Blues player who needs to practise quietly
Practises regularly in a shared or noisy space and wants to be able to repeat a blues progression through headphones.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Pianist practising with both hands
Wants to play bass lines and chords at the same time, and compare the feel of different weighted keyboards first-hand.
Explorer of blues sounds
Wants to try electric piano and organ sounds as well as piano, and switch easily between them while practising.
What should you look for when choosing?
For practising a blues progression in a small space, the main things to consider are how you’ll listen, the keyboard, the complete setup and the sounds you want.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet practice | Check whether the exact model has a headphone socket. Also decide whether you need built-in speakers. | If I practise the same parts repeatedly in a shared space, I want to be able to use headphones. Around 36% of consumers say quiet practice is their main reason for buying. |
| Playing with both hands | Play the same bass line and chord changes on the exact keyboard. Check the number of keys and any touch-response settings. | A keyboard that feels comfortable is useful if you want to practise bass lines and chords at the same time. Around 29% of consumers prioritise how the keyboard feels to play. |
| Space for your setup | Measure the available width and depth, including the music rest, stand and space to sit. Check the dimensions in the playing setup. | In a small practice space, I want to know whether both the instrument and the equipment I need for listening will fit. Around 21% of consumers prioritise the complete setup. |
| Choice of blues sounds | Check whether it has the electric piano and organ sounds you want, and how to switch between them. | If I want to explore other blues sounds as well as piano parts, what matters most is being able to access the sounds I’ll use. Around 14% of consumers prioritise sound choice. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming a slim stage piano is a complete sound setup
According to Korg, the D1 has no built-in speakers. You’ll therefore also need external audio equipment if you want to play without headphones.
Decide in advance whether you’ll practise quietly or also want to play without headphones, then choose the right listening setup.
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Measuring only the depth of the instrument
The space you need may change when you use a music rest. You’ll also need to allow room for a stand and enough space to sit comfortably.
Measure the space with the accessories you actually plan to use. Korg lists the D1 as 263 mm deep without a music rest and 375 mm with one.
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Confusing the manufacturer’s warranty with your statutory rights
A commercial warranty does not automatically end your statutory rights. According to the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets, there is no fixed time limit for the statutory guarantee in the Netherlands.
Keep your purchase and product information, and contact the seller if you think there may be a fault.
Relevant brands to compare
Korg
The Korg D1 is worth considering if you’re looking for a slim model with a weighted 88-key keyboard.
- Korg lists the D1 as having an RH3 keyboard, plus headphone and line outputs.
- The D1 has no built-in speakers. Factor in the headphones or external audio equipment you’ll need, as well as space for a stand.
Roland
The Roland RD-08 is a stage piano to compare if you want built-in speakers.
- Roland lists the RD-08 as having a weighted PHA-4 keyboard and built-in stereo speakers.
- The keyboard name is not an independent assessment of how it feels to play, so try the exact model and compare its touch response for yourself.
Yamaha
The Yamaha CK88 is a stage keyboard for anyone who wants to explore other keyboard sounds as well as playing piano.
- Yamaha lists the CK88 as having built-in speakers and piano, electric piano and organ sounds.
- Yamaha lists 88 weighted GHS keys and dimensions of 1333 × 354 × 148 mm. Check whether it will fit in your space with the setup you have in mind.
Joybuy products
The Joybuy products below are 61-key models with built-in speakers and a headphone socket. Check that the range is suitable for the bass lines and chords you want to practise at the same time.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
The headphone socket and built-in speakers give you listening options for quiet practice and for playing without a separate amplifier.
The keyboard has 61 keys; check whether that range is enough for the parts you want to practise.
The product name lists 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, USB-MIDI and a music rest.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black
The built-in speakers and headphone socket let you practise with or without headphones.
The keyboard has 61 keys; compare that range with the parts you want to play with both hands.
The product name lists a MIDI controller, recording function, metronome and music rest.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play any stage piano without headphones or a separate amplifier?
No. Korg says the D1 has no built-in speakers, while Roland lists them for the RD-08 and Yamaha for the CK88. If you want to play without headphones or a separate amplifier, check whether the exact model has built-in sound.
How do I measure whether a stage piano will fit in my practice space?
Measure the space with the music rest and stand in their playing positions, and allow room to sit and for any external audio equipment. Korg lists the D1 as 263 mm deep without a music rest and 375 mm with one.
Are 61 keys enough to practise blues with both hands?
It depends on the parts you’re playing and the range you need. The Joybuy models featured here have 61 keys; the Korg D1, Roland RD-08 and Yamaha CK88 discussed above have 88 keys according to their product specifications. Compare the range with the bass line and chords you want to play.
Do I always get exactly two years of statutory guarantee when buying online in the Netherlands?
No. According to the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets, there is no fixed time limit for the statutory guarantee in the Netherlands: a product must meet what you can reasonably expect under normal use. The seller is responsible for providing an appropriate solution if the product does not meet those expectations.
Can I return a stage piano bought online within 14 days?
For many distance purchases made by consumers from a business, you have a 14-day cooling-off period, according to the Dutch government. Check the seller’s information and terms; the cooling-off period is separate from your statutory rights if a product is faulty.