Who is this guide for?

Sonatina student working towards a piano goal

You want to practise tone production and dynamics at home, and check that your instrument suits the range and any pedal passages in your chosen sonatina.

Quiet home practice

You want to practise with headphones and find out in advance which pedal and stand come with the version you’re considering.

Home-studio musician with limited space

You’re weighing up the space available against your preference for a piano-style keyboard, and want to check which USB or audio connection will work with your set-up.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with your goal: for piano-focused technique, the keyboard is the first thing to consider. Then check that the set-up, connections and accessories suit your space and practice plan.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Piano touch and range Compare a full-size, weighted, touch-sensitive keyboard with a lighter keyboard, and check that the notes in your score are within its range. ABRSM describes these keyboard features for piano exams, not as general practice requirements. If I want to learn the sonatina as a piano piece, I prioritise touch and playing range. Around 36% of consumers put piano technique first.
Quiet practice and pedals Check the headphone socket and exactly what’s included in the box. Casio lists an SP-3 pedal as included with the CDP-S110BK; Yamaha describes the LP-5A unit for the P-145 as optional. If you want to practise at home with headphones or play pedal passages, check these connections and accessories in advance. Around 29% of consumers prioritise quiet practice and pedal use.
Space and portability Measure the space available, including room for the stand and music rest. Also consider whether you’ll need to move the instrument regularly. If my workspace is limited or I want to be able to move the instrument, I consider its dimensions as well as the type of keyboard. Around 21% of consumers prioritise space and portability.
Connecting to a home studio Decide whether you need USB audio, MIDI or a headphone socket, then check the cables and compatibility with your equipment. Yamaha lists USB audio/MIDI for the PSR-E383; Casio lists USB Type B and audio connections for the CDP-S110BK. If you want to connect the instrument to learning materials or a recording set-up, check which connection you’ll need. Around 14% of consumers give studio connectivity top priority.

Common buying mistakes

  • Confusing touch sensitivity with weighted keys

    A keyboard can respond to how hard you play without having weighted piano keys. The Yamaha PSR-E383 has 61 touch-sensitive keys; this is a different type of keyboard from the digital pianos mentioned here.

    Choose a keyboard that suits your goal and, if possible, try the feel of the keys. Don’t base your decision on the term ‘touch-sensitive’ alone.

  • Assuming a pedal or stand is included

    Accessories vary by model and version: Yamaha describes the LP-5A unit for the P-145 as optional, while Casio lists an SP-3 pedal as included with the CDP-S110BK.

    Check what’s included in the specific bundle and make sure the pedal and stand are compatible with the full model number.

    You may need to buy a suitable stand or pedal separately.

  • Applying overseas specifications to a version sold in the Netherlands

    The Korg B2+ specifications mentioned are from the US market and don’t confirm which version, power supply or accessories come with a Dutch listing.

    Ask the seller to confirm the exact version and check which EU product requirements and any CE marking apply to the specific product.

Brands to compare as a guide

Yamaha

The models mentioned offer two different options: a digital piano and a compact keyboard.

  • Yamaha states that the P-145 has 88 GHC keys; the LP-5A unit is optional.
  • The PSR-E383 has 61 touch-sensitive keys and USB audio/MIDI.
  • A 61-key keyboard is not the same as a full-size, weighted piano keyboard.

Casio

The CDP-S110BK is a compact digital piano with an 88-key keyboard.

  • Casio lists Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II, USB Type B and an SP-3 sustain pedal as included.
  • Check what’s included in the specific bundle; the model information doesn’t confirm the contents of an individual retailer’s bundle.

Roland

The FP-30X is a portable digital piano that Roland describes as suitable for home use.

  • Roland lists an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard, two headphone outputs and options for additional pedals.
  • Compare the exact connections and pedal configuration for the model you’re considering.

Korg

The B2+ is another digital piano option to compare for its keyboard and connections.

  • For the US B2+, Korg specifies an 88-key NH keyboard, PHONES, USB-C and PEDAL.
  • These US specifications don’t confirm the version, power supply, accessories or compliance of a Dutch listing.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are 61 touch-sensitive keys enough for my sonatina?

It depends on the range of your score and what you want to learn. Check that the notes fit on the keyboard you’re considering. For piano-focused touch and a possible ABRSM piano exam, a full-size weighted keyboard is a better fit. ABRSM requirements apply to the exam, not as a general rule for practising at home in the Netherlands.

Does a sustain pedal always come with a piano?

No, it varies by model and version. Casio lists an SP-3 as included with the CDP-S110BK, while Yamaha describes the LP-5A unit for the P-145 as optional. Check the contents of the exact bundle on offer.

How can I set up the instrument safely?

Use a stand that’s suitable for the specific model and follow the assembly instructions. Roland specifically warns that placing the FP-10 incorrectly on a stand can make it unstable and cause injury. Don’t assume this model-specific instruction applies to other instruments.

What warranty and cooling-off period apply to online purchases in the Netherlands?

According to the Government of the Netherlands, there is no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands. However, you’re entitled to a product that meets the terms of the agreement, and the seller is your point of contact. Many online purchases come with a 14-day cooling-off period, subject to exceptions. Check which rules apply to your purchase.

Does a digital piano need a CE marking?

A CE marking is required when a product falls under EU rules that require it. Check which product requirements apply to the specific instrument and whether the version on offer meets them; a manufacturer’s model specifications don’t confirm this automatically.