In this review we take a close look at two digital pianos that are both popular and highly-rated, but have some important differences – the Alesis Recital Pro vs Yamaha P45.
As digital pianos have evolved, they’ve come to sound more and more like the traditional acoustic piano. So, when it comes to Alesis Recital Pro vs Yamaha P45, which is better? What are the differences and similarities. In this article we cover all of that and more, so you can decide which model gives you the best bang for your buck!
Alesis Recital Pro vs Yamaha P45 Specifications Compared
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Alesis Recital Pro |
Yamaha P45 |
|---|---|
| | |
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88 weighted keys |
88-key fully weighted keyboard with matte black keytops |
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Full Hammer Function |
Graded Hammer Standard action |
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Modulation, reverb, chorus effects |
Sound: AWM Stereo sampling |
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128-note polyphony |
64-note polyphony |
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10 demo sounds |
10 instrument sounds (2 pianos) |
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Split mode, Layer mode |
Modes: Duo, Dual |
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Built-in speakers |
Speakers: 6W + 6W (12cm x 2) |
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30-280 BPM metronome |
Metronome, Transpose, Fine-tuning |
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Connections: USB port, built-in headphone jack, 1×1/4” sustain pedal |
Connections: USB to Host, Headphone jack, Sustain Pedal jack |
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Adjustable touch response |
Touch Sensitivity (Hard, Medium, Soft, Fixed) |
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4.5 kg (just over 10 lbs.) |
11.5 kg (25 lbs. 6 oz.) |
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Dimensions: 1310 W x 350 D x 139 mm (51.6″ W x 13.8″ D x 5.5″ H” |
Dimensions: 1,326 x 295 x 154 mm (52.2” x 11.6” x 6.0”) |
Major Similarities Between Alesis Recital Pro vs Yamaha P45
One of the first things that you are going to notice with both the Recital Pro and P45 is that both of these digital pianos come with the same hammer action feature, which makes them both a great choice for beginners or intermediate piano players.
Both the Recital Pro and the P45 boast of a simple design, which is clearly aimed at beginner players. The many features that both of these digital pianos provide means that beginners get to take advantage of the same level of versatility with the Recital Pro as they can with the more expensive Yamaha P45.
Major Differences Between Alesis Recital Pro vs Yamaha P45
A major difference between the Alesis Recital Pro and the Yamaha P45 is that while the latter needs to be plugged into a power outlet, the Pro can also be played on batteries. This feature enhances its portability, making it a truly compact digital piano. Also, the keys used in the Pro are only semi-weighted, while the P45 features fully weighted keys. While this is not a deal-breaker, it could be a major issue for some players.
While both the Alesis Recital Pro and the Yamaha P45 boast of full weighted keys, which give you the same feeling as playing a traditional acoustic piano, the only main difference here between the two is the price. While the P45 features weighted keys, that feature comes with a price. On the other hand, the Recital Pro offers the same feature at a much lower cost, making it a smart choice for those on a budget. Another major difference between the two is weight. While the P45 is heavy, the Pro weighs half of what the P45 does, making it a truly portable digital piano. When it comes to Alesis Recital Pro vs Yamaha P45, both of these digital pianos have their strong and weak points.
Alesis Recital Pro
Alesis is a well-known name in the musical instruments niche. The brand has been responsible for designing many premium-quality musical instruments over the years. The company has come a long way from its humble beginnings, which began just a few decades ago. Today, Alesis has the distinction of being one of the most sought-after brands when it comes to digital pianos.
One of the reasons for the brand’s growing popularity through the years has been its commitment towards delivering exceptional musical instruments at a fraction of the cost of some of the big-name brands. This is also one of the reasons why Alesis digital pianos are pitted against many premium manufacturers.
Major Features
The following are some of the main features that set the Alesis Recital Pro apart from other digital pianos that are available at the same price point.
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FEATURE |
DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
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Sleek and Sophisticated Design |
The Alesis Recital Pro is incredibly lightweight, weighing just 26 pounds. This makes it extremely easy to move around. The small footprint of the Pro also means that this digital piano is easy to store away when not in use. But, what really sets the Alesis Recital Pro apart from its sleek and modern design is the ability to work it on batteries. The Pro is battery powered, which makes it easy to play both indoors and outdoors. |
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Built-in Sounds and Effects |
The Alesis Recital Pro comes with some of the features that one would only expect from a big-name manufacturer. One such feature is the 12 built-in voices that the Pro offers, which makes it easier for beginners and experienced piano players to play their favorite tunes. Apart from that, you also get 6 instruments that come with two variations. These instruments include the piano, organ, synth, harpsichord, electric piano, organ, and acoustic bass. You can press down on any one of the 6 voice buttons to access these effects. |
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Three-Level Touch Sensitivity |
Another major feature of the Alesis Recital Pro is that the keyboard comes with three levels of touch sensitivity. This is a great option to have, especially for beginners, mainly because it helps get comfortable while playing the piano. Since not all people prefer to play with the same level of sensitivity, having three touch sensitivity options makes it easier to get comfortable with the Pro quicker. Additionally, the Alesis Recital Pro also comes with a fixed velocity setting, which is a feature that you are not going to find in many other digital pianos available at the same price point. |
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Fully Weighted Keys |
Similar to the Alesis Recital, its small brother, the Alesis Recital Pro also features an 88-key keyboard. The only difference between the two is that the Pro features full weighted keys. This is a big difference between the two digital keyboards since the inclusion of weighted keys in the Pro means you get to feel the same responsiveness when pressing the keys as with the traditional acoustic piano. While this feature is in no way exclusive to just the Alesis Recital Pro, since there are other digital pianos that also offer weighted keys, the major difference is that the Pro gives you fully weighted keys at a fraction of the price of many big-name brands. |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy to use
- Features full-sized, weighted keys
- Has a small LED screen
- Excellent sound performance
- Multiple connectivity options
- Large song library and music database
Cons
- No modulation or pitch bend wheel
- Can record only one song
The Bottom Line
With a bevy of options all packaged in a sleek, portable design, the Alesis Recital Pro offers you the best of both worlds when it comes to functionality and affordability. The Recital Pro boasts of 88 weighted keys, complete polyphony, and touch sensitivity, with three modes, making it a popular choice among beginners.
The Alesis Recital Pro also gets you some features you would only find in a premium digital piano. For instance, you get a bright backlit LCD display, full hammer function keys, with 10 demo songs, modulation, reverb and chorus effects, and 128 polyphony notes, and built-in speakers. The integration of all of these features into the Recital Pro gets you great value for money.
Yamaha P45 Summary
The P45 is another familiar name in the digital piano niche. The brand has been around for a while and, through the years, has become synonymous with high quality. With the P45, Yamaha has stayed true to its brand’s philosophy, which is to always deliver an exceptional product, and the P45 is no exception. The P45 was launched in 2015, and quickly caught the attention of customers because of its user-friendly design, and a plethora of features.
The P45 is a great choice for beginner piano players mainly because of its ease of use, many feature, and customization options. With the P45, Yamaha has also thrown in a few additional features to make it even more user-friendly for beginners as well as experienced players.
Major Features
The following are some of the main features of the Yamaha P45:
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FEATURE |
DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
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Single-Button Operation |
The first thing that you will notice with the P45 is its sleek design. From the design of the keys to the placement of various controls, it’s easy to see that the P45 was designed to make playing easier. You get a single button to change the settings of the P45, which makes it incredibly easy to switch through sounds while playing. All you have to do is hold down the ‘Grand Piano/Function’ and press the keyboard keys to make the necessary changes, from the voices to configuring the metronome and even playing demo sources along with much more. |
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Advanced Wave Memory Technology |
The P45 also features the sound engine that Yamaha is famous for. The Advanced Wave Memory (AWS) sampling uses the latest digital technology for the recording of sounds of a regular acoustic piano. Thanks to the AWM technology, you can get to enjoy a deeper and richer sound quality. Furthermore, the inclusion of this feature means it gets you the same feeling as playing in a large hall. This is made possible by using waveform pairs (R and L) that are captured via a microphone to recreate a truly breathtaking sound. |
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Yamaha Authentic GHS Technology |
The P45 digital piano boasts of the company’s GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) weighted action technology. This feature is a key component of the P45’s popularity because the GHS Weighted Action results in a heavier touch when playing on the lower end of the keyboard while allowing you to have a light, comfortable touch while playing in the high end. The GHS technology allows you to enjoy the same weighted touch as with the hammers in a traditional piano. |
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Layer and Duo Mode |
Another major feature in the P45 is the inclusion of the Layer mode and Duo Mode. The Layer mode allows the player to create more complex sounds while playing while the Duo mode is a great function for those who want to practice or play along with a partner. The addition of the Duo mode makes the P45 a smart choice for all those beginners who are looking for a keyboard for practicing. |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 10 voices
- 88 weighted keys
- Conveniently placed grand piano function button
- Master Volume slider
- Comes with a foot pedal and music rest
Cons
- Doesn’t have any playback or record function
- Dynamic range does not function well
The Bottom Line
The P45 is a great choice for beginners who are just learning how to play the piano. Some of the features of the Yamaha P45, such as the fully weighted keys and customizable playing modes, make it incredibly easy for beginners to get comfortable while playing, which, in turn, helps them learn quicker. If you are looking for a digital piano that offers plenty of features and looks great, and you don’t mind a heavy price tag, then the Yamaha P45 should be right up your alley.
Comparison of Alesis Recital Pro and Yamaha P45
Conclusion
When looking at the Alesis Recital Pro vs Yamaha P45, both have their strong and weak points. While the former is a great option if you want to get all the bells and whistles of a premium product on a budget, the latter is known for delivering an exceptional level of quality.
While the Recital Pro tries hard to keep up with the larger manufacturers by providing some incredible features and an exquisite design on a budget, the Yamaha P45 has the edge with its reputation for delivering premium products.
At the end of the day, when it comes to Alesis Recital Pro vs Yamaha P45, it will all come down to personal preference and your budget.
