{"id":16725,"date":"2024-03-17T09:55:48","date_gmt":"2024-03-17T16:55:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/?p=16725"},"modified":"2024-03-26T09:58:30","modified_gmt":"2024-03-26T16:58:30","slug":"alesis-recital-pro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/alesis-recital-pro\/","title":{"rendered":"Alesis Recital Pro: The Best Affordable Digital Piano?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Retailing at US$379, the Alesis Recital Pro is an affordable digital piano with 88 full-size keys, weighted action, a music stand, and enough features to keep your practice sessions interesting.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So is the Alesis Recital Pro the best and most affordable digital piano for beginners? To answer that question, here\u2019s a detailed review!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><p><strong>Table of Contents:<\/strong><\/p><nav><ol><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#alesis-recital-pro-specs-and-features\">Specs and Features<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#alesis-recital-pro-action-and-playing-experience\">Action and Playing Experience<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#alesis-recital-pro-sound-quality\">Sound Quality<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#verdict\">Verdict<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>*This article contains affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission from the product seller if you make a purchase. For more info, check out our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/privacy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">privacy page.<\/a><br>**While Alesis sent us this keyboard to review, we were under no obligation to write a positive review.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"blue-text-block\"><center><h2 style=\"font-size:22px\"><b>\ud83c\udfb9 Your Go-To Place for All Things Piano<\/b><\/h2><p>Get exclusive interviews, fascinating articles, and inspiring lessons delivered straight to your inbox.<\/p><iframe class=\"email-form-include\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/weeklyemail\" frameborder=\"none\"><\/iframe><\/center><small><i>By signing up you\u2019ll also receive our ongoing free lessons and special offers. Don\u2019t worry, we value your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time.<\/i><\/small><\/span>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"alesis-recital-pro-specs-and-features\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Alesis Recital Pro Specs and Features<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/13121720\/alesis-on-stand-1024x683.png\" alt=\"Alesis Recital Pro: Black piano keyboard on X-stand with music stand.\" class=\"wp-image-16743\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/13121720\/alesis-on-stand-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/13121720\/alesis-on-stand-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/13121720\/alesis-on-stand-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/13121720\/alesis-on-stand.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"basic-specs\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>Basic Specs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dimensions: 13.8&#8243; height x 51.6&#8243; width x 5.5&#8243; depth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Weight: 26lbs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3 effects and 12 voices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connections: pedal and headphone inputs (1\/4&#8243;), 2x audio inputs (1\/4&#8243;), MIDI in\/out (USB)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Built-in speakers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can run on included power plug OR D-cell batteries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3xbn9Jj\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BUY NOW ON AMAZON<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/y2KVv2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BUY NOW ON SWEETWATER<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"features\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>Feature Highlights<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Features of the Alesis Recital Pro include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>12 Voices<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Alesis Recital Pro comes with 12 voices: piano, bright piano, electric piano, vibraphone, organ, church organ, harpsichord, clavichord, synthesizer, strings, acoustic bass, and fingered bass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3 Effects<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can further customize each voice by adding a sound effect: modulation, reverb, or chorus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/13121537\/alesis-screen-1024x683.png\" alt=\"Hands on keyboard turning knob.\" class=\"wp-image-16742\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/13121537\/alesis-screen-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/13121537\/alesis-screen-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/13121537\/alesis-screen-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/13121537\/alesis-screen.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Layer Mode<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Layer Mode lets you combine two voices to create something more unique and resonant. Try layering piano and strings together for an orchestral feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Split Mode<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This feature lets you split the keyboard down the middle and assign a different voice to each side. You can also choose where you want the keyboard to be split.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lesson Mode<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This feature is perfect for students and teachers. It lets you split the keyboard into two sections, with each section playing the same octave. This is like having two pianos in one!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hardware-and-accessories\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>Hardware and Accessories<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Out of the box, the keyboard comes with a music stand and power supply, but no sustain pedal is included.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Note: <\/strong>YouTube reviewer <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/0vGP5Ea6_Gc?si=-gmOIJ5NOpYYMrxw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">James Pavel Shawcross<\/a> notes that the pedal-operated rotary organ effect does not work with his pedal unit. However, it did work for me. So if you&#8217;re purchasing a third-party pedal, you may want to test it first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"alesis-recital-pro-action-and-playing-experience\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Alesis Recital Pro Action and Playing Experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sound effects are fun, but when it comes to enjoyment and progression, it\u2019s all down to how the keys feel. We call this <strong>action.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Alexis Recital Pro offers <strong>weighted action<\/strong>. This means the softer you play, the softer you\u2019ll sound. And the harder you play, the louder you\u2019ll sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But the Recital Pro doesn&#8217;t have <strong>graded action<\/strong>. In more advanced pianos, graded action means the high notes feel lighter than the bass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Weighted action is a must-have for anyone who wants to progress at the piano. So, it&#8217;s great to see this feature in a $379 keyboard. However, the Recital Pro&#8217;s action is not the greatest. It&#8217;s very basic, and while it works, the keys feel springy, almost button-like. This is acceptable for early beginners and casual pop players, but it&#8217;ll be difficult to pull off classical and jazz on this piano.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/13122100\/alesus-hands-1024x683.png\" alt=\"Hands playing piano keyboard.\" class=\"wp-image-16744\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/13122100\/alesus-hands-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/13122100\/alesus-hands-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/13122100\/alesus-hands-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/13122100\/alesus-hands.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Shawcross proves in his YouTube review that the black keys are weighted lighter than the white ones. I noticed this too (though I may not have noticed it had I not seen Shawcross\u2019 review). This unevenness in weighting can lead to uneven playing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You <em>can <\/em>adjust the touch sensitivity and there are four levels: off, 1, 2, and 3. When playing classical music, I preferred 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"alesis-recital-pro-sound-quality\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Alesis Recital Pro Sound Quality<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Alesis Recital Pro has onboard speakers. They\u2019re not terribly loud, but they\u2019re strong enough to hold a bedroom concert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The sound quality of the Alesis Recital Pro isn\u2019t amazing, but you can add more depth to it by adjusting reverb, resonance, and the equalizer. I found I liked the \u201crock\u201d equalizer the most. I also found the electric piano sound the most pleasing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/13122233\/alesis-speaker-1024x683.png\" alt=\"Close up of one end of Alesis Recital Pro.\" class=\"wp-image-16745\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/13122233\/alesis-speaker-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/13122233\/alesis-speaker-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/13122233\/alesis-speaker-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/13122233\/alesis-speaker.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"verdict\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Verdict<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Pros<\/th><th>Cons<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><ul><li>88 weighted keys<\/li><li>Easy-to-use interface; owner&#8217;s manual is easy to follow<\/li><li>Nice electric piano sound<\/li><li>Lesson, layer, and split modes are useful for beginners and fun to use<\/li><li>Looks good: not too chonky and not too delicate<\/li><li>Includes a well-built music stand<\/li><li>Lightweight, portable, and very affordable!<\/li><\/ul><\/td><td><ul><li>Doesn\u2019t come with a sustain pedal<\/li><li>Action is not suitable for music that demands nuanced dynamics, but is acceptable for beginners<\/li><li>Sound quality is a little muddy, but you can adjust reverb and EQ to improve it<\/li><li>No graded action<\/li><\/ul><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Alesis Recital Pro has an impressive set of features for a piano of its price point. It&#8217;s everything a beginner needs to get started. But the elementary action mechanism may leave more advanced pianists wanting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Still, pianos are some of the most expensive instruments you can buy. At US$379, the Alesis Recital Pro is an excellent deal for early beginners and those looking for a portable second keyboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"blue-text-block\"><center><h3 style=\"font-size:22px;\"><b>Master the Piano YOUR Way \ud83d\udd25<\/b><\/h3><p>As a Pianote+ Member, you\u2019ll get access to our 10-step Method, song library, and growing community of piano players just like you. Plus: get coached by world-class pianists and learn whenever you  want, wherever you want, and whatever you want.<\/p><a class=\"join\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/trial\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TRY PIANOTE FOR 7 DAYS<\/a><\/center><br><\/span>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Related articles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/how-to-buy-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Buy Your First Piano<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/cost-of-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What is the cost of a piano?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/upright-vs-grand-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Upright vs. Grand Pianos: Differences Explained<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/keyboard-vs-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Keyboard vs. Piano: What&#8217;s the difference?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Alesis Recital Pro retails at US$379 and includes 88 full-size weighted keys.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":16756,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1132],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16725","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16725","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16725"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16725\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16820,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16725\/revisions\/16820"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16756"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16725"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16725"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16725"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}