 61-key model worth comparing if you’re looking for touch response, automatic accompaniment and lesson features in one standalone keyboard.

  • Yamaha lists 260 accompaniment styles, lesson features and USB audio/MIDI for the PSR-E383.
  • Check whether it includes the blues groove you want; the number of styles alone won’t tell you.

Casio

The CT-S300 is a compact option to consider if portability and straightforward controls are important to you.

  • Casio lists touch response, an LCD screen with a dial and dimensions of 930 × 256 × 73 mm for this model.
  • These features don’t tell you which accompaniment will work best for your blues practice.

Roland

The E-X10 is worth comparing if you’re looking for automatic accompaniment and built-in practice features.

  • Roland lists automatic accompaniment, lessons, a metronome and the ability to record your own playing for the E-X10. Roland also lists more than 200 preset styles and 140 built-in songs.
  • A built-in song or style doesn’t guarantee that a specific blues exercise is available.

Korg

The EK-50 is designed for automatic accompaniment. It may suit you if you want to combine left-hand chords with styles and have room for a larger instrument.

  • Korg lists more than 280 styles, 61 touch-sensitive keys and a 3.5 mm headphone socket. The stated dimensions are 994 × 392 × 132 mm without the music stand.
  • Korg lists a weight of 7.5 kg. Consider how that fits your needs if you plan to move the instrument often.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a built-in blues style to learn a blues chord progression?

No, you can start with the I, IV and V chords and practise the rhythm yourself. A suitable style is another way to play with accompaniment. If accompaniment is important to you, check the style names and controls on the exact model.

How can I make room for a keyboard?

Measure both your playing and storage space, allowing room for a music stand and seat. Casio gives the CT-S300’s dimensions as 930 × 256 × 73 mm; Korg gives the EK-50’s dimensions as 994 × 392 × 132 mm without the music stand.

How do I look after a keyboard?

Casio recommends unplugging the AC adaptor and/or removing the batteries before cleaning, and using a soft, dry cloth. For other models, follow the instructions in the relevant manual.

Do I have to pay extra for a warranty, and can I return a keyboard bought online?

Consumer purchases in the Netherlands are covered by statutory guarantee rights; there is no fixed statutory two-year guarantee period, and the retailer is your point of contact if a product is faulty. According to ACM ConsuWijzer, online purchases generally come with a 14-day cooling-off period from delivery. Check the relevant terms and exceptions.

Which product safety rules apply when buying in the Netherlands?

Electrical and electronic equipment sold in the Netherlands must comply with the applicable European product rules. Ondernemersplein states that the manufacturer must provide the required CE marking and EU Declaration of Conformity. If in doubt, ask the seller for documentation relating to the specific item on offer.