Player with limited storage space
Wants to clear the floor after practising, so compares the dimensions and weight of the whole instrument, not just the number of keys.
Who is this guide for?
Player learning a musical theatre song independently
Wants to practise the melody and chords, and may benefit from touch sensitivity, lesson features or accompaniment if they suit their part.
Piano-focused player
May be looking for a wider key range or weighted piano keys, and will need to allow for the extra width.
What should you look for?
Portable 61-key keyboard
A good fit if: your part falls within its range and you want to put the instrument away after practising. Casio lists the CT-S300 dimensions as 930 × 256 × 73 mm.
Keep in mind: 61 keys offer a narrower range than 88, and built-in practice songs won't necessarily include your musical theatre song.
Slim 88-key digital piano
A good fit if: your part needs a wider range and you have around 1.3 metres of width available. Korg lists the Liano as having 88 touch-sensitive keys and dimensions of 1.282 × 290 × 73 mm.
Keep in mind: the Liano's LS keyboard is not the same as weighted hammer-action keys.
Digital piano with weighted keys
A good fit if: weighted keys are important for your piano technique and you have enough space. Yamaha lists the P-145 as having 88 GHC keys and a width of 1.326 mm.
Keep in mind: also allow space for the stand, a seat and the pedal.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Setting up and storage | Measure both your playing and storage spaces; compare the width, depth and weight of the exact model. | I want to clear the floor after practising and have limited space for an instrument. Around 36% of consumers put setting up and storage first. |
| Learning independently | Check whether touch sensitivity and the available lesson, metronome or accompaniment features suit the way you practise. | I want to practise the melody and chords on my own, and the features that help me with my part matter most. Around 29% of consumers prioritise learning independently. |
| Key range and playing feel | Compare the lowest and highest notes in your part with the keyboard's range, and decide whether you need touch-sensitive or weighted keys. | I don't want to find notes outside the keyboard's range, or I'm looking for a piano-like feel. Around 21% of consumers choose primarily based on range or touch response. |
| Practising in a shared space | Check the headphone socket on the exact version and find out which plug or adapter you need. | I want to practise without using the speakers and need to check that my headphones will connect. Around 14% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
Common pitfalls
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Comparing only the number of keys
A shorter keyboard may suit the space you have, but the notes in your sheet music still need to fall within its range. Touch-sensitive keys are not automatically weighted hammer-action keys, either.
First check the lowest and highest notes in your part, then compare the key action on the exact model.
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Assuming your musical theatre song is in the song library
The Yamaha PSR-E383 has built-in songs, but that doesn't mean it includes the one you want to learn.
Use your own sheet music as your starting point and treat built-in songs as extra practice material.
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Assuming a slim design means a complete set-up
Even a slim 88-key model takes up width. You'll also need space for a stand and a seat, so check which accessories are included with each version.
Measure your playing and storage spaces, and check what's in the box for the model on offer before deciding which accessories you need.
If a suitable stand or another essential accessory isn't included, you'll need to allow for extra space and cost.
Relevant brands to consider
Casio
The CT-S300 reviewed is a portable keyboard whose listed dimensions are worth considering if storage space is limited.
- Casio lists the CT-S300 dimensions as 930 × 256 × 73 mm, its weight as 3,3 kg and touch response as a feature.
- Check that your arrangement falls within its range; these specifications don't automatically apply to other Casio models.
Yamaha
The PSR-E383 and P-145 offer different types of keyboard instrument, so consider each model on its own merits.
- Yamaha lists lesson features and accompaniment styles for the PSR-E383, and 88 GHC keys for the P-145.
- Yamaha lists the P-145 as 1.326 mm wide. Check that it will fit in your playing and storage spaces.
Korg
Korg describes the Liano as combining 88 keys with a slim design.
- Korg lists its dimensions as 1.282 × 290 × 73 mm and its weight as 6,0 kg. The model has a headphone socket and is listed as including a pedal switch.
- The LS keyboard is touch-sensitive, but is not described as having weighted hammer-action keys.
Roland
The GO:KEYS 3 is a 61-key option for anyone who wants to explore sounds and automatic accompaniment.
- Roland describes this model as having over 1,000 sounds and automatic backing.
- These features don't confirm that your musical theatre arrangement is included; check the dimensions of the version, too.
Joybuy product selection
This selection focuses on a portable 61-key instrument for practising a musical theatre song; check that its range suits your part.
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MLS-931 digital piano with 61 weighted keys, black
An option if you're looking for a 61-key instrument to practise a musical theatre part on; check that its range covers the lowest and highest notes.
The product description lists touch-sensitive, weighted keys, a metronome, automatic bass chords and demo songs.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 61-key keyboard enough for your musical theatre song?
That depends on the notes in your part. Compare the lowest and highest notes in the arrangement with the range of the keyboard you're considering; don't assume every arrangement will fit on 61 keys.
What should you check when setting up and connecting your keyboard?
Measure the space for playing, seating and storage, and check which power supply, music rest, headphone connection and pedal are compatible with the exact version. Korg lists an adapter, music rest and pedal switch as included with the Liano; don't assume the same applies to other models.
Are you always entitled to exactly two years' legal guarantee in the Netherlands?
No. According to the Dutch government, there is no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands: you're entitled to a product that works as it should, and the retailer is your point of contact if there's a problem. An additional manufacturer's guarantee does not replace this statutory right.
Can you return a keyboard bought online?
According to the Dutch government, when you buy from a business at a distance, you often have a 14-day cooling-off period. An online purchase from a private individual isn't covered by the same distance-selling rules; check the applicable terms and exceptions.
What product rules apply to an electric keyboard sold in the Netherlands?
CE marking is required for products covered by specific harmonised EU rules that require it. For equipment covered by the EMC Directive, EUR-Lex sets out the conformity assessment, EU declaration of conformity and CE marking requirements. According to the European Commission, CE marking does not mean that the EU has approved the product as safe; check the documentation for the model on offer and its power supply.