Beginner learning to accompany a waltz
You want to learn a melody at home while practising your sense of rhythm or chord accompaniment, without having to connect a computer first.
Who is this for?
Player with limited space
You want to be able to put the instrument away after practising in the spare room, so you’re considering its dimensions, weight and the accessories you’ll need.
Beginner piano student
You’re learning a waltz as a piano piece and a weighted keyboard and wider range are more important to you than built-in accompaniment styles.
What should you look for when buying?
Keyboard with accompaniment
A good fit if: you want to practise melodies, rhythm or chord accompaniment without a computer.
Bear in mind: touch-sensitive keys are not the same as a weighted piano keyboard, and built-in styles don’t guarantee that they include the waltz you want.
Digital piano
A good fit if: piano lessons, 88 keys or a weighted playing feel are your priorities.
Bear in mind: a larger keyboard needs more space and isn’t necessarily the most convenient choice if you mainly want automatic keyboard accompaniment.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Waltz rhythm and learning independently | Check whether the model has a metronome and suitable learning functions. If you want automatic accompaniment, check the specific list of rhythms. | If I want to practise rhythm and chords without a computer, I look for features that suit my practice plan. Around 33% of consumers put waltz rhythm and learning independently first. |
| Space and storage | Measure the space for the instrument, music stand and seat, then compare the dimensions and weight of the model you’re considering. | In a spare room, I want enough space for the whole set-up and to be able to put the instrument away afterwards. For around 27% of consumers, space and storage are the main buying priority. |
| Practising without speakers | Check whether there’s a headphone socket and whether headphones are included. Headphones won’t necessarily block out every sound made while playing. | If other people are nearby, I want to practise without using the built-in speakers. Around 20% of consumers prioritise practising without speaker sound disturbing other people at home. |
| Key feel and playing range | Compare the type of keys and the number of keys with the requirements of your piano lessons and the sheet music you want to play. | For piano lessons, I want a keyboard with the feel and range I need, even if it takes up more space. Around 20% of consumers prioritise a piano keyboard and playing range. |
Common buying mistakes
-
Confusing touch-sensitive keys with weighted keys
Touch-sensitive organ-style keys, as specified by Yamaha for the PSR-E383, are different from the weighted GHC keyboard on the Yamaha P-145.
Before giving extra sounds or accompaniment styles more weight in your decision, check which type of keys your piano lessons require.
Suitable headphones, an adapter or a pedal may need to be bought separately. Check which items you’ll need to get started.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The PSR-E383 is a keyboard for independent practice, with learning functions and accompaniment styles. The P-145 is a separate, piano-focused option with 88 weighted keys.
- Yamaha specifies that the PSR-E383 has 61 touch-sensitive organ-style keys, a metronome and a headphone output.
- These specifications don’t tell you what you’ll learn. The PSR-E383 doesn’t have a weighted piano keyboard; also check whether the waltz accompaniment you want is available.
- Yamaha specifies that the P-145 has an 88-key GHC keyboard.
- Yamaha lists the P-145 as 1.326 mm wide. Measure the space available for your full set-up.
Casio
The CT-S300 is worth comparing if you’re looking for a compact keyboard that you can put away after practising.
- Casio lists the CT-S300 as measuring 930 × 256 × 73 mm and weighing 3,3 kg. The manual also describes a metronome and connections for headphones and a pedal.
- The manual states that headphones and a pedal are available separately. Check what’s included in the bundle and whether the rhythms suit your practice plan.
Korg
The EK-50 is worth considering if you want to compare automatic accompaniment and chord-controlled styles.
- Korg specifies 61 touch-sensitive keys, more than 280 preset styles and a headphone socket.
- Korg lists the instrument as 994 mm wide and 392 mm deep, so measure your available space. The number of styles doesn’t confirm that a specific waltz is available.
Joybuy products
This product selection focuses on practising independently with a keyboard and built-in rhythm functions.
No image available
Electronic keyboard with 61 keys, black
The built-in metronome and three-step lesson function are ideal for practising independently.
The product information lists 61 keys, 300 rhythms, a music stand, a headphone socket and USB-MIDI.
Frequently asked questions
Does a keyboard need a built-in waltz rhythm to learn a waltz?
No, you can also practise rhythm and tempo separately with a metronome. If you want automatic accompaniment, check the specific rhythm list for the model and whether the pattern suits your waltz. The total number of styles won’t tell you this.
What else do you need to get started in the spare room?
For the exact model, check whether the power supply and music stand are included, and whether you’ll need headphones or a pedal. The Casio CT-S300 manual states that headphones and a pedal are available separately. Yamaha notes that the included AC adapter may vary by region.
Can you practise with headphones without worrying about your neighbours?
Headphones won’t necessarily block out every sound you make while playing. The Government of the Netherlands advises talking to your neighbours first about noise and agreeing on arrangements, such as times for playing music. This advice doesn’t set a general national time limit for keyboard practice.
What are your rights when buying a keyboard online in the Netherlands?
For applicable distance purchases from a business, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period. The Government of the Netherlands lists exceptions, including online purchases from a private individual. In the Netherlands, products must also meet the legal guarantee of satisfactory quality, which has no fixed statutory time limit. If a product is faulty, the seller is your point of contact.