Alesis Recital Pro vs Yamaha P71: A Comprehensive Comparison

Choosing the right digital piano can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available at various price points. Two of the most popular choices for beginners and intermediate players are the Alesis Recital Pro and the Yamaha P71. Both offer 88 weighted keys and a range of features, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for an affordable, feature-packed instrument for practice or a more traditional, high-quality sound for your home studio, this comparison will help you determine which piano is the better fit for your musical journey.

1. Alesis Recital Pro 88 Key Digital Piano

The Alesis Recital Pro 88-key digital piano offers a great balance of functionality, sound, and ease of use, making it ideal for both intermediate and aspiring pianists. One of the standout features is its full-sized hammer-action keys, which deliver a realistic playing experience akin to an acoustic piano. The keys’ touch response is adjustable, allowing players to tailor the feel to their preference. The 12 built-in voices, including Acoustic Piano, Electric Piano, Organ, and Strings, provide a variety of sounds suitable for different musical styles. Additionally, the piano offers excellent educational features such as Lesson Mode, which splits the keyboard into two zones, and Record Mode, allowing players to review their practice sessions. These features, combined with a 3-month subscription to Skoove’s online lessons, make the Recital Pro an attractive option for those looking to improve their piano skills.

However, the Alesis Recital Pro does have its drawbacks. While the 20W speakers deliver clear sound, they may not be powerful enough for larger venues or spaces, and some users may prefer to connect to external speakers for a fuller sound. The sustain pedal is not included, which is an inconvenience for new users. Moreover, while the touch and feel of the keys are generally praised, a few users have noted that the sound quality might not meet the expectations of advanced players, especially when compared to more expensive models. Despite these minor issues, the Recital Pro remains a solid choice for players looking for a budget-friendly, feature-packed digital piano.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. 88 full-sized hammer-action keys with adjustable touch response.
2. 12 voices including Acoustic Piano, Electric Piano, and Organ.
3. Built-in effects (Chorus, Modulation, Reverb).
4. Lesson and Record modes for interactive learning.
5. 3-month Skoove premium subscription for online piano lessons.

Pros:

1. Realistic key feel, ideal for intermediate players.
2. Multiple voices and effects for diverse musical styles.
3. Affordable price point for an 88-key digital piano.
4. Interactive educational features with online lessons.
5. Portable with the option of battery-powered use.

Cons:

1. 20W speakers may lack volume for larger spaces.

2. YAMAHA P71 88-Key Digital Piano

The Yamaha P71 88-Key Digital Piano delivers an impressive, authentic piano experience at a competitive price point. With its weighted keys and touch-sensitive action, it closely mimics the feel of an acoustic piano, allowing for dynamic expression and subtle variations in performance. The piano offers 10 distinct voices, including a high-quality Yamaha grand piano sound, providing a rich, dynamic tone that enhances the playing experience. Dual Mode further allows players to layer two voices, like piano and strings, for a fuller sound, making it ideal for creative exploration. Despite being a more affordable option, the P71 does not compromise on quality, making it a solid choice for both beginners and intermediate players looking for a dependable, versatile digital piano.

One of the key benefits of the Yamaha P71 is its straightforward functionality, which prioritizes simplicity and ease of use. The piano features a one-button operation, making it easy for users to switch between voices and modes without complicated menus. It also comes with a sustain pedal, which adds greater expressiveness to performances. However, while the built-in speakers provide decent sound, they might not offer enough volume for larger spaces or performance settings. Additionally, the lack of MIDI connectivity limits advanced users who may want to integrate the piano with more complex music setups.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. 88 weighted keys for an authentic acoustic piano feel.
2. 10 unique voices, including Yamaha grand piano.
3. Dual Mode for layering two voices together.
4. Simple one-button operation for ease of use.
5. Sustain pedal and headphone jack included.

Pros:

1. Realistic, weighted keys closely mimic an acoustic piano.
2. Rich sound quality with the option to layer voices.
3. Affordable price with great value for beginners and intermediate players.
4. Compact design suitable for home or dorm room use.
5. Easy-to-use controls with no complex setup required.

Cons:

1. No MIDI connectivity for advanced users.

Alesis Recital Pro vs Yamaha P71: A Comprehensive Comparison

When it comes to entry-level digital pianos, both the Alesis Recital Pro and the Yamaha P71 are popular options, offering great value for money. However, each of these pianos caters to different needs and preferences.

1. Key Features Comparison

Both the Alesis Recital Pro and Yamaha P71 feature 88 keys, but there are notable differences in how each piano is designed and what features they offer. Here’s a detailed look at the most important features of each:

Feature	Alesis Recital Pro	Yamaha P71
Number of Keys	88 Full-Size Keys	88 Full-Size Keys
Key Action	Weighted Hammer Action, adjustable touch	Weighted Hammer Action, touch-sensitive
Voices	12 voices (Piano, Electric Piano, Organ, etc.)	10 voices (including Yamaha Grand Piano)
Built-in Effects	Chorus, Reverb, Modulation	No built-in effects
Lesson Mode	Yes, with split and layer options	Yes, with Duo Mode for teacher-student play
Sustain Pedal	Not included (pedal input available)	Included
Speakers	2x20W built-in speakers	Built-in speakers
Power Supply	AC adapter and battery-powered	AC adapter only
Connectivity	Headphone, USB, stereo output, sustain pedal input	USB to Host, sustain jack, headphone jack
Educational Features	Skoove 3-month premium subscription	Basic Duo Mode for student-teacher interaction

2. Sound Quality and Voice Selection

When it comes to sound quality, Yamaha has a long-standing reputation for delivering superior piano tones, and the P71 continues that legacy. With 10 voices, including the renowned Yamaha Grand Piano, the P71 provides a rich and dynamic sound. The voices are highly expressive, and the weighted keys contribute to an authentic playing experience. However, the Yamaha P71 lacks any built-in effects like reverb or modulation, which can limit the ability to shape the sound creatively.

On the other hand, the Alesis Recital Pro offers 12 voices, including several more options like Electric Piano, Organ, and Synth. The inclusion of effects such as Chorus, Reverb, and Modulation adds more variety to the sound palette, making it a more versatile choice for those who want to experiment with different styles. Although its 20W speakers may not be as powerful as the P71’s, the Recital Pro delivers a rich sound for the price. However, the sound might not be as full or detailed as the Yamaha P71, especially at higher volumes.

3. Key Feel and Playability

Both pianos feature weighted hammer action keys, offering an authentic acoustic piano feel. This is important for both beginners and intermediate players who want to develop proper technique. The Alesis Recital Pro comes with an adjustable touch response, which allows users to fine-tune the sensitivity of the keys. This feature is a plus for players who prefer to personalize their playing experience.

The Yamaha P71, while also equipped with weighted keys, doesn’t offer the same level of customization. It does, however, have a reliable touch-sensitive action that provides dynamic control over the sound depending on how hard or soft you play the keys. Both pianos provide a satisfying playing experience, but the Alesis Recital Pro’s adjustability may be more appealing to those who like to tweak their setup.

4. Educational Features

Both pianos are designed with learning in mind, but they take different approaches to help users improve. The Alesis Recital Pro comes with several educational features, including the Lesson Mode, which divides the keyboard into two zones, making it easier for a teacher and student to play together. Additionally, the piano includes a 3-month Skoove Premium subscription for interactive online piano lessons, which is a major bonus for beginners looking to improve their skills.

The Yamaha P71 offers Duo Mode, which also divides the keyboard into two zones, allowing for a similar student-teacher interaction. However, the P71 does not include any online lessons, which might be a drawback for those seeking additional educational support. Despite this, the Duo Mode still provides a solid learning experience for users who prefer a more traditional approach.

5. Portability and Power Options

In terms of portability, the Yamaha P71 is slightly more limited due to its reliance on an AC adapter for power. On the other hand, the Alesis Recital Pro offers more flexibility by allowing users to power the piano either through an AC adapter or 6 D cell batteries, making it a great option for musicians who want to play on the go, such as in outdoor settings or while traveling.

While both pianos are relatively compact, the Alesis Recital Pro’s ability to run on batteries gives it a slight edge in terms of portability.

FAQ

Does the Alesis Recital Pro include a sustain pedal?

No, the Alesis Recital Pro does not come with a sustain pedal included. However, it does have an input for a sustain pedal, which can be purchased separately. Many users find this to be an inconvenience, especially for beginners who need to incorporate a sustain pedal into their practice sessions.

Is the Yamaha P71 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Yamaha P71 is an excellent choice for beginners. It offers an authentic piano feel with its weighted keys and touch-sensitive action, which is essential for developing proper playing technique. The piano also has a simple one-button operation, making it easy for beginners to switch between different voices. The included sustain pedal adds to the expressiveness of performances, further enhancing its suitability for beginners.

Can I use the Alesis Recital Pro for performances?

While the Alesis Recital Pro is great for practice and home use, its 20W built-in speakers may not be powerful enough for larger venues or performances. If you plan on using the piano for gigs or in bigger spaces, you may want to consider connecting it to external speakers for better sound projection. Despite this, the piano is still portable and can be used in smaller performances or settings.

Does the Yamaha P71 have any educational features?

The Yamaha P71 has the Duo Mode feature, which divides the keyboard into two equal sections, allowing a teacher and student to play in unison. However, it doesn’t include online lessons or interactive features like the Alesis Recital Pro’s 3-month Skoove subscription. If you’re looking for more educational tools, the Alesis Recital Pro might be a better choice, but the Duo Mode is still a useful learning feature for beginners.

Can I use the Alesis Recital Pro on the go?

Yes, one of the key advantages of the Alesis Recital Pro is its ability to be powered by either an AC adapter or 6 D cell batteries. This makes it a highly portable option for musicians who need to play in different locations or outdoors. The battery-powered option is especially useful for performances or practice sessions where a power outlet may not be available.

Final Verdict

Both the Alesis Recital Pro and Yamaha P71 have their strengths, and the best choice depends on your specific needs.

• Choose the Alesis Recital Pro if you are looking for a more affordable, feature-packed digital piano with adjustable key sensitivity, built-in effects, and access to online lessons. It’s a great option for beginners and intermediate players who want versatility in sound and playability.
• Choose the Yamaha P71 if you prefer a traditional, high-quality sound with a focus on a classic piano experience. Its superior grand piano voice and straightforward design make it ideal for those who value simplicity and sound quality over additional features.