Donner
DEP-20
$380
Amazon's budget weighted piano with 50W speakers
8.6 Beginner 6.0 Night Practice 5.5 Portability 5.8 Touch Reality 7.2 Value
88 11.6 kg
View Details Alesis
Alesis Recital Grand Review
Alesis finally adds real hammer action — and 256-note polyphony
88 Keys 14 kg graded hammer action Beginner
Scores
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
8.4| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | Yes | +1.5 |
| App Connectivity | No | +0 |
| Recording | Yes | +1 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | Yes | +0.3 |
| Preset Songs | 50 | +1.5 |
| Sound Variety | 16 sounds | +0.3 |
Night Practice
6.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 | +2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm, 6.3mm | +1 |
| Headphone Optimization | No | +0 |
| Key Action Quietness | graded hammer action | +0.5 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
Portability
5.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 14 kg | +0 |
| Width | 1283 mm | +0 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
6.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | graded hammer action (grade 5) | +3 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 256 notes | +1.5 |
| Sound Modeling | No | +0 |
| Key Surface | matte | +0 |
Our Verdict
The Recital Grand is the upgrade the Recital Pro needed: genuine graded hammer action, 256-note polyphony that outclasses instruments twice its price, 40W speakers, and dual 6.3mm headphone jacks — all for around $400.
Pros
- • Graded hammer action — a real step up from the Recital Pro's basic hammer action
- • 256-note polyphony — the highest in this price range, handles complex pedaling with ease
- • 40W speakers — powerful and clear for home practice
- • Dual 6.3mm headphone jacks — both are full-size studio connections
- • Lesson function with 50 preset songs for guided learning
- • Recording function to capture and review your practice
- • Stereo line output for connecting to external speakers or PA
Cons
- • No Bluetooth — neither audio nor MIDI
- • Only 16 sounds — basic selection with limited variety
- • No app connectivity — cannot connect to learning apps wirelessly
- • 14kg is heavier than the Recital Pro — less portable
- • Matte key surface without ivory-feel coating
- • Budget brand — tone quality lags behind Yamaha, Roland, and Kawai at this price
The Recital Grand is Alesis's most serious digital piano to date. The 256-note polyphony is a standout feature — no other instrument under $500 comes close, and it makes a real difference when you start using the sustain pedal seriously. The graded hammer action is a genuine piano-like experience, not the semi-weighted approximation of the basic Recital. Dual full-size headphone jacks and 40W speakers round out a surprisingly capable package. At $400, it competes directly with the Korg B2 and Donner DEP-20 — and the polyphony advantage gives it a unique selling point. If note-for-note fidelity during complex pieces matters to you, the Recital Grand punches well above its weight.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The graded hammer action is a significant upgrade from the Recital and Recital Pro. The keys have real weight that changes from heavy in the bass to light in the treble, teaching your fingers the proper dynamics of piano playing. The 256-note polyphony means you can hold the sustain pedal during complex passages without notes cutting off — a limitation that plagues many instruments at this price. The action is functional and honest, though it lacks the buttery smoothness of Yamaha's GHS or Casio's Smart Scaled Hammer.
Who Is This Piano For?
You've decided piano is for you and you want a proper hammer-action keyboard without spending $500+. Maybe you tried the basic Recital and now want a more authentic piano feel. The Recital Grand bridges the gap between budget keyboards and real digital pianos — it has the right kind of keys and enough polyphony for years of learning.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Graded Hammer Action |
| Polyphony | 256 notes |
| Sounds | 16 |
| Weight | 14 kg |
| Speakers | 40W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Matte |
| Sound Modeling | — |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm, 6.3mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | Yes |
| Lesson Function | Yes |
| App Connectivity | No |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 50 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1283×295×100 mm |
| Stand Included | No |
| Pedal Included | Yes |
Recommended Accessories
🪑
Stand
Stand not included (sold separately)
A sturdy X-stand or furniture-style stand is essential if one isn't included.
🎧
Headphones
Closed-back headphones with good bass response make practice sessions more enjoyable.
🎹
Sustain Pedal
The included pedal is usually basic. A half-damper pedal upgrade is worthwhile for expressive playing.
💺
Bench
An adjustable-height bench helps maintain proper posture during long practice sessions.
How It Compares
Recital Grand vs DEP-20
The Recital Grand scores higher in Night Practice, while the DEP-20 edges ahead in Portability. Choose the Recital Grand if you prioritize quiet practice.
Donner DEP-20 →Recital Grand vs SP4200
The Recital Grand scores higher in Night Practice and Portability and Touch Reality. Choose the Recital Grand if you prioritize quiet practice.
Medeli SP4200 →Recital Grand vs Allegro IV
The Recital Grand scores higher in Night Practice and Portability and Value. Choose the Recital Grand if you prioritize quiet practice.
Williams Allegro IV →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Alesis Recital Grand good for beginners?
Yes. The Alesis Recital Grand scores 8.4/10 on our Beginner scale, which means it has strong learning features like lesson modes, app connectivity, and built-in songs to help new players get started.
Does the Alesis Recital Grand have Bluetooth?
No, the Alesis Recital Grand does not have Bluetooth. You'll need a USB cable for app connectivity.
How heavy is the Alesis Recital Grand?
The Alesis Recital Grand weighs 14 kg (31 lbs). It scores 5/10 on our Portability scale. This is manageable for occasional moves but not truly portable.
Can I use headphones with the Alesis Recital Grand?
Yes. The Alesis Recital Grand has 2 headphone jacks (6.3mm, 6.3mm). It scores 6.5/10 on our Night Practice scale.
How many keys does the Alesis Recital Grand have?
The Alesis Recital Grand has a full 88-key keyboard, the same as an acoustic piano. This gives you the complete range for any piece of music.
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8.6 Beginner 6.0 Night Practice 4.5 Portability 5.3 Touch Reality 7.1 Value
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