Alesis Recital 88 Key Digital Piano Review with Semi Weighted Keys and Powerful Features

Description

A Digital Piano That Balances Performance and Features

The Alesis Recital 88-Key Digital Piano Keyboard has been my go-to instrument recently, and I must say, it delivers a blend of practicality and performance that any budding or seasoned pianist would appreciate. With its semi-weighted keys and adjustable touch response, this keyboard feels like a solid step up for those who want a more authentic playing experience without breaking the bank. While it has its quirks, I found it pretty versatile for both practice sessions and casual performances.

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the first thing that caught my attention was its sleek black finish. The 88 full-sized keys are not fully weighted, but the semi-weighted design is surprisingly responsive and comfortable. You can adjust the touch response, which is a handy feature depending on your playing style. At just over 6 pounds, it’s not a burden to move around, and its compact dimensions (11.5″D x 50″W x 3.4″H) make it easy to fit into tight spaces.

However, the plastic body might feel less premium, especially compared to higher-end models, but it doesn’t seem flimsy. I wouldn’t call it rugged, but it’s sturdy enough for home use or even lightweight travel.

Key Benefits

• Wide Range of Voices: The keyboard doesn’t limit you to just one sound. It offers five distinct voices: Acoustic Piano, Electric Piano, Organ, Synth, and Bass. I found the acoustic piano setting quite realistic, while the synth and bass voices opened up creative possibilities.
• Built-In Effects: With reverb and chorus effects, you can add depth to your sound, which is particularly noticeable when playing through the 20W speakers. The sound quality is room-filling and clean, though audiophiles might wish for a bit more warmth.
• Educational Features: The lesson mode impressed me the most. It splits the keyboard into two zones, making it perfect for side-by-side practice sessions. This is a lifesaver if you’re learning or teaching piano.
• Connectivity Options: It offers a 1/4″ headphone jack for private practice and RCA outputs for external speakers or amplifiers. I’ve connected it to my computer via the USB interface, and it worked flawlessly for recording sessions.
• Portability: The option to power it with 6 D-cell batteries means you can take it anywhere, from the park to a friend’s house for a jam session.

Areas for Improvement

• No Sustain Pedal Included: While there’s a 1/4″ sustain pedal input, you’ll need to purchase the pedal separately, which feels like a bit of an oversight. A simple pedal would have been a nice inclusion for beginners.
• Limited Polyphony: Although it boasts a 128-note polyphony, complex pieces with heavy layering can occasionally feel slightly restricted.
• Speaker Placement: The built-in speakers are good, but their placement doesn’t project sound as effectively as some other models. Using external speakers makes a noticeable difference.

Educational and Practice Features

As someone who occasionally teaches music, the Skoove Premium subscription and Melodics lessons made this keyboard an even better deal. Skoove’s interactive lessons are helpful, especially for beginners, and the 30-day Melodics subscription was fun for exploring different music genres. The ability to layer sounds and split the keyboard adds depth to practice and performance.

Competing Products

In comparison to other digital pianos in this price range, the Alesis Recital holds its own quite well. For instance, the Yamaha P-45, a popular competitor, offers fully weighted keys but lacks the split and layer modes found here. On the other hand, the Casio Privia PX-160 delivers slightly better sound quality thanks to its Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action, but it comes at a higher cost. The Alesis Recital strikes a balance by offering portability, versatility, and affordability, though it might not satisfy those who prioritize premium build or sound quality above all else.

True Value

Considering its array of features, the Alesis Recital provides excellent bang for the buck. It’s not a professional-grade instrument, but for anyone learning piano or looking for an affordable digital keyboard with 88 keys, it’s a worthy contender. The keyboard feels like a solid investment for its educational tools, connectivity options, and customizable voices.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely—for students, casual players, or anyone looking for a portable and feature-packed digital piano, this is a strong choice. Just keep in mind its limitations, such as the lack of a sustain pedal and minor compromises in sound projection. Beyond that, it’s a great pick for its price range.

Additional information