Accompanist with limited storage space
You put the instrument away after rehearsals. So compare its width and depth, and make sure you also have enough room to play.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Player of written piano parts
Check the lowest and highest notes in your parts. A compact keyboard is only suitable if those notes fit within its range.
Accompanist for a singer
You want the singer to be able to hear the accompaniment. So check the listening setup and whether the exact model offers transposition.
What should you look for in a keyboard for rehearsals?
Start by checking the highest and lowest notes in the parts you actually practise, and how much space you can make available. Then consider how the singer will hear the accompaniment and which connections you’ll need.
| Concern | What to look for when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space to set up and store the instrument | Measure the available width and depth and compare them with the exact model. Leave room for a chair and music stand, too. | If I have to put the instrument away after every rehearsal, I want to know how much space the whole setup will take up. Around 36% of consumers give setting up and storage the highest priority. |
| Range of the parts | Compare the lowest and highest notes in representative parts with the model’s range. Assess touch sensitivity separately. | I want to be able to play the written parts without any notes falling outside the keyboard’s range. For around 29% of consumers, the range of their own parts is their main concern. |
| Making sure the singer can hear the accompaniment | Check the built-in speakers or the external audio setup you’ll need, and see whether transposition is available. | When rehearsing with a singer, I want them to be able to follow the accompaniment and sing in a suitable key. Around 21% of consumers prioritise practical vocal accompaniment. |
| Private practice and connections | Check the headphone socket and plug size. Also check which accessories are included with the specific version. | If I practise in a shared space, I want to be able to listen through suitable headphones. Around 14% of consumers give private practice the highest priority. |
Common buying mistakes
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Measuring only the length of the instrument
A keyboard’s dimensions don’t automatically tell you how much room you’ll need to play or set out your sheet music.
Mark out the full setup on the floor, including a chair and music stand, before choosing a model.
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Assuming a headphone socket is all you need to rehearse with a singer
Headphones let the keyboard player listen, but they don’t automatically let the singer hear the accompaniment.
Decide in advance who needs to hear the sound, then check the connections on the exact model and the audio setup you want to use.
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Confusing touch sensitivity with hammer action
Touch sensitivity and the type of key action are different features; one doesn’t prove that the other is present.
If key feel is an important factor in your choice, check exactly what type of keyboard action the model has.
Relevant brands and models
Yamaha
The NP-15 is a piano-focused point of comparison, while the PSR-E383 also offers automatic accompaniment styles.
- Yamaha lists the NP-15 as having 61 touch-sensitive keys, transposition from −6 to +6 semitones and a PHONES/OUTPUT socket.
- Yamaha lists the PSR-E383 as having 260 automatic accompaniment styles and 61 touch-sensitive keys.
- An automatic style won’t necessarily replace the specific accompaniment in a musical theatre score; consider whether it suits your rehearsal.
Casio
The CT-S1BK is worth considering if you want to compare a range of sounds.
- Casio describes the CT-S1BK as offering a choice of 61 sounds, including acoustic pianos, electric pianos and organs.
- This description of the sounds comes from Casio; it isn’t an independent listening assessment. Try the sound for yourself and see how it suits your rehearsals.
Korg
The Liano offers a touch-sensitive 88-key keyboard when your parts need a wider range.
- Korg lists the Liano as having 88 touch-sensitive LS keys, a headphone and line output, and dimensions of 1282 × 290 × 73 mm.
- Check that the instrument’s width will fit your playing space. The specifications listed by Korg don’t in themselves indicate weighted hammer action.
Joybuy products for this rehearsal setup
These Joybuy products have 61 keys and suit rehearsals where the parts fit within the range of a keyboard with this number of keys. Compare the highest and lowest notes first, and check the applicable safety information and CE marking for the specific product and any adapter.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, weighted keyboard
Worth considering if the notes in your parts fit within the range of 61 keys.
The product name lists a weighted keyboard, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, USB-MIDI, speakers and a headphone socket.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys
An option to compare if your parts fit within the range of 61 keys.
The product name lists MIDI, a recording function, speakers, a metronome and a music stand.
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Keyboard piano set, 61 keys, with stand and stool
Worth comparing if your parts fit within the range of 61 keys and you’re looking for a set with accessories.
The product name lists 300 tones, 300 rhythms, a three-level learning function, LCD, USB-MIDI, a stand, stool and music stand.
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Digital keyboard set, 61 keys, 500 sounds
An option to compare if your parts fit within 61 keys and you want to include built-in speakers in your choice.
The product name lists two speakers, a three-level learning function, an LCD screen, a stand and a stool.
Frequently asked questions
Are 61 keys enough for your musical theatre parts?
It depends on the notes in your parts. Before buying, compare the lowest and highest notes with the model’s range: the Yamaha NP-15 has 61 keys, while the Korg Liano has 88 keys, from A0 to C8.
Can you rehearse with a singer using headphones alone?
Headphones let the keyboard player listen, but they won’t automatically let the singer hear the accompaniment. For playing together, check the speakers or a suitable external audio setup, along with the connections on your chosen model.
What should you check when setting up and putting the keyboard away?
Compare the dimensions with your playing space and leave room for a chair and music stand, too. Check which adapter and accessories come with the specific version; Yamaha notes that an adapter may not be included with the NP-15, depending on the region.
Who can help if there’s a fault, and what about the cooling-off period?
According to the Dutch government, if a product is faulty, the seller must provide a solution; there is no single statutory guarantee period that applies to all products. For a standard online purchase, you’ll usually have a statutory cooling-off period. ACM ConsuWijzer states that it ends 14 days after delivery, with some exceptions.
What safety information should you check for an electric keyboard?
The NVWA explains that CE marking is required when the applicable European rules specify it for the product. Check the information for the specific instrument and any adapter; the rules depend on the product version.