If you usually practise on your own, focus on built-in speakers and useful rhythm accompaniment. If you play with a band, check that the piano connects to the amplification available and that you can access the piano and electric piano sounds you want straight away. Compare the feel of the keys for yourself, and consider the difference between a compact keyboard and having more room for both hands. Also check which pedals and connections you need, and whether the version on offer meets the relevant safety requirements.
You practise chord changes without a regular drummer and want to be able to add rhythm or accompaniment. Kawai lists a Rhythm Section for the ES920, while Casio lists rhythm and auto-accompaniment features for the PX-S3100BK.
You switch between piano and electric piano parts and need to hear the instrument through the rehearsal room's sound system or your own speakers. Yamaha specifies line outputs for the CP73 and CP88, while Roland lists built-in speakers for the RD-88.
You also want to work on dynamics and touch beyond blues, so you compare how different keyboards feel to play. Yamaha, Roland and Kawai describe hammer action for the models mentioned, but try the keys for yourself to see what suits your playing.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Being able to hear yourself | Check whether you need speakers or will be playing through the PA or monitors available. Roland lists built-in speakers for the RD-88, and Yamaha lists line outputs for the CP73 and CP88. | If I practise on my own or don't know what amplification the room has, I want to know in advance how I'll hear myself. Around 33% of consumers say being able to hear themselves is their main concern. |
| Rhythm accompaniment | See how rhythm and accompaniment are set up. Kawai lists 100 accompaniment styles for the ES920, while Casio lists rhythm and auto-accompaniment for the PX-S3100BK. | If I want to practise chord changes without a drummer, I look for accompaniment that suits the way I practise. Around 25% of consumers give practising rhythm on their own top priority. |
| Touch and sound | Play the same passage on the keyboards you're comparing and notice how they respond to different playing strengths. Also check that the electric piano sound suits your part. | If I want to practise expressive blues phrases, I want to know whether the keyboard feels comfortable and the sound suits my part. Around 25% of consumers put playing feel and suitable piano sounds first. |
| Transport and space | Check the number of keys, the weight and the space available. Yamaha lists 73 keys and 13,1 kg for the CP73, compared with 88 keys and 18,6 kg for the CP88. | If I take my instrument with me regularly or have limited space to set it up, I want to be able to transport it without sacrificing more playing space than necessary. Around 17% of consumers make transport and keyboard range their main priority. |
Features vary by model. Without suitable speakers, amplification or monitoring, you may not be able to hear yourself as you need to during rehearsal.
Check the connections on the exact model and what is available in your rehearsal room.
You may also need a suitable amplifier or monitor and audio cables.
An instrument with 61 keys gives you less room to play bass and right-hand parts at the same time than a keyboard with more keys. The number of keys alone does not tell you how the keyboard will feel to play.
Compare the type of keyboard and play the same chord changes on the models you're considering.
For an I-IV-V exercise, touch, being able to hear yourself and a useful rhythm may be more practical considerations than the number of sounds. Extra layers are mainly worth considering if you plan to use them while playing.
Start by trying the chord changes and a right-hand phrase. Only choose additional sound features if they suit your practice goals.
The CP73 and CP88 are options for players who want to use an existing sound system and are looking for piano and electric piano sounds.
The RD-88 is worth comparing if you're looking for a stage piano with hammer action, electric piano sounds and built-in speakers.
The ES920 is an option for piano-focused practice, with built-in rhythm accompaniment that could also come in handy.
The Privia PX-S3100BK is a portable digital piano to compare if you're looking for rhythm and auto-accompaniment features.
The Piano 6 is worth considering if, alongside piano sounds, you want to make deliberate use of splits, layers and direct effect controls.
These Joybuy products are 61-key instruments with built-in speakers for practising on your own. They give you less room for both hands than a larger keyboard.
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Could suit solo practice if you're looking for built-in speakers and rhythms.
The product name lists 61 keys, 300 rhythms, 300 sounds, speakers, a headphone socket, USB-MIDI and a music stand. Its 61-key range gives you less room to play bass and right-hand parts at the same time than larger keyboards.
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Could suit solo practice if you're looking for a compact instrument with speakers and a metronome.
The product name lists 61 keys, speakers, a metronome, a recording function, MIDI controller functionality and a music stand. Its 61-key range gives you less room to play bass and right-hand parts at the same time than larger keyboards.
No, not always: Roland and Kawai list built-in speakers for the RD-88 and ES920 respectively. If you want to play through line outputs, check what amplification or monitoring is available in the rehearsal room.
You can repeat the I-IV-V chords and a twelve-bar form at a tempo that suits your practice. If you want instrumental accompaniment, compare the Rhythm Section on the Kawai ES920 with the rhythm and auto-accompaniment features listed by Casio for the PX-S3100BK.
When you buy as a consumer, the seller must offer a solution if the product is faulty. According to the Dutch government, there is no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands; what you can expect depends on factors including the product and the information provided. Normal wear and tear or damage caused by your own actions is not automatically covered.
CE marking is not an assessment of sound or playing feel. The NVWA explains that the rules applying to electrical equipment depend on factors including the nominal voltage. The voltage ranges specified are 50 to 1.000 V AC and 75 to 1.500 V DC. Check which requirements apply to the piano and power supply version on offer.
You can pass on or sell an instrument that still works. Milieu Centraal says you can hand in a broken electrical appliance free of charge when you buy a new, similar appliance.
