Blues piano learner
Practises chords and bass lines alongside right-hand parts, and is looking for a key feel suited to piano technique.
Who is this for?
Keyboard player at band rehearsals
Wants to switch between piano, electric piano and possibly organ sounds, and needs a suitable sound set-up to hear themselves.
Keyboard player who travels to rehearsals
Weighs up size and weight against key range, and checks which connections are available at different venues.
What should you look for?
First compare the key feel and range for the parts you play, then consider the listening set-up in the rehearsal room. Next, check that the sounds and controls suit the blues parts you want to play.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Key feel and range | Check the number of keys and the exact key action. Make sure the range suits the bass line and voicings you want to practise. | If I want to practise chords and bass lines together, I look for a suitable key feel and enough range. Around 31% of consumers prioritise this combination. |
| Audibility | Ask what monitoring is available and compare it with the instrument’s speakers and outputs. | Built-in speakers can be handy when I’m playing on my own; with a band, I want to know how I can connect to the sound system. Around 25% of consumers prioritise audibility. |
| Blues sounds and controls | Try the sounds you want to use and check how to select effects and settings. | If I want to switch between piano, electric piano and organ, what matters most to me is how I access the sounds I want. Around 25% of consumers also prioritise sounds and controls. |
| Transport and set-up | Check the dimensions and weight, and find out which pedals and connections are needed for each version. | When I take the instrument to rehearsals, I want to know in advance whether it will fit and can be set up with everything I need. Around 19% of consumers consider transport and set-up the most important factor. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming built-in speakers will be loud enough for a band
Speakers can be useful for practising on your own, but they don’t tell you how well you’ll hear yourself at every rehearsal.
Before deciding you don’t need any external equipment, check what monitoring and amplification are available in the rehearsal room.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The CK series combines sounds for different keyboard instruments. The CP series is an alternative to compare if stage outputs are important.
- Yamaha lists the CK88 as having 88 GHS keys and built-in speakers.
- According to Yamaha, the CP73 has 73 BHS keys and 6,3 mm and XLR outputs.
- The CP73 and CP88 have different specifications; features of the CP88 do not automatically apply to the CP73.
Roland
The RD-88 EX is worth comparing if you want to play piano using built-in speakers and settings for a range of sounds.
- Roland lists 88 PHA-4 keys, stereo speakers and three zones.
- These specifications alone do not determine how the keys feel or how well the instrument will be heard in a band.
Korg
The SV-2 family is worth comparing for electric piano sounds and effects controls; versions are available with 73 and 88 keys.
- Korg lists an RH3 keyboard and a range of electric piano sounds.
- According to Korg, only the SV-2S version has a built-in amplifier and speaker system; check the full model name.
Nord
The Piano 6 73 is a piano-focused option to compare if you want to work with layers and stage connections, with a dedicated electric piano focus too.
- Nord lists a weighted 73-key keyboard, piano and synth layers, 6,35 mm audio outputs and a Triple Pedal 2 included in the box.
- Decide in advance how you’ll listen to the instrument in the rehearsal room.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy options are digital pianos and 61-key keyboards, suited to practice where built-in speakers can come in handy. Check that the key range is sufficient for the parts you want to play.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
The built-in stereo speakers may suit practising on your own without a separate sound system.
61 keys; weighted keyboard.
The range is narrower than on versions with 73 or 88 keys.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black
The listed built-in stereo speakers can be handy when you want to practise without a separate sound system.
61 keys; the range is narrower than on versions with 73 or 88 keys.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an amplifier for a blues rehearsal?
Not necessarily if you’re playing on your own with a version that has built-in speakers. If you’re playing with a band, check whether you’ll be able to hear yourself in the room and what connections the sound system has. Built-in speakers alone don’t tell you that.
How do I connect a stage piano to the sound system?
Compare the outputs on the exact model with the inputs in the rehearsal room, and make sure you have suitable cables and monitoring. Yamaha specifies both 6,3 mm and XLR outputs for the CP73; for other models, check the connections on the specific version.
Does it come with a pedal?
It varies by model. Yamaha lists an FC3A pedal with the CP73, while Nord lists a Triple Pedal 2 with the Piano 6 73. Check what’s included with the exact version before you buy.
What are the rules on guarantees and the cooling-off period in the Netherlands?
Consumer purchases are covered by the statutory guarantee. The Netherlands does not have a fixed statutory guarantee period, and the retailer is your point of contact if a product is faulty. In many cases, consumers buying online from a business have a 14-day cooling-off period. The Dutch government explains these rules; the applicable terms depend on the purchase.