The Alesis Recital Pro brings an exciting digital piano journey filled with fantastic features, all at a price that won’t break the bank.
But can it truly compete with more established brands?
This Alesis Recital Pro review dives deep into the keybed action, sound quality, features, and overall value proposition, helping you decide if it’s the right instrument to jumpstart your musical journey.
To make this review, I borrowed one from my local store for three weeks; and here is my honest opinion and findings…
Introduction to the
Alesis Recital Pro
The Alesis Recital Pro is perfect for beginners or those who want to brush up, with features like a built-in practice buddy and the ability to record yourself to track your progress.
Alesis Recital Pro 88 Note Digital Piano
FEATURES: 20-watt speakers
OTHER INFO: Includes a power adapter
- Affordable price
- Hammer-action keys provide a realistic playing experience
- Wide variety of sounds and features
- Lesson mode is helpful for beginners
- Includes 3 months of free Skoove piano lessons
- Fewer sounds compared to higher-end models
- Built-in speakers may not be powerful enough for larger spaces
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Key Features Overview
The Alesis Recital Pro is a digital piano geared towards beginner and intermediate players. Here’s a quick rundown of its key features:
Hammer-Action Keys
The Alesis Recital Pro comes with 88 keys that feel pretty darn close to a real piano. They have that nice weighted resistance that makes playing satisfying, just like on an acoustic piano.
One thing to note is that the keys feel the same all the way across, unlike a real piano where the bass keys are a bit stiffer.
But to make up for that, the Recital Pro lets you adjust how sensitive the keys are to your touch. So if you’re used to a piano that takes a bit more muscle to play, you can crank up the sensitivity on the Recital Pro to get a closer feel.
Sound Quality and Polyphony
The Alesis Recital Pro offers a palette of 12 instrument voices, encompassing core sounds like pianos, electric pianos, and synthesizers. While the piano samples are functional, a critical ear might detect a lack of richness and tonal complexity in the mid-range frequencies.
The sound envelope – the decay of the notes: feels somewhat truncated, particularly when employing the sustain pedal for extended passages.
However, the Recital Pro excels in its polyphony. With a maximum of 128 notes, it surpasses most keyboards in its price bracket, typically limited to 64 notes of polyphony.
This expanded capability allows for playing intricate arrangements and layering sounds without dropped notes, enhancing the overall playing experience for more ambitious musicians.
Built-in Voices and Effects
The Alesis digital piano boasts a versatile sound library readily accessible through six dedicated buttons. This eliminates the need for memorizing complex key combinations or consulting manuals, a common frustration with some high-end pianos.
Beyond convenient access, the Alesis empowers musicians to personalize their sonic experience. Each of the twelve distinct voices can be individually adjusted for volume, allowing for tailored sonic landscapes.
While a vast array of voices is available, pianists often gravitate towards a select few to express their musicality. The core “Main Piano” voice serves as the workhorse, providing a rich and satisfying foundation for most playing styles. For those seeking a touch of brightness, the alternative “Piano (Bright)” voice offers a crisp and vibrant alternative.
For evocative ballads, layering the “Main Piano” with the lush and emotive “Strings” voice creates a captivating tapestry of sound. Additionally, the “Split” feature allows for creative exploration.
By assigning the warm and articulate “Fingered Bass” voice to the left hand and the dynamic “Electric Piano” to the right, players can delve into the world of jazz and blues with an authentic sonic palette.
Further enriching the musical tapestry, the Alesis features a built-in “Chorus” effect, which can be consistently engaged for a fuller soundscape. The “Reverb” effect, on the other hand, is selectively employed, adding depth and ambiance depending on the desired artistic expression.
Connectivity Options
The Alesis Recital Pro empowers pianists of all levels to enhance their playing experience and creativity. Equipped with a standard 1/4-inch sustain pedal output, the Recital Pro facilitates nuanced control over note decay, enabling expressive techniques and realistic performances.
This added dimension allows you to emulate the behavior of an acoustic piano’s sustain pedal, creating a more natural and immersive playing experience.
The Recital Pro boasts a USB-MIDI output, providing a seamless connection to your computer. This opens a world of possibilities for both learning and exploration.
The USB-MIDI functionality allows you to integrate the Recital Pro with virtual instrument plugins, unlocking a vast sonic palette of instruments and soundscapes. This empowers you to transcend the limitations of the built-in sounds and explore a universe of creative possibilities.
For unparalleled versatility, the Recital Pro offers both AC power supply and battery operation. This means you can enjoy uninterrupted practice sessions in the comfort of your home or leverage the portability for performances or lessons on the go.
Educational Features
The Recital Pro includes a few features beneficial for learning piano:
- Lesson mode splits the keyboard into two identical zones, allowing you to practice alongside a teacher.
- It also features a built-in metronome and the ability to transpose the pitch of the keyboard.
Pricing and Value Considerations
The Alesis Recital Pro falls into the budget-friendly category of digital pianos.
While it offers a good feature set for beginners, including hammer-action keys and a high polyphony count, the sound quality, particularly the piano sounds, might leave more advanced players wanting more.
If sound quality is your top priority, you might need to consider spending more on a different digital piano.
Pros and Cons of the Alesis Recital Pro to Consider
- Cost-Effective Entry Point: The Alesis Recital Pro offers a highly attractive price point for beginners, particularly considering its feature set that includes a full-sized, 88-key hammer-action keyboard.
- Realistic Playing Experience: The digital piano features hammer-action keys with adjustable touch response, mimicking the feel of an acoustic piano. This allows players to develop proper finger technique that translates well to traditional pianos.
- Portable and Functional Design: This portability is particularly valuable for those with limited space or who desire the flexibility to practice in different environments.
- Comprehensive Learning Features: The digital piano incorporates a variety of features that cater to aspiring pianists. The lesson mode splits the keyboard into identical zones, facilitating side-by-side practice with a teacher. A built-in metronome fosters the development of a steady tempo 30-280 beats per minute, while the record function allows players to self-assess their progress.
- Versatile Connectivity: The Alesis Recital Pro offers a variety of connection options, including headphone and stereo line outputs for external speakers or mixers. This allows players to practice privately or share their performances through external sound systems. Additionally, the USB-MIDI output facilitates connection to computers for use with educational software or virtual instrument plugins, expanding the instrument's sonic capabilities.
- Limited Sound Selection: While the core piano sound is commendable for the price, the overall sound library is somewhat limited. Players seeking a wider variety of instrument voices may want to consider higher-end models.
- Optional Sustain Pedal: The Alesis Recital Pro does not include a sustain pedal, a crucial element for proper piano technique. While the instrument has a jack for a sustain pedal, users will need to purchase this component separately, adding to the overall cost.
- Lacks Mobile Device Connectivity: The Alesis Recital Pro does not have Bluetooth or other options to connect to mobile devices. This might be a limitation for those who enjoy practicing along with instructional apps or playing along to music stored on their phones or tablets.
- Speaker Quality: The built-in speakers, while functional, may not deliver the most inspiring listening experience. For optimal sound quality, headphones or external speakers are recommended.
So, Should You Choose
Alesis Recital Pro?
The Alesis Recital Pro is a fabulous digital piano, especially if you’re just starting out. It’s got fairly realistic piano feel keys, at a price that won’t break the bank.
Plus, it sounds decent for the money and is light enough to move around easily. There are some cool features for learning too, like split-screen practicing and a metronome to keep you on beat.
However, if you desire a wider range of instrument sounds, a more premium sound experience, or the ability to connect to mobile devices, you might want to consider other options.
Maintenance Tips for
Alesis Recital Pro
To ensure your Alesis Recital Pro continues to function optimally, here are some quick tips:
Comparison with Competitors
The optimal piano keyboard selection hinges on your current skill level and musical aspirations.
The Alesis Recital Pro stands out as an exceptional entry point, offering core functionalities at an attractive price.
But there are other competitors for new pianists on the block, like the Roland FP-30X, Yamaha P45, and the Kawai ES120. They’re are solid choices with features that won’t break the bank.
Yamaha P45 Digital Piano
Yamaha P45 Digital Piano
FEATURES: Tempo Range: 32 - 280
OTHER INFO: Polyphony: (Max.) 64
- Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard for realistic piano touch
- Advanced Wave Memory Stereo Sampling for authentic piano sound
- 10 voices, including grand piano, electric piano, and vibraphone
- Metronome and duo mode for easy learning
- Easy to use with simple controls
- Limited number of voices compared to more expensive models
- No stand or bench included
- Speakers may not be powerful enough for large rooms
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Kawai ES120 Digital Stage Piano
Kawai ES120 Digital Stage Piano
PERFECT FOR: Intermediate
FEATURES: Sounds: 25 sounds
OTHER INFO: Speakers: 12 cm x 2
Kawai ES120 Digital Stage Piano
- Improved Responsive Hammer Compact action for realistic piano feel
- Shigeru Kawai SK-EX grand piano sound and other high-quality voices
- Bluetooth audio for playing along with backing tracks or lessons
- Redesigned speakers for better sound quality
- Spatial Headphone Sound for natural headphone experience
- More affordable access to higher-quality features
- No MIDI DIN ports (replaced with USB type B)
- No simulated ivory keytops: has white matte finish instead
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Roland FP-30X Digital Piano
Roland FP-30X Digital Piano
PERFECT FOR: Intermediate
FEATURES: Max. Polyphony: 256
OTHER INFO: E.Piano: 20 tones
Roland FP-30X Digital Piano
- Premium PHA-4 keyboard with Ivory Feel for expressive playing
- SuperNATURAL sound engine for realistic grand piano sounds
- Connects to apps for learning, music creation, and audio streaming
- Powerful Speakers and Stereo Outputs
- Lacks the full sound projection of a high-end digital piano
- Requires separate stand and pedalboard for a traditional piano setup
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Casio PX S1100 Digital Piano
Casio PX S1100 Digital Piano
FEATURES: Tuning control: 415.5Hz to 440Hz to 465.9Hz
OTHER INFO: Metronome tempo range: 20 to 255
- Ideal for tight spaces
- Authentic piano tones with improved speakers
- Bluetooth for apps, sounds, and recording
- Play for up to 4 hours on batteries
- Limited number of built-in tones (18)
- Key action might feel light for some players
- Glossy finish shows fingerprints
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Korg B2 Digital Piano
Korg B2 Digital Piano
FEATURES: Maximum Polyphony: 120 voices (Max)
OTHER INFO: Touch Control: Heavy, Light, Normal
- Wide variety of high-quality sounds to suit different playing styles
- Natural Weighted Hammer keyboard action for an authentic piano playing experience
- Includes Skoove learning app, Korg Module Le mobile sound module app (iOS only), and Korg Gadget 2 Le music production app
- So-so sustain pedal
- No standard headphone jack
- No display screen
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Alesis Recital Pro Review
Summary
The Alesis Recital Pro carves out a niche as a compelling choice for budget-conscious musicians seeking a feature-rich digital piano. Its fully-weighted keys provide a realistic playing experience, while the diverse sound library and integrated practice tools cater effectively to beginner pianists.
However, for discerning players prioritizing premium sound quality, alternative options may be more suitable.
The Alesis Recital Pro exemplifies remarkable value for money. Its affordability makes it an attractive proposition for aspiring pianists, offering a comprehensive learning platform without breaking the bank.
Nevertheless, the ideal choice hinges on your specific requirements and budget.
Would I personally buy one? No. But as an experienced player, it’s not really aimed towards me. So the question should be, would I recommend one to my students? And the answer to that is a resounding yes!
Please share your thoughts!
Does the Alesis Recital Pro resonate with your musical aspirations?
Let me know in the comments section below.
Before you go…
You can also check our complete review of the Roland FP10, if you want an in-depth comparison.
I have mixed feelings about the effectiveness of hammer-action keys on digital pianos like the Alesis Recital Pro. While they aim to replicate the feel of an acoustic piano, I argue that the tactile feedback and resistance can vary significantly from one model to another, potentially skewing a beginner’s touch sensitivity and hand strength development. Comparing this to the heavier feel of Yamaha’s GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) action or the nuanced response of Roland’s PHA-4 Standard, there’s a broad spectrum of key action quality. It’s crucial for potential buyers to try these instruments in person to understand the nuances better.
Your point on the importance of key action is spot on. In my teaching experience, starting on a quality keyboard can make a big difference in a student’s progression. However, the Alesis does offer a decent start for those on a budget.
Interesting take. The feel of an instrument is subjective but crucial. Definitely worth testing in-store.
was interesting to read abt the educational features. wonder if it’s worth the price compared to apps you can get on a tablet though. thx, Robert Emery for the review!
Really appreciate the deep dive into the key features of the Alesis Recital Pro. The detailed comparison with competitors gives a clear perspective on where it stands. I’ve always been partial to Yamaha for their sound quality, but the Recital Pro seems like a strong contender. It’s intriguing to see how it measures up against the Roland and Kawai models. Would love to see more side-by-side audio comparisons if possible!
Hey, was reading about the Alesis Recital Pro and wondering if it’s suitable for beginners? My kid’s showing an interest in piano, and I wanna make sure it’s user-friendly for them. Thanks in advance!
totally suitable for beginners, easy to use and great sounds!