Alesis Recital – 88 Key Digital Piano Keyboard with Semi Weighted Keys, 2x20W Speakers, 5 Voices, Split, Layer and Lesson Mode, FX and Piano Lessons

6 MONTH UPDATE:So, I have had this piano now for close to 6 months and couldn't be happier. Just the starter piano you would give a child to get them started. Sound quality and volume is fantastic. Only gripe so far has been that keys aren't as well weighted but for the price, that is easy to overlook.I noticed that several reviewers have issues with the volume and have returned the piano because it wasn't loud enough and Alesis is to sorely blame for that. Turns out that the Piano has 5 different volume levels and:1. The default Factory settings are not set at the 'loudest'.2. It is easy to set the volume to a different level unknowingly (If you enter Advanced Functions mode inadvertently/ younger kids do that when playing with the keys, pressing the middle C (the most frequently used keys) will put the piano to its lowest volume level.)Here are the steps to get the Piano into its loudest volume level1. Press the Metronome and Lesson keys simultaneously to enter Advanced Functions mode. The two keys should light up.2. Press the E3 Key once. It should make click sound (it won't play the instrument) sound.3. Press the Metronome and Lesson keys simultaneously again to exit Advanced Functions mode.4. Your piano should be set to the loudest volume now.Do try these steps before you consider returning this piano. Its a nifty little instrument, the Alesis!==========================I was looking around for a good piano for my 5 year old daughter to practice at home as she has just started with Piano lessons. My 2 other shortlists were the Yamaha P71 ($399) and the Casio Previa PX 160 ($499). Ultimately, decided on the Alesis based on the reviews and espeically the price as it was less than half the cost of the other 2. My thinking was that once she develops some skill at playing and retains her interest in learning the piano, we could always upgrade to a better one.Once I got the piano, I couldn't be happier. What I really liked was:1. Good sound, especially for the Piano.2. Semi-weighted keys offer good feel and volume response.3. Very light and easy to cart around4. Included Power adapter.5. And of course, the price for a full 88-Key Piano - you can't beat that.Things that I feel could be improved are:1. Volume - one needs to keep the volume control at around 75% to 80% of the max volume setting to get decent sound.2. It has a ton of features that can be customized, like Tempo, Metronome, Metronome Volume, etc. but all of these need to be accessed using a combination of Piano keys. Very difficult to remember and I find myself opening the user manual every now and then.

New -- check out the recent youtube demo video they posted:youtube dot com/watch?v=Wpbj9Mi4AAAThis is a super value, a full-size 88-key digital piano that works very well. Sound quality is excellent; the piano & other patches are solid. Key action is in between a keyboard & hammer-action; good spring action. It's full-size fun. At 15 pounds, it's solid and doesn't slip around, it's built strong and sturdy.I've been a lifelong keyboard player, since my Roland D-50 and Alesis HR16/MMT8 in the 80s (all of which still work fine).I was looking for a starter digital piano, and this one is a new release. I normally never buy new-release Anything with no reviews. but I thought I'd take a chance on this, and I'm glad I did. Just got it today and thought I'd write this to help anyone on the fence (and as a thanks to Alesis, I've enjoyed the HR16/MMT8 drum mach/sequencer for decades).The 2 main criteria I wanted are:a) piano sound: how realistic, the timbre and depth? This one is as good or better than my $1k pro keyboards. I'll likely make a review video soon so you can all hear. Much better than expected piano sound; pro-quality at a consumer price, super value.b) key action: how solid, responsive, playable? I'm impressed, very pro build quality, solid and fun to play. I've just played it 2 hours today and am thrilled. Solid, responsive and sounds great. And I really like they are full-size keys, a must.I like the ease-of-use in layering 2 patches (like piano/synth), for different sounds; for variety, though mostly all I care about is the piano sound, which is superb. . Walter, your product review video sold me; thanks Alesis team for an affordable high-quality dp. Also the velocity sensitivity is excellent, a must-have for a digital piano.Highly recommended, very good playability, tone, features & value. Bravo Alesis, thanks. Worth a lot more than they're asking, it's a very satisfying instrument at a great price.-Ken