Player who accompanies themselves
You play bass notes or chords with your left hand while playing the melody with your right. The range of the pieces you want to play matters more than the number of built-in rhythms.
Who is this suitable for?
Chord and rhythm learner
You want to practise left-hand chords and use them to control an accompaniment style. Check that the model you choose responds to the chords you want to learn to play.
Player with limited setup space
You have a small playing area or want to put the instrument away after practising. Compare its dimensions with the space you have available, as well as the range your music requires.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to play the left-hand part yourself or control the accompaniment with chords. Then compare the range and dimensions with your music and playing space.
| Priority | What to look for when buying | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Playing the left hand yourself | Compare the range of the exact model with the lowest and highest notes in the pieces you practise. | I want to play the bass part and melody at the same time, so I need enough range for my pieces. Around 36% of consumers say playing their own left-hand part is their top priority. |
| Live chord accompaniment | Check how the model recognises chords and try changing chords at the tempo of the pieces you practise. | If I want to practise live chords with my left hand, I want the accompaniment to respond when I change them. Around 29% of consumers prioritise accompaniment controlled by live chord changes. |
| Setup and storage space | Measure the available width and depth, then compare them with the dimensions of the exact version, including the full playing setup. | With limited space at home, I want to be able to fit the instrument in without sacrificing more range than my music requires. Around 21% of consumers prioritise the space needed to set up and store their keyboard. |
| Practising independently and quietly | Check the built-in speakers, headphone socket, power options and what is included with the version on sale. | I want to be able to practise straight away and disturb others as little as possible, for example by using headphones. Around 14% of consumers prioritise being able to practise independently and quietly. |
Common pitfalls
-
Confusing automatic accompaniment with playing a left-hand part yourself
Practising with a pre-set chord progression or a Style that responds to your left-hand chords isn’t quite the same skill as playing bass notes yourself.
Decide whether you want to practise bass notes, live chord changes or mainly a melody over an existing progression. Check and try out that way of playing on the exact model.
-
Comparing only the number of keys or the width
The depth and the space needed for a music rest can also determine whether the instrument will fit in your space, ready to play.
Measure the full playing area and compare it with the stated dimensions of the exact version.
-
Assuming you automatically need paid extra cover
In the Netherlands, statutory consumer rights apply even without a separate extended warranty package. The Rijksoverheid states that there is no fixed statutory warranty period.
Compare what an additional package actually offers before paying for it.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
According to Yamaha Netherlands, the PSR-E383 is a 61-key keyboard with touch sensitivity and automatic Styles.
- Yamaha lists 260 Styles and 48-note polyphony for the PSR-E383.
- These specifications alone don’t tell you how the keyboard feels to play, and don’t automatically apply to other PSR models.
Casio
Casio describes the CT-S400 as a portable Casiotone model with rhythm patterns and automatic accompaniment.
- Casio lists 200 rhythm patterns for the CT-S400, along with a feature that lets you practise the parts of built-in songs separately with your left or right hand.
- Check whether this practice feature suits the pieces you want to play; this description applies to the CT-S400.
Roland
According to Roland, the GO:KEYS 3 combines pre-set chord progressions with accompaniment controlled by your left hand.
- The features described offer two different ways to practise.
- Practising with a pre-set progression isn’t the same as playing chord changes yourself; this description applies to the GO:KEYS 3.
Korg
Korg describes the EK-50 as an arranger keyboard with Styles that can respond to left-hand chords.
- Korg lists more than 280 Styles for the EK-50.
- The stated dimensions are 994 × 392 × 132 mm without the music rest. If space is limited, allow for the depth and the full playing setup.
Joybuy product selection
A Joybuy pick for practising with left-hand accompaniment: compare the range with the pieces you want to play and check that your available space is large enough for the full playing setup.
No image available
MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
With 61 keys, this model could suit practising a left-hand part alongside a melody. Compare its range with the notes in the pieces you want to play.
61 keys; 300 tones and 300 rhythms; weighted keys; LCD screen; USB-MIDI; speakers; headphone socket; music rest.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to play all the accompaniment notes yourself?
Not with a model that has automatic Styles: Korg describes the EK-50 as offering accompaniment controlled with one finger of the left hand or with chords you play. This doesn’t replace practising a bass part yourself.
How do you set up a keyboard in a small space?
Measure the available playing area and allow room for the music rest and your hands. Korg gives the EK-50’s dimensions as 994 × 392 × 132 mm without the music rest; don’t use these measurements for another model.
Who should you contact if a product develops a fault after a consumer purchase in the Netherlands?
Contact the seller if a product doesn’t meet the standards you’re entitled to expect. The Rijksoverheid states that statutory warranty in the Netherlands has no fixed time limit; a manufacturer’s warranty is in addition to your statutory rights.
Can you return a keyboard bought online?
For distance sales, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period, according to the Rijksoverheid. Check the terms and any exceptions that apply to your particular purchase.