Sonatina student working on their touch
You want to practise dynamics and articulation on a weighted keyboard. Compare the feel of the exact models you’re considering: Yamaha, Roland and Korg use different types of keyboard.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Player in a shared rehearsal room
You want to know in advance whether you can practise using built-in speakers or headphones, without relying on equipment in the room. Roland, Korg and Casio describe different listening options for each model.
Pianist who takes their instrument with them
You practise in different places, so you need to consider the instrument’s weight as well as the stand and pedal you’ll need. Yamaha lists the P-225’s instrument weight as 11.5 kg; Korg lists the D1 at 16 kg.
What should you look for?
Stage piano with built-in speakers
Choose this if: you want to practise in different rehearsal rooms without having to connect an external amplifier every time. Roland lists the RD-08 as having a weighted keyboard and built-in stereo speakers.
Bear in mind: you may not need stage controls for a single sonatina; also check which pedal and stand are included.
Portable digital piano with speakers
Choose this if: you mainly practise piano parts and portability matters to you. Yamaha lists the P-225 as having 88 GHC keys and weighing 11.5 kg; the Casio PX-S1100 is another portable option with built-in speakers.
Bear in mind: these models don’t necessarily offer the same direct stage controls as a stage piano; check the connections and specification of the exact model.
Stage piano without built-in speakers
Choose this if: you already have suitable monitoring equipment or practise with headphones, and you want to try the RH3 keyboard. Korg lists the D1 as having a headphone and line output.
Bear in mind: the D1 has no built-in speakers and weighs 16 kg, according to Korg. Check which pedal you need for half-pedalling.
| Consideration | What to look for when buying | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and playing range | Try the keyboard on the exact model and compare its type and adjustable touch sensitivity. | I want to practise phrasing and dynamics, so I want to feel how the keyboard responds first; touch is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Listening without extra equipment | Check whether the model has built-in speakers or whether you’ll need headphones or an external sound system. | If I want to practise in the rehearsal room without an amplifier being available, being able to listen without extra equipment matters; around 27% of consumers rank this above other buying priorities. |
| Transport and set-up | Compare the instrument’s weight and dimensions, and factor in the stand and pedal. | I transport the piano regularly and need to take the complete set-up with me; transport is the top buying priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Pedal function | Check which pedal function you need and whether the right pedal is compatible with the exact model specification. | I want to practise using the pedal for my sonatina, so pedal compatibility matters; pedal use is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
What to check before you buy
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Assuming a stage piano can be heard without extra equipment
The Korg D1 has no built-in speakers; according to Roland, the Roland RD-08 does.
Decide in advance whether you want to listen through speakers, headphones or an external sound system, and check the connections on the exact model.
To hear the D1 while practising, you’ll need headphones or an external speaker set-up.
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Assuming a pedal connection guarantees the pedal function you want
Half-pedalling support and the pedal supplied with the piano are two separate things.
Compare the manufacturer’s pedal compatibility information with what’s included in the exact offer.
You may need to buy a separate compatible pedal to use the half-pedal function.
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Comparing only the keyboard’s weight
The stated weight of an instrument doesn’t necessarily include the complete playing set-up.
As well as the instrument’s weight, check its dimensions and the stand, music rest and pedal you’ll need.
When transporting it, allow for a separate stand and the space you’ll need to take everything with you.
Brands to compare
Roland
The RD-08 is a stage piano worth comparing if you also want to play directly through the instrument during rehearsals.
- Roland lists 88 weighted PHA-4 keys and built-in stereo speakers.
- The description of its playing feel is a manufacturer claim; try the keyboard for yourself.
Yamaha
The P-225 is a portable digital piano worth comparing if practising sonatinas matters more to you than extensive live controls.
- Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys, adjustable touch sensitivity and an instrument weight of 11.5 kg.
- The weight is for the instrument only; consider the pedal and stand separately.
Korg
The D1 is a stage-focused digital piano worth comparing if you want to try an RH3 keyboard and already have a listening set-up or practise with headphones.
- Korg lists 88 RH3 keys, half-pedalling support and a weight of 16 kg.
- According to Korg, the D1 has no built-in speakers; allow for a separate listening set-up.
Casio
The Privia PX-S1100 is a portable digital piano to consider if built-in speakers and a compact set-up are important to you.
- Casio lists a speaker system and 88 keys.
- Casio’s description of its grand piano sound is a manufacturer claim; compare the sound and touch for yourself.
Joybuy products
The Joybuy options below are 61-key instruments with listed speakers; compare their playing range with the 88-key models discussed for practising this sonatina.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
The product name mentions speakers, a headphone socket, metronome and music stand; check that its listening options suit the rehearsal room.
The instrument has 61 keys, so its playing range is more limited than that of an 88-key piano.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
A weighted keyboard may be useful if you want to work on your touch; try the feel of the keyboard for yourself.
This model has 61 keys. If you need the playing range of an 88-key piano, bear in mind the difference.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a stage piano for a sonatina?
No, a portable digital piano could work too. Compare the keyboard, the pedal function you need and how you want to listen in the rehearsal room: the Yamaha P-225 is a portable digital piano, the Roland RD-08 has built-in speakers and the Korg D1 doesn’t.
What should I check before setting up a pedal and stand?
Check the connections and pedal compatibility for the exact model. Korg lists half-pedalling support for the D1 and names the separately available DS-1H pedal; don’t assume that every supplied pedal supports this function.
Can I return a piano bought online in the Netherlands?
For a standard online consumer purchase, you generally have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period after delivery, according to ACM ConsuWijzer. Check which exceptions apply and the returns policy for the specific offer.
Who can help if a product develops a fault after a consumer purchase in the Netherlands?
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, the seller is responsible for the statutory guarantee if a product used normally breaks sooner than you could reasonably expect. This protection is separate from any manufacturer’s warranty; the appropriate solution depends on the circumstances.
Which product safety rules apply to an electric piano in the Netherlands?
Business.gov.nl explains that electrical and electronic equipment sold in the Netherlands must comply with the applicable European product rules. The rules that apply depend on the exact product specification; check the documentation for the model.