Practising at home with housemates
If you want to repeat a blues progression often without turning up the speakers, a suitable headphone setup can help. Yamaha and Roland list headphone sockets on the CK and RD models mentioned.
Who is this suitable for?
Piano students practising bass lines and chords
If you play with both hands, consider the keyboard range and key action. Yamaha lists 88 weighted keys for the CK88, while Roland specifies 88 weighted keys for the RD-88 EX.
Players looking to explore blues sounds
If you want to switch between piano, electric piano and perhaps organ sounds while practising, compare the sounds available on each model. Yamaha lists piano and organ sounds for the CK series, while Korg describes a range of electric piano sounds for the SV-2.
What should you look for when choosing?
88 weighted keys
Choose this if: you mainly want to practise playing the piano with both hands and have room for a full keyboard.
What to consider: try the key action for yourself and check which accessories are included with the exact version.
Compact stage keyboard
Choose this if: a shorter keyboard and sounds such as organ better suit your practice space and playing needs.
What to consider: check that your bass line and chord voicings will fit on the shorter keyboard, and that the lighter action feels right for you.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Which shoppers is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet listening | Check the headphone socket and how the speakers respond when you plug in headphones. | If I practise at home often, I want to hear the sound through headphones without turning up the speakers; around 36% of shoppers put quiet listening first. |
| Key action and range | Try playing bass notes with your left hand and chords with your right; compare the number of keys and the type of keyboard. | If I’m learning the progression with both hands, I want enough range and an action that suits my piano playing; around 29% of shoppers give this their top priority. |
| Choice of sounds | Listen to the sounds you want to use and check how to switch between them. | If I want to explore piano, electric piano or organ sounds during the same practice session, these options matter a lot; around 21% of shoppers choose sound variety as their main consideration. |
| Setup and accessories | Measure the available space and check the power supply and what’s included with the exact version. | If my practice space is limited, I want to know whether the instrument and everything I need will fit; around 14% of shoppers put setup and essential extras at the top of their list. |
What to watch out for when buying
-
Assuming the SV-2 and SV-2S have the same speaker setup
Korg specifically lists built-in speakers for SV-2S versions. Don’t assume every version offers the same listening setup without checking.
Check the full model name and decide in advance whether you want to listen through headphones, built-in speakers or a separate setup.
If the version you choose doesn’t offer the listening setup you need, you may need extra equipment.
-
Assuming a headphone socket makes practice completely silent
Headphones change how you hear the electronic sound, but they don’t necessarily block the mechanical noise of the keys. The World Health Organization recommends keeping the volume on personal audio devices below 60% of the maximum; this isn’t a product specification for a stage piano.
Where possible, try the instrument in a quiet room and assess both the sound in the room and the volume in your headphones.
-
Assuming every CK offer includes the same accessories
Yamaha states that the supplied power adaptor for CK models may vary by region. So check the specific version and offer.
Read the list of included items and check which power supply and accessories you’ll need for your setup before ordering.
Depending on what’s included, you may still need a suitable power supply, stand, headphones or pedal.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
The CK series includes the 61-key CK61 and the weighted 88-key CK88.
- Yamaha lists a headphone socket and built-in, switchable speakers for both CK models mentioned.
- The CK61 doesn’t have the CK88’s GHS keyboard. Check the power supply and what’s included with each version.
Roland
According to Roland, the RD-88 EX combines a weighted 88-key keyboard with stage sounds and zones.
- Roland specifies a PHA-4 keyboard, built-in speakers and a headphone socket.
- The specifications don’t confirm any comparative assessment of key action or sound quality. Roland notes that a connected plug may explain why no sound is coming from the speakers.
Korg
The SV-2 range is aimed at players who want to explore a variety of acoustic and electric piano sounds.
- Korg lists versions with 73 and 88 weighted keys, as well as a range of electric piano sounds.
- Korg lists built-in speakers for SV-2S versions; check the full model name and listening setup.
Nord
The Electro 7 range is worth considering if you want to combine organ, piano and synth sounds in one stage-focused instrument.
- Nord distinguishes between semi-weighted 61-key and 73-key versions and the 73-key Electro 7 HP with hammer action.
- The versions mentioned aren’t 88-key alternatives. Check the exact version and listening setup for home practice.
Joybuy products
Below are Joybuy products with 61 keys. Check that the keyboard, headphone connection and playing setup suit the way you practise blues on each model.
No image available
MLS-931 digital piano with 61 keys
An option if you’re looking for a 61-key instrument; consider whether its range and stated weighted action suit your two-handed practice.
The product title lists a weighted keyboard, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music rest.
No image available
Electronic keyboard piano with 61 keys
This 61-key version is an option if you’re looking for a shorter keyboard; check that the key layout suits your bass line and chords.
The product title lists a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music rest.
No image available
Digital keyboard set with 61 keys
This set is an option if you’d like a stand and stool included for practising; check that the setup suits your space.
The product title lists 500 sounds, a three-level learning mode, dual speakers, an LCD screen, a stand and a stool.
Frequently asked questions
Can I practise with headphones?
It depends on the connection on the model you choose and the plug on your headphones. Yamaha lists a 6.3 mm stereo headphone socket for the CK61 and CK88; Roland confirms a headphone socket for the RD-88 EX. Start with the volume turned down.
Why isn’t any sound coming from the RD-88 EX speakers?
Roland recommends checking whether the SPEAKER ON button is switched off and whether headphones, earphones or an adaptor plug are still connected to the headphone socket.
Will I also need an amplifier, stand or pedal?
That depends on your listening setup and what’s included with the version you choose. Yamaha and Roland list built-in speakers for the CK and RD-88 EX models mentioned; Korg lists an internal speaker system for the SV-2S. Check separately which power supply and accessories are included with the specific offer.
What guarantee and cooling-off period apply to online purchases in the Netherlands?
According to the Dutch government, there’s no fixed statutory guarantee period for all products in the Netherlands; if a product is faulty, the seller must provide a solution. ACM ConsuWijzer states that online purchases generally come with a 14-day cooling-off period after delivery, subject to statutory exceptions. The cooling-off period for distance purchases and your rights when a product is faulty are two different things.