Sonatina player learning piano technique
You want to play with both hands and practise varying the volume from soft to loud. Yamaha and Roland model information describes different key actions for you to compare when choosing.
Who is this guide for?
Practising with housemates
You want to listen through headphones and agree on arrangements for any sound that can still be heard. Roland lists headphone playback for the FP-10, while the Dutch government advises people to agree on arrangements together when noise affects neighbours.
Player with limited storage space
You need to fit the instrument and playing area into your home, or put everything away after practising. The Yamaha, Casio and Korg models mentioned differ in key range and dimensions; remember to allow space for a chair and music stand, too.
What should you look for when buying?
Compact 61-key keyboard
Choose this if: you can play the sonatina within the available range and want to put the instrument away often. Yamaha describes the PSR-E383 as a touch-sensitive keyboard with 61 keys.
Bear in mind: touch sensitivity is not the same as a weighted piano keyboard.
Portable digital piano with 88 weighted keys
Choose this if: piano-like touch and room to play with both hands are important, and you have space for the wider setup. Yamaha lists an 88-key GHC keyboard for the P-145, while Roland lists an 88-key PHA-4 keyboard for the FP-10.
Bear in mind: measure your available space and check whether the pedal and stand you want are included with that version.
Digital piano with a fixed pedal setup
Choose this if: the instrument can stay in one place and your practice goals call for more extensive pedal control. Korg distinguishes the B2+ from the B2+SP, which comes with a stand and three-pedal unit.
Bear in mind: a fixed setup is harder to put away after every practice session; check what’s included with the Dutch listing.
For practising this sonatina in a shared home, the key range and touch, quiet practice, available space and the pedal control you need are the main things to consider.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Piano touch and key range | Compare the lowest and highest notes in your sheet music with the keyboard’s range. Try the action if you can. | If I want to learn piano technique and play with both hands, I want to choose a range and action that suit my piece. Around 34% of consumers prioritise touch and range. |
| Practising quietly and responsibly | Check the headphone socket on the exact version and discuss practice times with your housemates. If you use headphones, keep an eye on the listening volume, too. | If you want to disturb others at home as little as possible, you’ll need headphone playback as well as arrangements for any sound that remains audible. Around 33% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Placement and storage | Measure the playing and storage areas, including space for a chair and music stand. Check the dimensions of the complete setup. | If I have limited space or want to put the instrument away after use, the overall setup is a major consideration. Around 20% of consumers prioritise placement and storage. |
| Pedal and what’s included | Check which pedal is included, which upgrades are compatible with the exact model and whether you need to buy a stand separately. | If you want to follow pedal markings in your sheet music, you need to know which pedal comes with that version and what else you’ll need. Around 13% of consumers prioritise pedal control and what’s included. |
Common buying mistakes
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Confusing touch sensitivity with a weighted piano keyboard
Yamaha describes the PSR-E383 as touch-sensitive and specifies a weighted GHC keyboard for the P-145. These are different features to consider when practising piano.
Check the action on the exact model and try the keys if you can.
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Assuming headphones make all the sound disappear
Headphones let you hear the electronic sound, but they don’t guarantee that the keys or pedal won’t be heard around the home. Your housemates may also prefer you to practise at different times.
Check the socket, try the setup at home and agree on practice times. The Dutch government advises people to discuss noise with their neighbours first and agree on arrangements.
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Assuming a pedal socket means a complete pedal setup is included
A basic damper pedal, an optional accessory and a three-pedal unit are not the same thing. Yamaha lists the LP-5A for the P-145 as optional, while Korg distinguishes the B2+ from the B2+SP.
Compare the full model name, compatibility and included parts in the listing.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
The PSR-E383 is a more compact keyboard option, while the P-145 is a portable, piano-focused option with 88 keys.
- Yamaha describes the PSR-E383 as touch-sensitive and the P-145 as having a GHC keyboard.
- The PSR-E383 has fewer keys, and a three-pedal unit for the P-145 is optional.
Roland
The FP-10 is a portable digital piano with an 88-key keyboard.
- Roland specifies a PHA-4 Standard keyboard and lists headphone playback.
- The DP-10 for half-pedalling is optional. Headphone playback doesn’t indicate how much sound the setup will make in your home.
Casio
The CDP-S110 is a slim, portable digital piano.
- Casio lists a case depth of 232 mm, a scaled hammer-action keyboard and an SP-3 pedal included in the box.
- Its shallow depth doesn’t tell you how much width you’ll need or how the keyboard feels to play.
Korg
The B2+ and B2+SP show the difference between a standalone digital piano and a version with a stand and three-pedal unit.
- Korg specifies 88 NH keys, a PHONES socket and an included damper pedal for the B2+.
- The product specification consulted is from a US manufacturer’s page. Check what’s included with the Dutch listing.
Kawai
The ES60 is a portable piano model you can compare with others for key action and possible mechanical noise.
- Kawai describes the Responsive Hammer Lite keyboard.
- The manufacturer claims this model makes less mechanical noise; that isn’t a measurement of the sound in your home.
Joybuy products with 61 keys
These 61-key options are for anyone considering a more compact instrument. Check that your sonatina’s range fits the keyboard you choose.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys
The 61 keys may be suitable if all the notes in your sonatina fit within the range; check before you choose.
The product name lists weighted keys, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, USB-MIDI and a headphone socket.
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Electronic piano keyboard, 61 keys
This 61-key model is worth considering if your sonatina fits within the available range.
The product name lists MIDI, a recording function, speakers, a metronome and a music stand. Check the product information to see whether the exact version has a headphone socket.
Frequently asked questions
Can I practise any classical sonatina on a 61-key keyboard?
It depends on the lowest and highest notes your edition requires at the same time. Compare these with the keyboard’s range before you choose; Yamaha lists 61 keys for the PSR-E383 and 88 keys for the P-145.
Do headphones make practising in a shared home completely silent?
No, headphones don’t guarantee that the keys or pedal won’t be heard. Check the socket and try the setup at home. The Dutch government advises people to discuss noise with their neighbours first and agree on arrangements, such as when to practise music.
Do I need three pedals straight away for my sonatina?
Not before you’ve checked your sheet music and practice goals. Look for pedal markings in your piece, then check what’s included with that version and which upgrades are compatible. Korg distinguishes the B2+ from the B2+SP, which comes with a three-pedal unit.
What should I bear in mind when practising with headphones?
Check the headphone socket on the exact instrument and keep the listening volume low. The World Health Organization points out that both sound level and listening time affect the strain on your hearing.
Who should I contact if a digital piano bought in the Netherlands turns out to be faulty?
According to the Dutch government, you should contact the seller for a solution, not the manufacturer. What you can reasonably expect from a product depends, among other things, on the product itself and the information provided when you bought it.