Who is this for?

Sonatina student practising dynamics

You want to play softer and louder passages with control. Try the touch and key repetition on the exact model you’re considering; Yamaha and Roland describe different weighted keyboards across their models.

Home practiser in a shared living space

You want to listen to the piano sound through headphones. Check the socket on your chosen model, and bear in mind that headphones don’t make the sound of moving keys and pedals inaudible to others in the room.

Player learning to use the pedals

Your score or lessons call for sustain or another pedalling technique. Check which pedal function suits your music and which parts are included with the version you choose.

What should you look for?

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Touch and dynamics Try soft passages and repeated notes on the exact model; compare the keyboard type and touch sensitivity. If I want to practise softer and louder passages in my sonatina, I want to judge for myself how the keyboard responds. Around 36% of consumers in this practice scenario give touch and dynamics top priority.
Practising with headphones Check the headphone output and plug size on your chosen model. Roland says the FP-30X has two headphone outputs; Kawai lists 1/4 and 1/8-inch sockets for the ES120. If I want to practise quietly, I want to hear the piano through headphones without assuming that keys and pedals are silent in the room. Around 29% of consumers give quiet listening top priority.
Using the pedals Check the pedal markings in your score and which pedals or upgrades are included with the exact version. Yamaha lists the LP-5A three-pedal unit as optional for the P-145; Korg lists an included damper pedal for the B2+ and a separate PU-2 unit that supports half-pedalling. If my sonatina calls for pedal use, I want to know which function I actually need and what comes with the instrument. Around 21% of consumers put pedal use for their own piece first.
Space and storage Measure the space for the instrument, music rest and your seat. Compare the dimensions with the stand you actually plan to use. If I want to put the piano away after practising or have limited space, I want to know in advance how much room the complete set-up will need. Around 14% of consumers give set-up space top priority.

When using headphones, keep an eye on both listening volume and listening time: the World Health Organization identifies both as factors in safe listening.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming that 88 keys tell you how the keyboard feels

    The number of keys doesn’t tell you how the keyboard feels or how easily you can play soft notes and repetitions. Yamaha, Roland and Korg specify different keyboard actions for the models mentioned.

    Try soft notes and repeated strokes on the exact model you’re considering.

  • Assuming a portable model comes with a complete pedal set-up

    A suitable stand or more advanced pedal may be sold separately. Yamaha lists the LP-5A as optional for the P-145; Korg sells the PU-2 half-pedal unit for the B2+ separately.

    Compare what’s included with the version you choose against the pedal requirements in your score.

    Bear in mind that you may need to buy a suitable stand or a more advanced pedal separately.

  • Assuming quiet practice is completely silent

    Headphones let you hear the piano sound through your headphones, but they don’t make the sound of keys and pedals moving in the room disappear. Listening at a high volume for long periods can also damage your hearing.

    Try the set-up at the time you usually practise, and start with the headphone volume low.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

The P-145 is a portable option to compare if you want to try a fully weighted keyboard.

  • Yamaha specifies 88 GHC keys for the P-145.
  • The LP-5A three-pedal unit is optional, so check which pedal set-up you’re choosing. This information applies to this model.

Roland

The portable FP-30X is worth considering if you want to compare the feel of the keys and listen together using headphones.

  • Roland specifies 88 PHA-4 Standard keys and two headphone outputs for the FP-30X.
  • Roland’s claims about how it feels to play are manufacturer claims; try the touch for yourself.

Kawai

The ES120 is a portable option with a weighted keyboard and headphone sockets in two sizes.

  • Kawai lists a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard and 1/4 and 1/8-inch sockets for the ES120.
  • The stand and three-pedal unit are sold separately. The description of how it feels to play is a manufacturer claim.

Korg

Compare the portable B2+ with the fixed LP-380U if storage or a permanent pedal set-up is a consideration.

  • Korg lists an included damper pedal for the B2+, and three pedals and two headphone outputs for the LP-380U.
  • Korg says the LP-380U weighs 37 kg including the stand, making it less easy to move than a portable instrument.

Casio

The CDP-S110 is a portable 88-key option to compare if an included sustain pedal is important to you.

  • Casio specifies a Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II, an included SP-3 pedal and a PHONES/OUTPUT socket.
  • Check that the included pedal suits the exercises in your piece; the description of how it feels to play comes from Casio.

Joybuy products

These Joybuy options are 61-key keyboards with features for headphone and sustain-pedal practice. Check that the number of keys suits your sonatina and study materials.

Black electronic keyboard with 61 keys

Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black

The listed headphone socket is useful if you want to listen to the piano sound privately; also check how sustain is controlled and which parts are included.

The product name mentions a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand.

Joybuy
Digital Piano MLS-931 with 61 keys, black

Digital Piano MLS-931, 61 keys

The listed weighted, touch-sensitive keys and headphone socket are useful if you want to practise your touch and listen to the piano sound privately. Check that 61 keys suit your music and study materials.

The product name mentions 300 tones, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen and USB-MIDI.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do I need three pedals for every sonatina?

Not necessarily: first check the pedal markings in your score or lesson materials. Then check which pedal is included with the version you choose. Yamaha lists the LP-5A three-pedal unit as optional for the P-145, while Korg specifies three pedals for the LP-380U.

How do I connect headphones for quiet practice?

Use the headphone socket specified in the specifications or manual for your model, and check the plug size. Kawai lists 1/4 and 1/8-inch sockets for the ES120. Keep the volume low and take breaks; the World Health Organization identifies both sound level and listening time as factors in safe listening.

What should I bear in mind when connecting and positioning the piano?

Follow the manual for your exact instrument for power and positioning. The Kawai ES120 manual specifies a mains socket with the stated voltage and says that the supplied adapter and cable are for that instrument only; check the instructions separately for other models.

What are my rights if the piano doesn’t work properly after purchase?

For a purchase covered by Dutch consumer law, the Dutch government says you have a legal right to a product that works properly, known as the legal guarantee. A manufacturer’s or seller’s guarantee may also apply.

Can I return a piano bought online?

According to the Dutch government, distance purchases often come with a 14-day cooling-off period, but there are exceptions and not every online transaction legally counts as a distance purchase. Before ordering, check whether the rules apply to your purchase and read the seller’s returns policy.