Who is this for?

Group singing accompanist

You practise chords and melodies for hymns and want to know whether automatic accompaniment would suit you.

Pianist with written parts

You play two-handed parts and want to take the required key range and feel into account.

Player who travels to rehearsals

You regularly take your instrument with you and weigh up portability, space for setup and the ability to use it independently.

What should you consider when choosing?

Start by asking yourself whether you need accompaniment while practising, or mainly want to play a piano part with a suitable range and feel. Then compare the space, transport and connections available in your rehearsal setup.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Chords and accompaniment Try a few of your own hymns and chord changes with the available accompaniment; also check that the key range is suitable. If I want to practise melodies and chords on my own, accompaniment is my priority. Around 40% of consumers put accompaniment first.
Key range and feel Compare the lowest and highest notes in your parts with the instrument’s range, and try out the key action. For my two-handed parts, I want to know whether the range is sufficient and the feel suits the way I play piano. Around 30% of consumers prioritise piano parts and key feel.
Transport and setup Check the stated weight and width, measure the available space and think about how you will transport the instrument. If I regularly take the instrument to rehearsals, its weight and size need to be practical. For around 20% of consumers, transport is the main consideration.
Practising and connections Check which output the instrument has, and which input, plug and cable are required in the rehearsal space. If I want to practise quietly or connect the instrument to the sound system, I want to know in advance which connections I’ll need. Around 10% of consumers prioritise quiet practice or connecting their instrument.

Things to watch out for when buying

  • Don’t expect every accompaniment style to suit every hymn

    Yamaha lists automatic accompaniment styles for the PSR-E383, but that doesn’t mean a style will suit your tempo or arrangement.

    Try a few of your own hymns with the accompaniment before making this feature the deciding factor.

  • Don’t assume all digital pianos feel the same to play

    Yamaha describes the P-145 as having weighted GHC keys, while Korg lists touch-sensitive LS keys for the Liano. These are different key actions.

    Try the keys for yourself if their feel matters for the parts you play.

  • Don’t assume an output will connect straight to the sound system

    The headphone/line-out socket on the Korg Liano does not, by itself, confirm that it will work with your rehearsal space setup.

    Make a note of the connections on both the instrument and the sound system, and check which cable or adaptor you’ll need.

    You may need a suitable cable or adaptor to make the connection. Also check which accessories are included with the version you choose.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

Yamaha offers two different options here: a keyboard with automatic accompaniment and an 88-key digital piano.

  • Yamaha lists touch-sensitive keys and automatic accompaniment styles for the PSR-E383.
  • Yamaha specifies 88 weighted GHC keys for the P-145.
  • Try the accompaniment styles with your own hymns to see if they work for you, and compare the key feel for yourself.

Casio

The CT-S300 is a compact keyboard for anyone who regularly takes their instrument with them.

  • Casio lists touch sensitivity, built-in speakers and a weight of 3,3 kg for the CT-S300.
  • Check that the key range and connections suit your parts and rehearsal space.

Korg

The Liano is a digital piano with 88 touch-sensitive LS keys and a headphone/line-out socket.

  • Korg lists a weight of 6,0 kg without batteries or music rest, as well as a USB-B connection.
  • The LS keys do not have the same action as the weighted GHC keys on the Yamaha P-145. Also measure the space available for setup.

Roland

According to Roland, the GO:KEYS 3 and GO:KEYS 5 offer built-in chord patterns that can be edited using the Chord Director app.

  • The app could be useful if you prepare your own chord sequences.
  • Roland states that a free Roland account is required to use pre-made app patterns; check whether this approach suits your rehearsals.

Keyboards and pianos at Joybuy

These Joybuy products are suited to practising on your own with a keyboard or piano that offers rhythm or chord features.

Digital Piano MLS-931, 61 keys, black

Digital Piano MLS-931, 61 keys, black

Could suit practising chords on your own; compare the 61 keys with the range of your parts.

The product information lists a weighted keyboard, automatic bass chords, 300 rhythms, a metronome, a recording function, built-in speakers and a headphone socket.

Joybuy
Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black

Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black

Could suit practising rhythms on your own with a metronome; check whether 61 keys are enough for your parts.

The product information lists 300 rhythms, a metronome, a recording function, built-in stereo speakers, a music rest, and MIDI, audio-in, audio-out and headphone connections.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How can you tell if 61 keys are enough for your hymns?

Compare the lowest and highest notes in a few representative parts with the instrument’s range. According to Yamaha, the Yamaha PSR-E383 has 61 keys; the Yamaha P-145 and Korg Liano have 88. The right range depends on the music you play.

Can you connect the Korg Liano to headphones or a sound system?

Korg specifies a headphone socket that also serves as a line-out. Check in advance which plug, cable and input your sound system requires; the socket alone does not confirm that it will connect directly to every rehearsal space setup.

Where can you find the right operating and maintenance instructions?

Refer to the manual for the exact model for instructions on things such as placement, power and maintenance. Yamaha offers support for the PSR-E383, and Casio provides manuals that you can look up by model name. Don’t follow instructions for another model without checking first.

Does CE marking mean that a keyboard sounds good or feels comfortable to play?

No. CE marking is not an assessment of sound or key feel. According to the Dutch Ondernemersplein, the manufacturer must carry out the required conformity assessment and apply the CE marking to electrical appliances covered by the relevant EU requirements. The requirements that apply also depend on the specific product.