Start by choosing an 88-key stage piano with a hammer-action keyboard, so you can practise both soft and powerful passages comfortably. Try the exact keyboard yourself. Yamaha lists built-in speakers for the CK88, as does Roland for the RD-88 EX, while you’ll need to check the sound setup separately for the piano-focused Yamaha CP88 and Nord Piano 6. Before buying, also check which pedals and connections are included with the version you’re considering, and make sure the instrument, stand and seating will fit in your loft.
You want to practise touch, dynamics and pedalling on an 88-key keyboard, and prioritise how it feels over having extra sounds. Compare the keyboard specifications from Yamaha and Nord, and try the keys for yourself. Oostendorp Muziek also explains the difference between weighted and unweighted keys.
You want to be considerate of others and find a suitable way to practise either through headphones or at an audible volume. The Dutch Government advises people dealing with noise problems to discuss arrangements together first.
You want to be able to move your instrument and switch between its own speakers and headphones. Yamaha and Roland describe models with built-in speakers; check the exact model for its listening options and connections.
A good fit if: you also want to practise in your loft without headphones or separate monitors. Yamaha lists speakers for the CK88, while Roland does so for the RD-88 EX.
Consider: speakers produce audible sound, so you’ll still need to be considerate of housemates or neighbours.
A good fit if: the keyboard and piano sounds are your priorities, and you want to play with headphones or suitable external audio equipment. Yamaha lists an FC3A pedal for the CP88; Nord lists a Triple Pedal 2 with the Piano 6.
Consider: check the sound equipment and connections you’ll need before deciding; don’t assume the piano has built-in speakers.
| Consideration | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard feel and dynamics | Play the same passage softly and loudly on the exact model; check the number of keys, the keyboard action and the pedal options. | If I want to practise a sonatina with control over soft and powerful passages, I’ll prioritise the keyboard over extra sounds. Around 36% of consumers focus mainly on keyboard feel and dynamics. |
| Practising considerately | Check the headphone socket and, if needed, agree on practice times; don’t assume there is one nationally permitted time. | If I share a home, I want to be able to choose between headphones and playing at an audible volume, while being considerate of others. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this consideration. |
| Compact, ready-to-use setup | Measure the space, including room for the stand and seating; if you want to play without headphones, check whether the exact model has speakers. | If I want to move my practice space and avoid using lots of separate audio equipment, I’ll consider the dimensions and built-in speakers. Around 21% of consumers prioritise a compact setup. |
| Completeness of the practice setup | Compare what comes with the specific version against what you need; check the pedal connection and compatibility. | If I want to know in advance what else I’ll need to practise, I’ll check which pedals and other components come with the version I’m buying. Around 14% of consumers focus mainly on having a complete practice setup. |
Models vary in whether they have built-in speakers and in the audio and headphone connections they list. Without suitable audio equipment, your practice setup may be incomplete.
First decide whether you want to practise through headphones, built-in speakers or separate audio equipment. Then check the connections on the exact model.
The manufacturer lists an FC3A pedal with the Yamaha CP88 and a Triple Pedal 2 with the Nord Piano 6. This information doesn’t automatically apply to other models or bundles sold.
Check what’s included with the specific version and whether the pedal is compatible with the instrument’s connection.
Extra controls for organ, synthesiser or live performance don’t necessarily determine how a keyboard feels or whether an instrument will suit your loft.
Try playing passages from your sonatina on the exact keyboard, and only choose extra stage features if you plan to use them.
The CK88 is worth comparing if you’re looking for 88 keys and built-in speakers; the CP88 is a more piano-focused stage keyboard.
The RD-88 EX is worth comparing if you’re looking for a weighted 88-key keyboard and built-in speakers.
The Piano 6 88 focuses on piano sounds and comes with a Triple Pedal 2; the Stage 4 88 also has controls for organ and synthesiser.
The MP7SE is another stage piano worth comparing if weighted keys and controls for a range of sounds are important to you.
The Joybuy options below are digital piano and keyboard models with 61 keys. They may suit you if you’re looking for weighted keys or built-in speakers, but they don’t offer the 88-key range used above as the starting point for practising this sonatina. Check whether 61 keys are enough for your repertoire.
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May suit you if you’re looking for weighted keys and built-in speakers, and 61 keys are enough for your practice material.
61 keys; weighted keyboard; 300 sounds and 300 rhythms; LCD; USB-MIDI; speakers and headphone socket.
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May suit you if you’re looking for a 61-key keyboard with built-in speakers and a metronome; it has a different range from an 88-key setup.
61 keys; MIDI controller; recording function; speakers; metronome; music stand.
No, extra sounds aren’t the priority when making this choice. First compare how you play soft and loud passages on the exact keyboard, and check the pedal options included with the version.
Check whether the model has built-in speakers. Yamaha lists them for the CK88, and Roland for the RD-88 EX. If you choose a model that needs separate audio equipment, you’ll need to include that in your setup too. Check the connections on the exact instrument.
The Dutch Government advises people dealing with problems involving neighbours to discuss arrangements together first, for example agreeing on times when you can play music. Also check any agreements with your landlord or owners’ association, as well as the applicable local rules; there is no single national time when playing the piano is permitted.
Report a fault to the seller. The Dutch Government says the seller must provide a solution if a product is faulty; in the Netherlands, there is no fixed statutory guarantee period that applies to all products. For a standard online purchase from a business, you generally have 14 days from delivery to change your mind, subject to exceptions, according to ACM ConsuWijzer. The right to change your mind about a purchase is separate from your rights if a product is faulty.
