Who is this suitable for?

Practising your duet part solo

You practise your part at home and want to hear the other part without sound coming from the built-in speakers. Yamaha describes recording functions for the PSR-E283 and USB audio/MIDI recording for the PSR-E383.

Two players at one keyboard

You want to play at the same time and need to check whether both parts fit within the shared sections of the keyboard. Yamaha lists a duo mode for the PSR-E383 and PSR-E283.

Playing along with practice tracks

You want to practise a part from an existing song. Check that the song and part you need are available; Casio describes part selection for built-in songs on the CT-S400.

What should you look for when buying?

First, decide how you want to hear the second part: will you play together, play back a recording of your own, or practise with an existing song?

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Quiet practice Check the headphone output and plug size for the exact model. Start at a low volume and take listening breaks. If I want to practise at home without disturbing anyone through the speakers, I’ll check the connection and make sure the listening volume is comfortable and easy to control. Around 36% of consumers prioritise quiet practice.
Recording your own part Check whether you can record and play back your part, and play along while it’s playing. If I want to practise with the other part of my duet, recording and playback need to suit the way I work. Around 29% of consumers give this feature top priority.
Playing together Check whether the model has a duo mode, and compare the lowest and highest notes in both parts with the shared sections of the keyboard. If we’re playing together on one instrument, each part needs to fit its own section of the keyboard. Around 21% of consumers prioritise playing together on one instrument.
Key range and touch response Compare the range of the parts with the exact model, and check whether its touch sensitivity suits what you want to practise. If my parts cover a wide range of notes or I want to practise dynamics, I’ll look beyond the total number of keys. Around 14% of consumers give range and playing feel top priority.

Common buying mistakes

  • Confusing an accompaniment rhythm with the second duet part

    A rhythm or built-in song won’t automatically contain the specific music you want to practise.

    Check whether you can record the part you need yourself or whether the right practice track is available.

  • Looking only at the total number of keys for duo mode

    Two players share the keyboard, so the total number of keys won’t tell you whether both parts fit on their own halves.

    Compare the highest and lowest notes in both parts with the layout of the duo mode.

  • Assuming all the essentials are included

    Connections and included accessories can vary by model or version.

    Check the plugs, power supply and box contents. Also see whether headphones or a stand are included with the version you’ve chosen.

Brands to consider

Yamaha

According to Yamaha Netherlands, the PSR-E383 and PSR-E283 are portable 61-key keyboards with a duo mode.

  • Yamaha lists touch-sensitive keys and USB audio/MIDI for the PSR-E383; the brand also lists a recording function for the PSR-E283.
  • A duo mode doesn’t confirm that you can play back a second part you’ve recorded yourself. Check the recording and playback controls on the exact model.

Korg

The EK-50 may suit you if you want to record a part yourself and work with a sequencer.

  • Korg specifies four keyboard tracks within a 12-track sequencer and a 3.5 mm headphone output for the EK-50.
  • Check that the recording controls and playback method suit your practice routine; having a sequencer doesn’t automatically mean the model has a duo mode.

Casio

According to Casio, the CT-S400 is designed for playing with accompaniment and practising parts from built-in songs.

  • Casio describes the option to select the left- or right-hand part from built-in songs.
  • Check whether the duet song and part you want are available; this feature doesn’t mean that you can record a second part yourself.

Joybuy product selection

This Joybuy selection is aimed at solo practice with a self-recorded part and listening through headphones.

Black 61-key electronic keyboard with recording function

Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black, with recording function

A good fit for solo practice when you want to record and play back a part and listen through headphones.

The product description lists a recording and playback function, USB-MIDI and a headphone port.

The product name lists 61 keys, speakers, a metronome and a music rest.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is duo mode the same as a recorded second part?

No. Yamaha lists duo mode for two people playing on a shared keyboard. Recording a part and playing it back while you perform requires a separate recording and playback function. Check how these functions work on the exact model.

How can I practise responsibly with headphones?

Start at a low volume and take breaks. The World Health Organization stresses that both sound level and exposure time matter; wearing headphones doesn’t make listening at high volumes safe.

Which accessories should I check before buying a keyboard?

Check whether headphones, a suitable plug or adapter, a power supply and a stand are included with the version you’ve chosen. Box contents can vary between versions, so check the product information for the exact model.

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

For a consumer distance sale from a business, you generally have 14 days to change your mind after the product has been delivered, according to ACM ConsuWijzer. If a product is faulty, you can hold the seller responsible under the statutory guarantee; the Dutch government says there is no fixed general guarantee period in the Netherlands.

Does an electronic keyboard need a CE marking?

Products covered by EU rules that require CE marking must display it. The Dutch government lists electronic devices as products that need a CE marking in the EU; check the marking and product information for the specific item. A CE marking doesn’t prove that a duet feature meets your needs.