In this detailed review we look at two of the most popular value-priced brands of piano keyboard: Rockjam vs Alesis.
We cover the major models of both brands, including the main differences and similarities, to help you make an informed buying decision.
So let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- RockJam vs Alesis: Major Models
- RockJam 61
- RockJam RJ761
- RockJam 54-Key
- Alesis Melody 61 MKII
- Alesis Recital 61
- Alesis Recital 88-key
- Alesis Recital Pro
- Major Similarities Between RockJam and Alesis Keyboards
- Major Differences Between RockJam vs Alesis Keyboards
- Overview of Rockjam vs Alesis Keyboards
- Conclusion
RockJam vs Alesis: Major Models
The following are some of the major keyboard models of RockJam and Alesis that you can choose from:
RockJam 61
Major Features
Record and Playback
One of the main selling points of the RockJam 61 is that it offers both recording and playback options, which are great additions to any digital piano, especially for beginners. Since it also offers multiple instrument sounds, you get to record a full piece of music with a number of instruments and sound effects.
LCD Display and Control Pad
The RockJam 61 features a large LCD display that makes it easier for the user to know what features are activated. It also makes it easy for the user to make quick changes on the fly. Also, the inclusion of a fully integrated control panel means that you get complete control of the digital piano while playing.
Gets You the Full Setup
Another major selling point of the RockJam 61 digital piano is that it not only gets you an amazing keyboard but also the complete setup. You get a padded seat, an X stand, and even headphones along with the RockJam 61, which makes it a great option for anybody who is looking for the complete setup when choosing a digital piano.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High-quality design
- Variety of sound options
- Built-in speakers
- Adjustable height
- LCD screen
- Headphones compatible
Cons
- Flimsy seat
- No USB connectivity
The Bottom Line
What sets the RockJam 61 digital piano apart from many others is that it offers you the complete package. Not only does this digital piano have a vast library of sounds and effects that you can use, but the ability to record and playback along with the addition of a seat, X-stand and headphones all available on a budget makes it the smart choice, especially for beginners.
RockJam RJ761
Major Features
Responsive Touch Pad
The RockJam RJ761 boasts of a highly responsive touch pad that makes it extremely easy to control all the functions and sound effects while playing. The high sensitivity touch panel makes changing between modes or sound effects a breeze.
Over 200 Tones and Rhythms
Another major feature of the RJ761 is that it comes with up to 200 tones and 200 rhythms. This is twice the amount of options available in the previous version, the RockJam 761 and means that you can play just about any song you want using this beginner digital piano.
Gamified Learning Process
The feature that makes the RJ761 stand out from the crowd is that it offers a piano app that gamifies the learning experience. The Simply Piano app is compatible with Android and iOS platforms and makes it easier for beginners to get a grasp of the piano. The app is so good that it has been voted as one of the best apps on the Google Play app store and has been the App Store’s editor’s choice since its launch.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Features full-size keys
- Comes with a 3-month Skoove membership
- 200 voices and rhythms
- 30 demo songs and teaching functions
- Record and playback options
- Sustain pedal included
Cons
- Music and teaching app sold separately
- Flimsy USB midi port
- Low-quality keys
The Bottom Line – RockJam RJ761 vs Alesis
What makes the RockJam RJ761 stand out is that it offers multiple options in tones and rhythms along with plenty of add on features, such as, a sustain pedal, keyboard stool and stand and even headphones, making it a great choice for beginners or enthusiasts who are looking for a reliable digital piano with plenty of functions and options.
RockJam 54-Key
Major Features
Compact and Versatile Design
The first thing you will notice with the RockJam 54-key digital piano is its sleek, compact design. This makes it easier to move around or store away when not in use. This portable digital piano can also be powered by either batteries or the main power supply, which means it can be used at home, or outdoors.
Simply Piano App
Getting the RockJam 54-key digital piano will also get you exclusive access to the Simply Piano app that’s available for iOS and Android devices, which is a great resource for beginners and intermediate users.
Digital LCD Display
The LCD display is intuitive and provides feedback on the inbuilt technology along with the keys in use, making it easier for users to play. The LCD screen also makes it easier to change between the 100 rhythms and sound effects, and 8 demo songs while playing.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 54 full-sized keys
- 8 demo songs
- 100 sound effects and 100 rhythms
- Interactive LCD display
- Built-in speaker system
Cons
- No app for Android devices
The Bottom Line
It’s easy to see that the RockJam 54-Key digital piano has been designed specifically for beginners. The main selling points of this digital piano is the plethora of sound effects and rhythm options that it has to offer along with an easy-to-use interface which makes using it a breeze, even for beginners.
Alternative
Also consider the RockJam 561 and see our RockJam 561 Keyboard Review
Alesis Melody 61 MKII
Major Features
Versatile Design
The Alesis Melody 61 MKII offers a versatile design and a stylish appearance. But, more importantly, the MKII is a well thought out unit with a lightweight and portable footprint making it easier to carry and store away. The MKII also comes with add on features, which makes it a great choice for all those who are looking for an affordable beginner digital piano that comes with all the bells and whistles of a big name brand.
300 Auto Accompaniment Rhythms
This digital piano features up to 300 rhythms, which is more than many of the digital pianos available at the same price point. The auto-accompaniment rhythms mean you can play any song with relative ease.
Digital LCD Display
The MKII comes with Skoove premium membership for up to three months. The piano education website offers easy to understand step by step lessons for beginners.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 61 full-size keys
- 300 built-in instrument sounds
- 40 built-in demo songs
- Dual keyboard mode
- Record and record functionality
- Comes with 3-month Skoove premium subscription
Cons
- No USB
- Does not sound great
The Bottom line
The Alesis Melody 61 MKII offers all of the bells and whistles that one would expect in a big name brand. The multiple features and a huge array of polyphony options make it a great choice for beginners who are looking for a digital piano that’s easy to use and offers plenty of options.
Alesis Recital 61
Major Features
Full-Sized Semi-Weighted Keys
The Alesis Recital 61 boasts of 61 premium full-sized, semi-weighted keys. What makes this feature stand out in the Recital 61 is that the keys come with adjustable touch response, which makes it easier for beginners.
128 Polyphony and 10 Built-in Premium Voices
One of the first things you look for in a digital piano is the options available: the more options, the better. The Recital 61 digital piano offers plenty of sound options for beginners, allowing you to learn the piano quicker.
Easily Adjustable Built-in Metronome
The Recital 61 features a built-in metronome that comes along with a tap tempo and can be adjusted from 30 to 280 BPM. This is a great feature to have, especially for a beginner digital piano.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 61 semi-weighted keys
- 10 built-in sounds
- Built-in speaker system
- 128 polyphony
- Modulation, chorus and reverb
- 2 months of free classes from TakeLessons
Cons
- Sound lacks in depth
The Bottom Line Alesis Recital vs Rockjam
The Alesis Recital 61 offers full 88 keys and comes with a plethora of sound options, including a USB midi. The Recital 61 comes with a decent RCA and headphones, making it a good option for a starter digital piano. The built in Metronome is one features you won’t find on the Rockjam.
Alesis Recital 88-key
Major Features
Full-Featured Digital Piano
The Alesis Recital 88-key digital piano is a fully-featured unit that has been built specifically for beginners. With this piano, you get the perfect combination of user-friendliness and plenty of sound options and features.
Premium Sounds
The Recital 88-Key digital piano features up to 5 premium sounds along with chorus and reverb options. These options make it easier for beginners to learn their favorite songs.
Education Features
The Recital 88-Key digital piano boasts of a host of education features that are focused on beginners. Features such as split, layer, standard, and lesson modes, along with a 3-month Skoove subscription, makes it a great choice for beginners.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Full-size semi-weighted keys
- 5 Premium Voices
- 128 polyphony
- 60 demos
- 2 built-in speakers
- Educational features
- 3-month Skoove subscription
- Portable design
Cons
- Not as portable as others
The Bottom Line
The Alesis Recital 88-Key digital piano is an excellent starter piano. It offers users plenty of sound options, including chorus, reverb options. The piano comes with 2 built-in speakers and a sustain pedal. You also get headphones for private practice along the RCA outputs. All of these features make the Alesis Recital 88-key digital piano a must-have for beginners.
Alesis Recital Pro
Major Features
Built-in Sounds and Effects
The Alesis Recital Pro comes with 12 built-in voices, which makes it easier for beginner piano players to play their favorite tunes. There’s also up to 6 instrument sounds, each of which comes with two variations. The instruments that have been included in the Pro are organ, synth, electric piano, harpsichord, acoustic bass and, of course, the piano. All you have to do is press down on any one of the 6 voice buttons to access these incredible effects.
Three-Level Touch Sensitivity
The Alesis Recital Pro keyboard comes with three levels of touch sensitivity. This makes it a great option for beginners since it helps the player get comfortable with the keys at multiple levels of sensitivity. The Alesis Recital Pro also comes with a fixed velocity setting, which is a feature usually only reserved for premium-quality digital pianos.
Fully Weighted Keys
The Alesis Recital Pro boasts of an 88-key keyboard. What makes this keyboard unique is that the keys have been fully weighted. This means that the player gets to enjoy the same level of responsiveness as when playing an acoustic piano.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The Alesis Keyboard Features weighted full-sized keys
- Comes with a small LED screen on the top panel
- Optimal sound performance
- Multiple connectivity options
- Large music database and onboard song library
Cons
- No modulation and pitch bend wheel
- Only allowed to record one song at a time
The Bottom Line Alesis Recital Pro
What makes the Alesis Recital Pro the go-to choice for many beginners as well as experienced pianists is the number of features that it offers. While you would have to pay an arm and a leg to get some of these features on other big-name brands, the Recital Pro allows you to get all of these features at a modest price. This makes it the smart choice for beginners as well as experienced pianists who are looking for a digital piano that gives them plenty of sound options and features on a budget.
Major Similarities Between RockJam and Alesis Keyboards
When it comes to RockJam vs. Alesis, There are plenty of similarities between the RockJam and Alesis digital pianos that are available in the market today, which could make choosing between the two difficult. Both offer budget digital pianos that give you great value for money.
Both brands provide high-quality products with all the bells and whistles that you would find in big-name brands. But, the most interesting feature that both of these brands share is their price tag.
While both brands clearly want to appeal to the beginner piano player, the affordable price tag, along with plenty of options and features, makes both the Alesis and RockJam digital pianos a great choice for beginners.
Major Differences Between RockJam vs Alesis Keyboards
As mentioned, there’s not much of a difference when comparing RockJam vs. Alesis digital pianos in terms of quality and features. But, we gather from the options reviewed above, Alesis keyboards do seem to offer more variety in sound effects features as compared to RockJam pianos. On the other hand, RockJam is known for delivering premium quality products, while the quality of some features on Alesis pianos are questionable.
Overview of Rockjam vs Alesis Keyboards
For even more information about Alesis recital vs Rockjam, please review the videos below:
Conclusion
At the end of the day, when choosing between the RockJam vs. Alesis keyboard, it all comes down to your personal preference. Since both the RockJam and Alesis keyboards have been designed mainly for beginners, you can get to enjoy the same amount of features and add-ons at an affordable price.
