Yamaha P-45 vs Alesis Recital: Weighted or Semi Weighted
Yamaha P-45 or Alesis Recital? Both have 88 keys. The Yamaha has fully weighted hammer action; the Alesis is semi weighted and costs less.
Quick Answer:
Both are 88 key digital pianos at very different price points. The P-45 uses graded hammer action, which means the keys are heavier at the bass end just as on a real piano, and it is what a piano teacher will recommend. The Alesis Recital is semi weighted and considerably cheaper, which makes it a reasonable entry if the budget will not reach the Yamaha.
| Factor | Yamaha P-45 | Alesis Recital |
|---|---|---|
| Keys | 88, graded hammer action * | 88, semi weighted |
| Feel against a real piano | Close * | Noticeably lighter |
| Builds correct finger strength | Yes * | Partially |
| Typical price | Around 400 dollars | Around 260 dollars * |
| Sound quality | Good Yamaha piano samples * | Adequate |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter * |
| Sustain pedal | Included | Included with some bundles |
| Teacher acceptance | High * | Mixed |
* Indicates better option for that factor
What graded hammer action means
On an acoustic piano the bass strings are heavier and the hammers larger, so the low keys feel heavier than the high ones. Graded hammer action reproduces that. The practical effect is that a student develops the finger strength and control that transfers to a real piano, which is the point of practising at home on a digital instrument. A semi weighted keyboard feels lighter throughout and does not build that in the same way.
Where the Alesis makes sense
If the choice is between a semi weighted 88 key piano and no instrument, or between semi weighted and a 61 key keyboard, the Alesis is a sensible purchase. Eighty eight keys means the student never runs out of range, and semi weighted is a meaningful step up from unweighted. It is a compromise made for a good reason rather than a bad instrument.
What a teacher will say
Most piano teachers ask for 88 fully weighted keys and a sustain pedal, and they ask because a student practising on a light action develops habits that have to be undone later. If lessons are already booked, ask the teacher before buying, since their answer is worth more than any comparison. Many will accept a semi weighted instrument for a first year and few will recommend it beyond that.
Neither replaces an acoustic piano
A digital piano is a practical answer to space, cost, tuning and neighbours, and it is not the same instrument. The touch and the way the sound decays differ, and a student who progresses will notice. That is a reasonable trade for most households, and the digital against acoustic piano page on this site works through it in full.
Our Verdict
If piano lessons are the plan and the budget allows, buy the P-45. Fully weighted action is what a teacher expects and it is the difference between practice that transfers to a real piano and practice that partly does not. Buy the Alesis Recital if the budget stops short of the Yamaha, and treat it as a first instrument rather than a long term one.
We review them on their own too, in full detail: the Alesis Recital Pro MKII and the Yamaha P225 .
The two instruments compared
Yamaha 88 key weighted portable digital piano
~$400
Check price on AmazonComparison based on published manufacturer specifications, current listings and the general consensus of verified owner reviews. We have not played these instruments ourselves and do not claim to have. Confirm current specifications and prices before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is semi weighted good enough for lessons?
For a first year, often yes, and many teachers will accept it while preferring fully weighted. Beyond that the lighter action starts to hold a student back, particularly in pieces requiring control at volume. Ask the teacher, because their expectations are what the student will be graded against.
Do I need a stand and a bench?
Yes, and they matter more than people expect. Playing at the wrong height causes poor wrist position, which is uncomfortable and can cause injury over time. An adjustable bench and a stable stand at keyboard height are part of the real cost of a digital piano and should be in the budget from the start.
Can these be used with headphones?
Both have a headphone socket, which is one of the strongest arguments for a digital piano over an acoustic. Silent practice at any hour removes the neighbour problem and lets a student practise for as long as they want. It is also worth having a decent pair of headphones, since the built in speakers on budget pianos are the weakest part.
How was this comparison researched?
From published manufacturer specifications, current listings, the consensus of verified owner reviews, and what piano teachers publish about home practice instruments. We have not played these instruments ourselves and do not claim to have. The action guidance here reflects teacher consensus rather than personal experience.
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