Sonatina player practising piano technique
You want to practise dynamics and passages for both hands. Compare the key action and range with your sheet music; Yamaha and Roland provide keybed specifications for their individual models.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Player sharing a studio
You sometimes want to practise with headphones and sometimes listen through the speakers. Check which connection and set-up will suit the shared space; Casio, Roland and Korg offer different connection options.
Player who takes their instrument with them
You set up and pack away in the rehearsal studio. Compare the dimensions, weight, power supply and stand required, while keeping the range needed for your sonatina in mind.
What should you consider when choosing?
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Key action and range | Compare the highest and lowest notes in your sheet music with the keyboard’s range. Also check whether the keys are touch-sensitive and what type of keys the model has. | I want to practise passages for both hands and variations in touch without changing any notes. Around 33% of consumers prioritise piano-style touch and range. |
| Transport and space | Measure the available width and depth. Allow room for the instrument, stand, music rest and player. | I need to set the instrument up in the studio and take it away again, so its dimensions and weight need to suit that routine. Around 27% of consumers say transport and positioning are their top priority. |
| Listening in a shared space | Check the headphone socket on the exact model and make sure it is compatible with your headphones or other equipment. | I want to practise without unnecessarily filling the shared space with sound. Around 20% of consumers prioritise quiet or shared-space practice. |
| Pedal and set-up | Check the pedal markings in your music, and see which pedal is included, what is compatible and whether the stand is sold separately. | I want to know whether my practice piece requires pedal use and whether I have everything I need for the set-up. Around 20% of consumers prioritise the pedal and a complete set-up. |
Common buying mistakes
-
Assuming ‘digital piano’ means a full-size keyboard
A Joybuy listing for the MLS-931 specifies 61 keys. That range will only work if the notes in your chosen sonatina fall within the keyboard’s range.
Compare the stated number of keys with the highest and lowest notes in your sheet music, and assess the key action separately.
-
Assuming a pedal socket means a complete pedal set is included
Casio lists an SP-3 sustain pedal for the CDP-S110. Korg says the B2+ includes a damper pedal, while the PU-2 for half-pedalling is sold separately. Roland lists the DP-10 for the FP-10 as an optional extra.
Check what is included and what is compatible with the pedal technique you want to practise.
A suitable half-pedal or stand may need to be bought separately. Check what is included with the specific version.
-
Measuring only the instrument’s width
Korg’s stated dimensions for the B2+ do not include the music rest. You will also need space for a stand, player and cables.
Measure the space for your complete playing set-up before choosing a model.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The P-145 is a useful benchmark if you’re looking for a full-size keyboard with adjustable touch sensitivity.
- Yamaha specifies 88 GHC keys, four touch-sensitivity settings and a width of 1.326 mm for the P-145.
- The P-145 and P-145BT are listed as separate versions. Check the exact model name and don’t assume that features of one version apply to the other.
Casio
The CDP-S110 is worth considering if a slim set-up, alternative power options and a basic sustain pedal suit your needs.
- Casio specifies a depth of 232 mm, mains or battery power, and an included SP-3 pedal.
- Check the version and what’s included with the specific listing.
Roland
The FP-10 is a portable digital piano to compare if you’re looking for an 88-key keyboard and the option to listen through speakers or headphones.
- Roland specifies a PHA-4 Standard keyboard and lists speakers and headphones as listening options.
- The DP-10 for half-pedalling is optional. Roland also says Bluetooth availability varies by country of purchase.
Korg
The B2+ is worth considering if you’re comparing portable set-ups with a full-size keyboard and an included damper pedal.
- Korg specifies 88 keys, dimensions of 1.312 × 336 mm without the music rest, a weight of 11,4 kg and a combined headphone/line-out socket.
- The PU-2 for half-pedalling is sold separately; don’t assume a stand is included.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy options are 61-key instruments for anyone who wants to practise a sonatina within that range. Check the score, type of keyboard and pedal requirements before choosing.
No image available
MLS-931 digital keyboard, 61 keys
This could suit you if the notes in your sonatina fall within the 61-key range and you’re looking for a keyboard described as weighted.
The product name specifies a weighted keyboard, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms and USB-MIDI. The description mentions touch sensitivity, a headphone socket and power via an EU plug or optional batteries.
No image available
Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys
This could suit you if your sonatina falls within the 61-key range and you want to use practice features such as a metronome.
The product name specifies MIDI, a recording function, speakers, a metronome and a music stand. The product description also mentions a headphone socket.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need 88 keys to practise a sonatina?
Not without checking the score first. Compare the highest and lowest notes with the keyboard’s range. The Trinity College London requirements referred to here apply to digital piano exams; they are not a general requirement for every practice session.
What do I need to practise in a rehearsal studio?
Check that there is room for the instrument and music rest, and that you have a stable stand and, if needed, headphones and a pedal. Korg lists an adapter, music rest and damper pedal as included with the B2+; check what’s included with the version you’re considering.
Do I always need a sustain pedal for a sonatina?
It depends on the music you’ve chosen and the instructions from your teacher or in the score. If you need to use a pedal, check the connection, which pedal is included and whether you want to practise half-pedalling.
What cooling-off period and warranty apply to an online purchase in the Netherlands?
When you buy online from a business, you generally have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period after delivery, although exceptions may apply. ACM ConsuWijzer also explains that if a product is faulty, you are entitled to a product that does what you could reasonably expect it to do. This is not the same as a fixed manufacturer’s warranty period.
What should I check for electrical safety when buying a keyboard?
Check that the instrument and power supply are intended for the Dutch market and meet the applicable product safety and EMC requirements. According to Ondernemersplein, CE marking is mandatory for certain product groups; models with Bluetooth may also need to meet radio equipment requirements. CE marking is not an independent performance test.