Pianists practising left-hand technique
You want to play bass notes and recurring patterns with control over touch and dynamics. So make sure you try the keyboard for yourself.
Who is this for?
Players who don't want to disturb others
You practise in a spare bedroom and want to know how to connect headphones and what sound, if any, might still be audible.
Players with limited space
You need room for the instrument, stand and pedal, and want to know whether you'll need separate audio equipment.
What should you look for when buying?
Stage piano with speakers
A good fit if: you want to listen without headphones as well as practise with them. Roland specifies a weighted PHA-4 keyboard and built-in stereo speakers for the RD-08.
Keep in mind: try the keyboard action for yourself, and remember that noise from the keys or pedal is different from the sound coming from the speakers.
Slim piano without speakers
A good fit if: you mainly practise with headphones or already have external audio equipment. Korg specifies an RH3 keyboard for the D1 and describes the model as speaker-free.
Keep in mind: you'll need other audio equipment to listen without headphones; the stand is sold separately.
Stage keyboard with additional sounds
A good fit if: you want to switch regularly between piano patterns and organ or synth sounds. Yamaha specifies a GHS keyboard and built-in speakers for the CK88.
Keep in mind: extra sounds aren't essential for left-hand patterns; according to Yamaha, the CK61 and CK76 have different keyboards from the CK88.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Control over left-hand touch | Play the same phrase softly, loudly and with repeated notes on the keyboards you're considering. | If I want to practise bass notes and patterns using different levels of touch, I want to feel how the keyboard responds for myself. Around 36% of consumers make control over touch their top priority. |
| Practising with headphones | Check the type of connection and consider whether you also want to listen without headphones. | When other people are at home, I mainly want to be able to practise with headphones; noise from the keys or pedal may still be audible. Around 29% of consumers make disturbing others as little as possible their top priority. |
| Space and the complete set-up | Measure the space for the instrument, stand, pedal and any separate audio equipment. | If the piano needs to fit in a spare bedroom, I want to know in advance how much room the complete set-up will take up. Around 21% of consumers make available space their top buying priority. |
| Additional sounds and connections | Decide whether you'll actually use other sounds or MIDI, and check the connections on the exact model. | If you want to play left-hand patterns using other sounds too, you may want to take those features into account. Around 14% of consumers make variety of sounds their top priority. |
Common buying mistakes
-
Assuming a headphone socket means completely silent practice
The socket determines how you hear the electronic sound, but it doesn't rule out noise from the keys or pedal being audible.
Try the instrument where you plan to use it and, if necessary, agree on suitable practice times.
-
Forgetting the audio set-up for a speaker-free stage piano
The Korg D1 doesn't have built-in speakers. You'll need external audio equipment to listen without headphones.
Decide in advance how you want to listen at home and check which items are included with the version on offer.
Korg lists a damper pedal as included with the D1, but the stand is sold separately.
-
Assuming all CK models have the same keyboard
Yamaha specifies an 88-key GHS keyboard for the CK88; the CK61 and CK76 have different keyboards.
Compare the full model number and try the version you intend to buy.
-
Measuring only the instrument
A piano's dimensions don't show how much space you'll need for the complete playing set-up. The stand for the Korg D1 is sold separately.
Also measure the space for the stand, pedal, music rest and a comfortable playing position.
Brands to consider
Roland
The RD-08 is a stage piano for players looking for a weighted keyboard, built-in speakers and additional stage sounds.
- Roland specifies 88 weighted PHA-4 keys and stereo speakers for the RD-08.
- The keyboard specifications can't tell you whether the action suits your playing style; try the instrument for yourself.
Korg
The D1 is a slim stage piano with an RH3 keyboard, designed for players who mainly listen through headphones or existing external audio equipment.
- Korg specifies 88 RH3 keys, a headphone socket and an included damper pedal.
- The D1 has no built-in speakers; the stand is sold separately.
Yamaha
The CK88 combines piano practice with organ, synth and other stage sounds.
- Yamaha specifies an 88-key GHS keyboard, built-in speakers and a headphone socket for the CK88.
- The CK88 keyboard specifications don't automatically apply to the CK61 and CK76.
Joybuy product selection
A Joybuy keyboard option for practising at home; check whether a 61-key version will suit the left-hand patterns you play.
No image available
Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black
The built-in metronome can be useful if you want to practise left-hand patterns to a steady beat.
The product name lists 61 keys, speakers, a metronome and a music stand.
Also listed: MIDI controller function and recording function. Check that the number of keys suits the patterns you want to play.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need speakers to practise with the Korg D1?
No, not if you listen through the headphone socket. Korg describes the D1 as speaker-free; you'll need external audio equipment to hear sound without headphones.
Which items should you check for your practice space?
Check whether a stand, pedal, power adaptor and suitable headphones are included with the version on offer. Korg lists an included adaptor, music rest and damper pedal for the D1; the stand is sold separately.
How long do you have to change your mind when buying online from a business?
According to the Dutch government, when you buy remotely from a business, you usually have a 14-day cooling-off period. Check the applicable terms and exceptions; a purchase from a private individual doesn't fall under the same definition of a distance sale.
Is the statutory guarantee in the Netherlands always exactly two years?
No. The Dutch government states that there is no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands: you're entitled to a product that works properly, with factors such as its reasonable expected lifespan taken into account. If there's a fault, contact the seller.