Who is this choice for?

Students working on their touch

You want to practise the phrasing and dynamics of a sonatina. So compare how different 88-key keyboards respond; the number of sounds alone won’t tell you how the keys feel to play.

Students practising pedalling technique

You want to know whether the included sustain pedal will do, or whether you need to buy a compatible pedal separately for half-pedalling.

Students using different practice rooms

Sometimes you play quietly with headphones, and at other times there’s no amplification available. Built-in speakers, connections and the complete set-up are all relevant.

What should you look for?

First decide which keyboard and pedal features you need, then choose the audio set-up and transport options to suit the shared practice room.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Touch and dynamics If possible, compare the same soft and loud passages on the keyboards you’re considering. If I want to practise the phrasing of a sonatina carefully, I want to assess how the keyboard itself responds. Around 36% of consumers say touch and dynamics are their main consideration.
Sustain pedal and half-pedalling Check which pedal is included and whether a compatible half-pedal is available if you want one. Anyone wanting to practise pedalling technique needs to know whether the included pedal supports the technique they want to learn. Around 29% of consumers focus mainly on the sustain pedal and half-pedalling.
Playing quietly or without amplification Find out whether the room has amplification and check the model’s headphone and audio connections. When I want to alternate between playing quietly and playing without separate amplification in a shared room, I look at the speakers and connections. Around 21% of consumers make the sound set-up their main purchasing concern.
Moving and setting up Consider the instrument together with its stand, pedal and any audio equipment. If I need to move the piano between practice rooms regularly, I want to know how practical the complete set-up is. Around 14% of consumers focus mainly on portability.

Easy-to-miss points when buying

  • A stage piano isn’t necessarily ready to play aloud

    The Korg D1 has no built-in speakers, while the Roland FP-30X and Kawai ES120 do, according to their manufacturers. So, without headphones, you’ll need a suitable external audio set-up for the D1.

    Before buying, check what audio equipment is available in the practice room and when you’ll be using headphones.

  • A pedal socket doesn’t mean a half-pedal is included

    The included F-1SP pedal for the Kawai ES120 is an on/off switch pedal. Kawai lists separate compatible options for half-pedalling.

    Compare what’s in the box with the pedal function you want to practise, and check that any add-ons are compatible.

  • Comparing the instrument’s weight alone doesn’t tell the whole story

    Your set-up may also include a stand, pedal and audio equipment. What’s more, a piano without speakers needs a different audio set-up from a model with built-in speakers.

    Measure the space available and consider everything you’ll need to carry and reconnect.

Brands worth considering

Korg

The Korg D1 is a stage piano without speakers, designed for playing with headphones or external audio equipment.

  • Korg specifies that the D1 has 88 RH3 keys, line outputs and a headphone socket.
  • Korg lists a weight of 16 kg and no built-in speakers. The half-pedal-compatible DS-1H is a separate accessory.

Roland

The FP-30X is a portable digital piano with built-in speakers and headphone sockets.

  • Roland lists 88 PHA-4 Standard keys, two headphone outputs and connections for external active speakers.
  • These model specifications describe the connections and keyboard, but they can’t tell you which playing feel you’ll find comfortable.

Kawai

The ES120 combines a portable piano keyboard with speakers and audio connections.

  • Kawai lists 88 Responsive Hammer Compact keys and two headphone sockets.
  • According to Kawai, the included F-1SP pedal is an on/off pedal; you’ll need a compatible option for half-pedalling.

Yamaha

The Yamaha P-225 is a compact, portable digital piano.

  • Yamaha specifies that the P-225 has 88 GHC keys and an instrument weight of 11.5 kg.
  • The compatible FC35 pedal unit offers a half-pedalling function, so check whether it’s available as a separate accessory.

Nord

The Nord Piano 6 88 is a stage-focused option for anyone interested in performing as well as practising sonatinas.

  • Nord specifies an 88-key Triple Sensor Hammer Action keyboard and an included Triple Pedal 2.
  • Those stage-focused features don’t automatically make it the right choice if you’re only practising a sonatina.

Products available at Joybuy

This product selection features a portable digital piano with built-in speakers and a headphone socket. Check whether a 61-key keyboard is suitable for the pieces you want to practise.

MLS-931 digital piano with 61 keys, black

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black

Could suit you if you’re looking for a weighted keyboard, built-in speakers and a headphone socket.

The product name lists 61 keys; compare that range with the passages you need to practise for your sonatina. The product name also lists 300 sounds and 300 rhythms.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a stage piano without speakers and no extra equipment?

You can listen to the Korg D1 using headphones. According to Korg, you’ll need an external audio set-up to play aloud without headphones.

Can I practise half-pedalling with the pedal included with the Kawai ES120?

Not with the included F-1SP on/off pedal. Kawai lists the separately available F-10H, among others, as a compatible option for half-pedalling.

How do I clean a Yamaha P-225?

Yamaha’s manual recommends using a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth. It advises against solvents, alcohol and chemically treated wipes. For another model, check its own manual.

Am I automatically entitled to exactly two years of statutory guarantee in the Netherlands?

No. According to the Dutch Government, there is no fixed period for statutory guarantees in the Netherlands. If a product is faulty, a repair, replacement or refund may be available, depending on the circumstances.

Do I have a cooling-off period when I buy a piano online?

For an eligible distance purchase from a business, there is generally a 14-day cooling-off period. The Dutch Government outlines some exceptions and, among other things, distinguishes these purchases from online purchases from a private seller.