Singer learning the melody
You want to be able to play through a melody and use chords for support, perhaps in a different key for singing. Casio describes transposition in the CT-S300 manual as a way to adjust the pitch to suit a vocalist.
Who are these instruments suitable for?
Accompanist playing a complete piano part
You’re practising more than just a melody and want to compare the keyboard’s range and feel with your score. A digital piano with 88 weighted keys is a different option from a portable keyboard; Korg lists these keyboard features for the B2+.
Player in a shared studio
You need to be able to put the instrument away or move it, and sometimes practise with headphones. Dimensions, power supply and connections vary by model.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with the part you’ll actually be practising: a vocal melody calls for different considerations from a complete piano part. In a shared studio, how you listen and how much space you have also matter.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Vocal pitch and melody | Check whether the exact model offers transposition, then play the opening and highest vocal notes of your song. | If I need to learn the melody in a different key for singing, I want to be able to change the sounding pitch. Around 29% of consumers put vocal pitch and melody first. |
| Practising on your own | Check for a headphone socket and the plug you’ll need. Headphones won’t automatically make the physical sound of the keys inaudible. | If other people are rehearsing in the studio, I want to be able to listen to the electronic sound through headphones. Around 23% of consumers prioritise quiet, individual practice. |
| Transport and setup | Measure the available space and route for moving the instrument. Also check the power supply and whether the version you’re buying includes the accessories you need. | If I need to move the instrument regularly, its size and weight matter when setting it up. Around 18% of consumers prioritise portability. |
| Piano range and touch | Compare the lowest and highest notes in your part with the keyboard, and check whether you need weighted piano keys. | If I’m practising a complete piano part, I want to know whether both the range and feel are right for it. Around 18% of consumers put piano range and touch first. |
| Chords and accompaniment | Check whether you can set the chord sequence and tempo you want. Automatic accompaniment won’t necessarily match the accompaniment in your musical score. | If I want to practise chords and rhythm alongside the vocals, I check whether the accompaniment features suit my rehearsal goals. Around 12% of consumers prioritise accompaniment features. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming a MIDI controller is a self-contained keyboard that makes its own sound
Novation explains that MIDI control data does not contain sound itself. A controller such as the Launchkey 61 is therefore suitable for this kind of practice only if the required computer, sound-generating software and audio output are available.
Choose this option only if the complete computer and audio setup works in your rehearsal space. If you want an instrument that makes sound without a computer, compare self-contained keyboards instead.
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Confusing touch sensitivity with weighted piano keys
Yamaha describes the PSR-E383 as a keyboard with 61 touch-sensitive keys, while Korg lists the B2+ as having 88 keys with weighted hammer action. These features are not the same.
If you’re practising a complete piano part, compare the note range and feel rather than relying on the term ‘touch-sensitive’ alone.
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Assuming the GO:KEYS 3 has features that belong to the GO:KEYS 5
In the joint manual for the Roland GO:KEYS 3 and GO:KEYS 5, the microphone input and built-in microphone effects are specific to the GO:KEYS 5.
Check the full model name before expecting to connect a microphone directly to the instrument.
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Assuming accessories are included as standard
Casio lists the headphones and pedal for the CT-S300 as accessories sold separately. Korg, by contrast, lists a damper pedal as included with the B2+.
Check what’s included with the exact version you’re buying, and make sure it comes with a power supply, music rest, pedal and headphones if you need them.
Brands and models to consider
Casio
The CT-S300 is a portable keyboard for anyone who wants to play through a melody or chords on its own, with touch response.
- Casio lists the CT-S300 as measuring 930 × 256 × 73 mm and weighing 3,3 kg. Its manual also describes transposition.
- Casio lists headphones and a pedal as accessories sold separately. Check what’s included with the version on offer.
Yamaha
The PSR-E383 is an option for practising melodies and chords independently, with 61 touch-sensitive keys, lesson features and accompaniment functions.
- Yamaha lists 260 accompaniment styles and power from six AA batteries for this model.
- Don’t assume it has a full piano keyboard or accompaniment that automatically matches your musical score. Compare your part with the keyboard and its features.
Korg
The B2+ is a digital piano option for anyone who wants to practise a complete piano part on 88 weighted keys.
- Korg lists a headphone/line output, adapter, music rest and damper pedal.
- It measures 1.312 mm wide and weighs 11,4 kg. Bear the space needed and the effort of moving it in mind.
Roland
The GO:KEYS 3 is a self-contained 61-key model for anyone looking to compare sounds, chord sequences and automatic accompaniment.
- Roland lists more than 1,000 sounds and a chord sequencer for the GO:KEYS 3.
- The microphone input and built-in microphone effects in the joint GO:KEYS 3/5 manual are for the GO:KEYS 5, not the GO:KEYS 3.
Novation
The Launchkey 61 is a MIDI controller option for a studio that already uses computer-generated sounds.
- Novation describes USB power and included computer software.
- MIDI does not contain sound itself. You’ll need a computer, sound-generating software set up and audio output; this is not a self-contained keyboard that makes its own sound.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy picks are 61-key models for practising melodies and shorter parts on your own. Compare the range with your score and check which connections and accessories come with the version you’re buying.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys
The product information lists transposition and a headphone socket, features worth considering if you want to practise the vocal melody on its own.
Listed features: 61 keys, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, USB-MIDI, speakers and music rest.
Compare the range with the lowest and highest notes in your own piano part.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, with recording function
This model may suit melody and rhythm practice; the product name mentions a metronome and recording function.
Listed features: 61 keys, speakers, music stand and MIDI controller function.
Compare the range with the lowest and highest notes in your own piano part.
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Keyboard set, 61 keys, with stand and stool
The listed three-step learning mode may be useful if you want to practise a song step by step; check whether this approach suits your rehearsal.
Listed features: 61 keys, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, LCD display, USB-MIDI, stand, stool and music rest.
Compare the range with the lowest and highest notes in your own piano part.
Frequently asked questions
Should you choose 61 or 88 keys for a musical theatre song?
Compare the lowest and highest notes in your accompaniment with the keyboard. A 61-key model may suit a melody or a part with a more limited range. For a complete piano part and weighted hammer action, you could compare a digital piano with 88 keys. There isn’t one minimum size that suits every song.
Can you change the vocal pitch without writing out a new score?
The Casio CT-S300 manual describes transposition in semitone steps, allowing you to change the sounding pitch. Check the feature on other models individually, and agree the chosen key with your rehearsal accompanist.
What do you need to use a MIDI controller in the studio?
A MIDI controller doesn’t produce audible sound from its MIDI data alone. For the Launchkey 61, Novation describes using it with a computer, sound-generating computer software and configured audio output.
What are your rights when buying online in the Netherlands?
For a standard online consumer purchase, ACM ConsuWijzer says you generally have a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, subject to exceptions. You’re also covered by the statutory guarantee if, under normal use, the product doesn’t do what you could reasonably expect; the seller is responsible for this.
Is a CE marking enough to prove that your keyboard is safe?
No. A CE marking on its own doesn’t verify the origin, declaration of conformity or safety of a specific item on offer. Electrical and electronic devices placed on the Dutch market are subject to applicable European product rules. Where CE marking is required, the manufacturer applies it after a conformity assessment and draws up an EU declaration of conformity.