Who is this guide for?

Student practising piano dynamics

If you want to practise touch and phrasing in a classical sonatina, compare the key action and pedal set-up, not just the number of sounds.

Student in a shared music room

If you want to disturb others as little as possible during practice sessions, check that the version you choose has a suitable headphone socket.

Student who moves their instrument

If you need to set up or put away your instrument regularly, compare its dimensions and weight, and allow space for a music rest, stand and stool.

What should you look for when choosing?

Portable digital piano with weighted keys

Choose this if: you mainly want to practise piano touch, dynamics and pedalling, and have room for a full-size keyboard.

Bear in mind: you may need to buy a stand or a more comprehensive pedal set-up separately, depending on the version.

Lighter or more compact keyboard

Choose this if: the notes in your sonatina fall within the keyboard’s range and easy storage or portability is your priority.

Bear in mind: a light or shorter keyboard won’t necessarily offer the same practice experience as a weighted piano keyboard.

What to consider What should you check? Who should consider this?
Touch and key range Compare the highest and lowest notes in your sonatina with the keyboard’s range, and check whether the keys are weighted and touch-sensitive. If you want to practise piano touch and the range required by both hands, make this your first priority; around 33% of consumers do.
Quiet practice Check the type of headphone socket and whether it’s compatible with your headphones. In a shared room, being able to practise without sound from the speakers may be important; around 27% of consumers prioritise quiet practice.
Moving and setting up Measure the space for the instrument, music rest, stand and stool, and compare the weight of each version. If you need to put the instrument away after use, ease of handling and a suitable set-up space matter most; around 20% of consumers say portability is their top priority.
Pedal and set-up Check which pedal and stand are included, and which add-ons are compatible with the version. If you want to know exactly what’s included before buying, pay close attention to the box contents; around 20% of consumers prioritise a complete pedal set-up.

Things to watch out for when buying

  • ‘88 keys’ doesn’t automatically mean weighted piano keys

    The Korg B2N has 88 keys, but a light NT keyboard. The number of keys and the key action are two different things.

    Check both separately and, if possible, try the key action for yourself.

  • Don’t mistake a digital piano on its own for a complete set-up

    The Korg B2+ and B2+SP come with different items, so similar model names don’t mean the box contents are the same.

    Check the full model name and the contents of the version you’re choosing, especially when it comes to the stand and pedals.

  • A headphone socket doesn’t make every volume safe

    The World Health Organization (WHO) links the risk to hearing with sound level and the duration and frequency of exposure.

    Start at a low volume and take breaks when using headphones.

Piano brands to consider

Yamaha

The Yamaha P-145 is a portable, piano-focused entry-level model with a full-size keyboard.

  • Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys and adjustable touch sensitivity for the P-145.
  • The LP-5A three-pedal unit is optional; check which version and accessories are being offered.

Roland

The FP-30X is a portable digital piano for anyone considering a weighted keyboard and headphone use.

  • Roland lists 88 PHA-4 Standard keys and two headphone outputs.
  • The DP-10 damper pedal and KPD-70 three-pedal unit are optional extras; check the contents of the version.

Casio

The CDP-S110BK is a compact digital piano with hammer-action keys.

  • Casio lists a PHONES/OUTPUT socket and an included SP-3 sustain pedal.
  • Check that the connections and included items suit your headphones and practice set-up.

Korg

The B2+ is a digital piano on its own; the B2+SP combines the piano with a stand and three pedals. The B2N has a light NT keyboard.

  • Korg lists an included damper pedal with the B2+, and a stand and three-pedal unit with the B2+SP.
  • The stand and PU-2 pedal unit are separate accessories for the B2+. The light touch of the B2N isn’t the same as the action of a weighted keyboard.

Kawai

The ES120 is a portable, piano-focused digital piano you can compare for its key action and pedal options.

  • Kawai lists 88 Responsive Hammer Compact keys and an F-1SP switch pedal.
  • According to Kawai, a separate compatible F-10H pedal is available for half-pedalling; check what’s included in the UK offering.

Joybuy products for compact practice

These Joybuy product picks are compact 61-key keyboards; check that the range suits your sonatina.

MLS-931 digital piano with 61 keys

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys

Could suit you if the notes in your sonatina fall within a 61-key range and you’re looking for a compact instrument.

The product name lists a weighted keyboard, headphone socket and music stand. The keyboard has 61 keys, so check that your piece fits its range.

Joybuy
Electronic keyboard with 61 keys, metronome and music stand

Electronic keyboard, 61 keys

Could suit you if your sonatina fits within a 61-key range and you’re looking for a compact keyboard to practise with sheet music.

The product name lists 61 keys, a metronome and a music stand. Check the range of your piece before choosing.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does my instrument need 88 weighted keys for me to learn a sonatina?

Not every sonatina has the same range, so first compare the highest and lowest notes in your piece. Weighted, touch-sensitive keys are a good choice for practising piano touch. If you’re taking an ABRSM piano exam under the 2025–2026 syllabus framework, ABRSM’s specific requirements for a digital piano apply, including suitable weighted keys and a sustain pedal. These aren’t general legal requirements for students.

What should I have ready for a practice session in a shared music room?

Check the space for setting up, mains power, music rest, stand, and connections for your headphones and pedal. Start at a low volume when using headphones and take breaks; according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the risk to hearing is linked to sound level and duration of exposure.

Are a stand and three pedals always included?

No, it depends on the version. Korg lists an included damper pedal with the B2+, while the stand and PU-2 pedal unit are sold separately; the B2+SP comes with a stand and three-pedal unit. Compare the full model name and the contents of the offer.

What are my rights in the Netherlands if I buy online or receive a faulty product?

For a typical online consumer purchase, you’ll usually have a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery; ACM ConsuWijzer lists some exceptions. The seller must also remedy, free of charge, any product that doesn’t meet what you could reasonably expect under normal use, under the statutory guarantee. This doesn’t mean there’s a fixed statutory two-year guarantee for every digital piano.