Who is this for?

Practising hymns in several parts

If you play the melody and accompaniment with both hands, pay attention to the keyboard range and whether the organ sounds suit your parts. Yamaha lists organ sounds for the PSR-E383 and PSR-EW320.

Practising quietly at home

If you share your living space, check that the instrument has a suitable headphone socket and fits where you plan to practise. Korg specifies a 3.5 mm headphone socket for the EK-50.

Making practice recordings

If you want to record parts or work on them using a computer, distinguish between audio, MIDI and an internal sequencer. Yamaha lists USB audio/MIDI for the PSR-E383 and PSR-EW320; Korg specifies USB-MIDI and an internal sequencer for the EK-50.

What should you look for when choosing?

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Keyboard range and hymn sounds Try playing the lowest and highest notes in your parts, and listen to the organ sounds. Yamaha lists 61 keys for the PSR-E383 and 76 for the PSR-EW320. If I play parts with both hands, I want to know whether all the notes fit on the keyboard and whether the sound suits my hymns. Around 40% of consumers give keyboard range and hymn sounds top priority.
Quiet practice and set-up Check the type of headphone socket, the space required and the dimensions of the exact model. Korg lists a 3.5 mm socket for the EK-50 and a width of 994 mm, excluding the music stand. If I want to practise quietly at home, I’m looking for a socket that suits my headphones and an instrument that fits in my practice space. Around 30% of consumers prioritise quiet practice and a practical set-up.
Recording and computer use Decide whether you need audio or MIDI notes. Yamaha lists USB audio/MIDI for the PSR-E383 and PSR-EW320; Korg specifies USB-MIDI and an internal sequencer for the EK-50. If I want to record hymn parts or edit them in music software, I want to know in advance what kind of data my instrument can transfer. Around 20% of consumers put recording and computer use first.
Piano feel Compare the key response with the parts you play, and check which sounds and accompaniment features the model offers. Yamaha specifies 88 weighted GHC keys for the P-145. If I mainly practise hymns as piano parts, a weighted keyboard matters more to me than extensive keyboard accompaniment. Around 10% of consumers give piano feel top priority.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming that more sounds mean a suitable organ sound

    A large number of sounds doesn’t tell you whether a particular organ sound will suit your hymns.

    Listen to the sounds you want to use for your own parts, then compare the extra sounds and accompaniment features.

  • Confusing USB-MIDI with USB audio

    Korg specifies USB-MIDI for the EK-50, while Yamaha lists USB audio/MIDI for the PSR-E383 and PSR-EW320. These connections don’t automatically do the same thing.

    Decide whether you want to record audible sound or editable note data, and check the connections on the exact model and your computer.

    If the instrument doesn’t support the audio recording you want directly, you may need a different connection set-up or additional recording equipment.

  • Assuming a digital piano with 88 keys is automatically the best choice

    Weighted piano keys and keyboard accompaniment meet different playing needs. Yamaha lists weighted keys for the P-145 and organ sounds for the PSR models reviewed.

    First decide whether piano feel, organ sounds or accompaniment matters most for the parts you’re practising, then compare those features across models.

Brands and models to consider

Yamaha

The PSR-E383 and PSR-EW320 are portable keyboards with 61 and 76 keys respectively; the P-145 is a digital piano with 88 weighted keys.

  • Yamaha lists organ sounds and USB audio/MIDI for the two PSR models; for the P-145, Yamaha specifies a GHC keyboard with 88 weighted keys.
  • Features vary by model: don’t assume that the P-145 has the same organ and accompaniment features as the PSR keyboards.

Korg

The EK-50 is an accompaniment keyboard with 61 touch-sensitive keys, styles and an internal sequencer.

  • Korg specifies separate audio outputs, a 3.5 mm headphone socket and USB-MIDI for the EK-50.
  • USB-MIDI doesn’t mean USB audio; check which connection suits the recording you want to make.

Casio

The CT-S400 is worth comparing if you’re looking for sounds, automatic accompaniment and settings you can recall quickly.

  • Casio lists 600 sounds, 200 rhythm patterns and five buttons for stored settings on the CT-S400.
  • The number of sounds alone doesn’t tell you whether a particular organ sound will suit your hymns.

Roland

The GO:KEYS 3 is worth considering if you want to try chord progressions and automatic accompaniment as well as playing parts.

  • Roland lists a 61-key keyboard, more than 1,000 sounds and accompaniment for this model.
  • These manufacturer specifications aren’t an independent comparison of organ sound or playing feel.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell whether 61 keys are enough for my hymns?

Compare the lowest and highest notes in your own parts with the keyboard, and try playing tricky passages with both hands. The Yamaha PSR-E383 has 61 keys; the PSR-EW320 has 76.

How do I connect a keyboard to make a practice recording?

First decide whether you want to record audio or MIDI notes. Yamaha lists USB audio/MIDI for the PSR-E383 and PSR-EW320; Korg specifies USB-MIDI, an internal sequencer and separate audio outputs for the EK-50. Check which connection and recording method suit your computer set-up.

What should I check for quiet practice and a practical set-up?

Check the size of the headphone plug, the power supply and the space around the instrument. Korg lists a 3.5 mm headphone socket and a supplied mains adapter for the EK-50. Follow the care instructions in the manual for the model you choose.

What returns period and warranty apply to an online purchase in the Netherlands?

For eligible distance purchases, the Dutch government generally provides a 14-day cooling-off period; check the terms of the specific purchase. The legal guarantee is separate: if a product is faulty, the seller must provide a solution. The Dutch government states that there is no fixed, general statutory two-year guarantee period in the Netherlands.

Can I share a recording of a hymn made in my home studio?

Don’t assume that permission to practise at home also allows you to share protected material. The Dutch government states that a private copy for personal use must not be distributed or made available to the public. Before publishing, check the rights to the specific work and recording.