Sonatina player working on their touch
You want to practise fast passages and contrasts between soft and loud playing. Try the keyboard for yourself and judge its response using a passage from your own piece.
Who is this for?
Player practising in a shared home
You want to practise regularly with headphones while being considerate of the people you live with. Also check where the piano will go and how audible the key action is in your room.
Player with a multi-purpose spare room
You need to choose between a moveable set-up and a fixed piano with pedals. Measure the whole playing area, not just the instrument.
What should you look for?
First, compare the touch using your own music. Then check whether the headphones, complete set-up and pedals suit your room and the way you practise.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and dynamics | Play the same passage softly, loudly and at tempo; compare how the keyboard responds. | If you want to practise fast passages and dynamics in your sonatina, you’ll want to know how the instrument responds to your playing. Around 33% of consumers in this practice scenario prioritise control over touch and dynamics. |
| Practising with headphones | Check the connection and plug size; also listen for key noise in the room where you plan to practise. | If you want to practise in a shared home without sound coming from the speakers, you may also want to consider how audible the keys are. Around 27% of consumers give top priority to practising with minimal audible music. |
| Space for the set-up | Measure the piano, stand and bench, and allow room to sit and play. | If your spare room serves another purpose too, you’ll want to know whether the complete playing area will fit or can be moved. Around 20% of consumers prioritise space for the set-up. |
| Pedal set-up | Check which pedals are included and whether any upgrades are compatible. | If you want to practise with pedals without later choosing the wrong upgrade, check the bundle and model number. Around 20% of consumers give a complete pedal set-up top priority. |
Common buying mistakes
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Comparing the piano on its own
With portable models, a stand or extra pedals may be sold separately. This means the version you choose may not include the complete set-up you need.
Check what’s included in the exact bundle, the part number and whether any upgrades are compatible.
A suitable stand or upgraded pedal may be sold separately, so factor in any extra parts you need when making your choice.
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Assuming a compact body means the whole set-up takes up less space
Even a portable piano needs room for a stand, a place to sit and space to move while you play.
Mark out the complete set-up on the floor before choosing a spot in your spare room.
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Assuming headphones make practice completely silent
Headphones prevent sound coming from the speakers, but that doesn’t mean the keys will be inaudible in the room.
Check how much noise you can hear in the intended spot and agree practice times if needed. The Dutch Government suggests agreeing on music as a possible first step when dealing with noise nuisance from neighbours.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
The P-145 is a portable model to compare if you’re looking for a weighted keyboard.
- Yamaha specifies 88 GHC keys for the P-145.
- The LP-5A three-pedal unit is optional. The description of the playing feel is a manufacturer claim, so try the touch for yourself.
Roland
The portable FP-30X is a model to compare, with an 88-key keyboard and options for headphone use.
- Roland specifies a PHA-4 Standard keyboard and two headphone outputs.
- Pedal options are sold separately. The manufacturer describes the touch as expressive, so try it for yourself to see if it suits your playing.
Kawai
The ES120 is a portable model to compare, with connections for practising at home.
- Kawai lists a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard and two headphone sizes.
- The stand and three-pedal unit are optional. Descriptions of piano realism come from Kawai itself.
Casio
The CDP-S110 is a compact model to compare if you’re looking for a simple set-up with a sustain pedal.
- Casio lists a body depth of 232 mm, a headphone output and an included SP-3 pedal.
- The depth of the body doesn’t tell you how much space the complete playing set-up will need.
Korg
The LP-380U is a model to compare if you want a fixed set-up with integrated pedals.
- Korg specifies an RH3 keyboard, two headphone connections and three pedals.
- The stated weight with the stand is 37 kg, so it’s not an easy-to-store alternative to a portable model.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy options have 61 keys. Compare this range with the 88 keys found on the piano models mentioned above, and check whether the notes in your sonatina fall within it.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
The weighted, touch-sensitive keyboard and headphone connection are useful for practising changes in touch without sound coming from the speakers.
The keyboard has 61 keys, fewer than the 88 keys on the full-size piano models mentioned above. The title also lists 300 tones, 300 rhythms and USB-MIDI.
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Digital piano, 61 keys, black
The weighted, touch-sensitive keyboard and headphone connection are useful if you want to practise your touch and play without sound coming from the speakers.
The keyboard has 61 keys, fewer than the 88 keys on the full-size piano models mentioned above. The product name also lists a MIDI controller and recording function.
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Digital piano kit, 61 keys, with stand and bench
The included stand and bench may suit anyone setting up a permanent practice space; the product description also lists a headphone connection.
The keyboard has 61 keys, fewer than the 88 keys on the full-size piano models mentioned above. The product name also lists a three-step learning mode, 300 tones and 300 rhythms.
Frequently asked questions
Should I try the touch of a digital piano for myself?
Yes, if you can. Play a soft passage and a fast passage from your sonatina. Manufacturers describe different weighted keyboards, but those specifications can’t tell you which playing feel you’ll prefer.
Can I practise with headphones without anyone hearing me?
A headphone connection lets you practise without sound coming from the speakers, but it doesn’t guarantee that the keys will be inaudible. Check the connection and, if needed, agree practice times with housemates or neighbours. The Dutch Government suggests agreeing on music as a first step when dealing with noise nuisance from neighbours.
What should I check about placement and maintenance?
Measure the space, including the bench, stand and room to move. Check which pedals and stand are included with the exact version, and follow the chosen model’s manual for placement and maintenance.
What are my rights if the piano I bought online is faulty?
For a purchase made by a consumer in the Netherlands, the seller must provide a solution if there’s a problem with a product; a manufacturer’s warranty doesn’t replace your statutory rights. When buying online from a business, you’ll also usually have a 14-day cooling-off period, subject to legal exceptions. Check the terms of any additional warranty.
Is CE marking relevant when buying in the Netherlands?
The Dutch Government lists electrical appliances as a product group that may require CE marking. Check the relevant product information for the exact piano and power adapter; a brand name or model listing alone doesn’t establish that an individual product meets all requirements.