Who is this keyboard for?

Quiet home practiser

You share your home and want to practise without using the built-in speakers. Check that your headphones fit the socket, and bear in mind that the sound of the keys may still be audible.

Beginner learning chords

You want to learn to change chords with your left hand while playing melodies with your right. Check how the chord mode works and what you’ll practise using it.

Player short on storage space

You need to put your keyboard away after practising. Compare its dimensions with the space you have available, and check which accessories you’ll need for your set-up.

What should you look for?

Start by deciding how you want to practise with your left hand. Then choose a suitable chord mode and check that the instrument is practical for your shared living space.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Practising quietly Check the type of headphone socket and whether your plug will fit. Headphones won’t necessarily silence the sound of the keys. If you live with housemates, you’ll want to practise without speaker sound while bearing in mind that the keys may still be audible. Around 29% of consumers put quiet practice first.
Chords with accompaniment Check which chord modes the model has and whether it recognises chords played in the accompaniment zone. Casio Netherlands describes modes that work with one or more keys. If you want to practise left-hand chords while a style plays along, check that the controls suit your practice goals. Around 29% of consumers prioritise chord accompaniment.
Playing your own left-hand part Check whether features such as a metronome or split function suit your practice; use an accompaniment style only if it supports your goal. If you want to learn to time bass notes or chords yourself, look for a way to practise without the style filling in the part for you. Around 24% of consumers prioritise developing their left-hand technique independently.
Space and essentials Measure the space where you’ll play and store the keyboard. Also check which power supply and accessories are included in the specific offer. If you need to put the instrument away after every practice session, you’ll want to know whether it and its essential accessories will fit in your home. Around 18% of consumers start by considering space and set-up.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing auto accompaniment with playing the part yourself

    A chord can trigger an accompaniment style while the keyboard plays the bass and other parts for you. That won’t automatically help you practise the same movements as playing your own left-hand part.

    Choose a practice mode to suit your goal: use a style to practise chord changes along with the accompaniment, or work on your own bass notes and chords without a style.

  • Assuming every headphone plug will fit

    The socket varies by model. Korg specifies a 3.5 mm stereo headphone socket for the EK-50.

    Compare the socket on the exact version with your headphone plug, and check whether you’ll need a suitable adapter.

  • Thinking an extended warranty is your only protection

    An extended manufacturer’s or retailer’s warranty is separate from your rights if a product is faulty. The Dutch Government states that there is no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands.

    Read the terms of any extended warranty, and contact the retailer if your product is faulty.

Brands to consider as a guide

Yamaha

The PSR-E383 is a practice keyboard with touch-sensitive keys and auto accompaniment.

  • Yamaha lists 61 keys, 260 accompaniment styles and 48-note polyphony for this model.
  • These specifications describe the features, not how the keyboard will feel to every player. Also check that the headphone socket on the version you’re considering suits your needs.

Casio

The CT-S400 is a compact option with rhythm patterns and auto accompaniment.

  • Casio Netherlands lists 200 rhythm patterns. Casio describes chord modes that let you play chords using one or more keys.
  • The chord modes mentioned are listed in specifications for the Canadian market. Check which modes and connections are available on the version being offered.

Roland

The E-X10 is described as an arranger keyboard that lets you control the accompaniment with your left hand.

  • Roland Netherlands lists more than 200 preset styles and a recording function for this model.
  • Having more accompaniment options doesn’t automatically make a keyboard easier for everyone to use; try out how it works if you can.

Korg

The EK-50 offers style variations and a split function for assigning different sounds across the keyboard.

  • Korg lists more than 280 styles, four variations per style and a 3.5 mm stereo headphone socket.
  • The stated dimensions are 994 × 392 × 132 mm. Measure your playing and storage space before choosing this model.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to turn on an accompaniment style to practise with my left hand?

No, not if you want to learn to time bass notes and chords yourself. Practise without a style filling in the part for you; a style can be useful for playing chord changes along with the accompaniment. Check which chord mode you’re using.

Will practising with headphones make the keyboard completely silent?

No. A compatible headphone socket lets you practise without speaker sound, but the keys may still make an audible noise when pressed. The World Health Organization highlights the importance of both volume and listening time; keep the volume at a sensible level and take listening breaks.

What should I check before setting up a keyboard?

Measure your table and storage space, and check the power supply, headphone socket and what’s included in the set on offer. Korg specifies a 3.5 mm stereo headphone socket for the EK-50; for every model, check that your accessories will fit and are included.

What are the rules on returns and guarantees for online purchases in the Netherlands?

For many purchases made remotely from a business, you have a 14-day cooling-off period, although exceptions may apply. You’re also entitled to a product that works as it should. According to the Dutch Government, there is no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands, and the retailer is your point of contact if a product is faulty.