Yamaha P71 vs Alesis Recital Pro
Quick Verdict
For beginners deciding between the Yamaha P71 and Alesis Recital Pro, the choice depends on what you need out of the box. The P71 includes a sustain pedal and power supply and offers a trusted Yamaha grand piano voice with simple one button control, but its listing omits polyphony, speaker wattage, and connectivity. The Alesis includes no pedal, but it publishes 128 note polyphony, two 20 watt speakers, USB MIDI, and battery operation at a known 23.1 pounds. Choose the P71 for Yamaha's weighted action and included accessories, or choose the Alesis for louder speakers and published portability on a tight budget.
| Spec | Yamaha P71 | Alesis Recital Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Keys | 88 | N/A |
| Key action | Weighted action, touch sensitive (listing does not name the specific mechanism) | N/A |
| Polyphony | Not published in listing | 128 notes |
| Sounds | 10 voices | N/A |
| Speakers | Not published in listing | 2 x 20 W |
| Connectivity | Not published in listing | N/A |
| Bluetooth | Not published in listing | No |
| Pedals included | Sustain pedal | N/A |
| Weight | Not published in listing | 23.1 lb (10.5 kg) per listing |
| Included accessories | Sustain pedal and power supply | N/A |
| Key Action | N/A | Hammer action, 88 full-size keys |
| Sound Engine | N/A | Sampled voices |
| Voices | N/A | 12 |
| USB | N/A | USB MIDI |
| Pedals | N/A | Sustain input (pedal not included) |
| Form Factor | N/A | Portable, battery capable |
Key Action
Both models provide 88 full-size keys. The Yamaha P71 uses weighted touch sensitive action, but the listing does not name the specific mechanism. The Alesis Recital Pro uses hammer action with 88 full-size keys. The P71's key action score is 24 out of 30, while the Alesis scores 20 out of 30, according to the supplied breakdown.
The Alesis hammer action is described in its cons as heavier and less refined than Yamaha, Casio, or Roland. This suggests that the P71 may offer a more polished feel despite the unspecified mechanism. For buyers who want a named hammer action on paper, the Alesis is clear. For buyers who trust Yamaha's weighted touch, the P71 is the better scored option.
For a beginner, both actions will feel heavier than a synth keyboard, which is appropriate for building finger strength. The Alesis explicitly says hammer action, which is the closest to an acoustic piano mechanism named here. The P71 only says weighted touch sensitive, so it is less clear whether the weighting is graded or uniform. That uncertainty matters if you want a specific action type.
Piano Sound and Speakers
The Yamaha P71 includes 10 voices, with a Yamaha grand piano voice among them. It also has dual mode for layering two voices. However the listing does not publish polyphony or speaker wattage for the P71. The Alesis Recital Pro has 12 sampled voices, 128 note polyphony, and two 20 watt speakers.
The Alesis publishes much more audio information, including loud built-in speakers suitable for practice without headphones. The P71 relies on Yamaha's voice quality and scores higher for piano sound at 20 out of 25, compared to 16 out of 25 for the Alesis. Without speaker specs, the P71's output volume is unknown from the listing.
Polyphony matters when you use the sustain pedal and hold many notes. The Alesis has 128 note polyphony, so it can handle dense passages without cutting off earlier notes. The P71 does not publish polyphony, so you cannot confirm whether it handles complex pedal use as well. Speaker power on the Alesis is a known quantity at 2 x 20 watts, while the P71 remains unspecified.
Features and Modes
The Yamaha P71 focuses on a small set of features: 10 voices, dual mode for layering two sounds, and simple one button operation. There is no LCD screen, Bluetooth, or app support described in the listing. The Alesis Recital Pro offers 12 voices, an LCD screen for adjusting settings, USB MIDI, and battery operation for portable use. The Alesis listing does not mention a layering mode.
The LCD screen on the Alesis may make it easier for beginners to see their selected voice and change settings. The P71 relies on button combinations, which can be less obvious but still simple. According to the supplied scoring, the P71 earns 11 out of 15 for features, while the Alesis earns 10 out of 15. Neither piano has Bluetooth, so app based control is absent from both.
The P71's dual mode allows layering two voices, which can be useful for practice and creativity. The Alesis does not mention layering in its supplied facts, so that feature is unconfirmed. The LCD screen on the Alesis is a clear advantage for navigating the 12 voices and other settings, while the P71 relies on button combinations that may require reading the manual.
Build, Design and Portability
The Alesis Recital Pro is listed at 23.1 pounds, or 10.5 kilograms, and is described as portable and battery capable. The Yamaha P71 does not publish weight or dimensions in its listing, so its portability cannot be verified from the supplied facts. The Alesis build and portability score is 9 out of 10, while the P71 scores 7 out of 10.
For moving the piano between rooms or taking it to a lesson, the Alesis has a clear published advantage because of its weight and battery operation. The P71 may still be portable, but the listing does not say. The P71 includes a power supply and sustain pedal, while the Alesis does not include a pedal, which is a minor difference for setup but not portability.
If the piano will stay in one room, the P71's unpublished weight and dimensions may not matter much. If you plan to carry it to lessons or play in different rooms, the Alesis has published portability facts. The Alesis battery capability means you can use it outdoors or where outlets are scarce, while the P71 listing does not mention battery power.
Connectivity
The Alesis Recital Pro publishes its connectivity clearly: USB MIDI, quarter-inch line outputs, and a sustain pedal input. It explicitly has no Bluetooth. The Yamaha P71 listing does not publish any connectivity details at all, so ports such as USB, MIDI, audio line out, or headphone jacks are unknown from the supplied facts.
Both models receive a connectivity score of 6 out of 10 in the breakdown. The Alesis earns that score with basic USB MIDI and audio outputs but no wireless option. The P71 likely has standard practice connections, but because the listing omits them, buyers who need confirmed USB or audio outputs should choose the Alesis or verify the P71 elsewhere. No Bluetooth is listed for either.
The Alesis quarter-inch line outputs let you connect to an external amplifier or PA system for performance. USB MIDI allows connecting to a computer for music software, which is a practical advantage for recording. The P71's omitted connectivity means you cannot confirm these options without checking a separate source. Buyers who need recording or live output should lean toward the Alesis based on published facts.
Setup and Accessories
The Yamaha P71 includes a sustain pedal and a power supply in the box, which means you can plug in and play after adding a stand or table. Its one button operation makes initial setup straightforward. The Alesis Recital Pro does not include a sustain pedal; it has a sustain input, so you need to buy a pedal separately. The Alesis listing does not state whether a power supply is included, but it is battery capable.
The Alesis LCD screen can guide you through setup menus, which may be helpful for changing voices or adjusting settings. The P71 relies on simpler controls with fewer options. Neither listing mentions a stand, bench, or headphones, so those are likely separate purchases for both. The included pedal on the P71 is a practical advantage for piano practice.
A sustain pedal is essential for many piano pieces, and the P71 includes one, which saves an immediate purchase. The Alesis requires a separate pedal, which adds cost and an extra step before full practice. The Alesis LCD screen may make setup easier for some, but the missing pedal is a real drawback for a beginner on a budget.
Daily Use
For daily practice, the Yamaha P71 offers a focused experience with 10 voices and dual mode layering. The included sustain pedal supports expressive playing, and the one button operation means you can start quickly. The unknown speaker wattage means volume for room filling practice cannot be confirmed from the listing.
The Alesis Recital Pro is designed for self-contained practice with two 20 watt speakers that provide clear volume without external amplification. Its 128 note polyphony prevents note dropout during sustained passages, and the battery operation lets you play where there is no outlet. The heavier hammer action may feel more tiring over long sessions, and the missing pedal means sustain is not available out of the box.
Both instruments work for beginners and returning players. The P71 suits those who want a Yamaha piano voice and simple controls. The Alesis suits those who want louder built-in speakers and visible settings. Neither has Bluetooth, so practice stays with onboard sounds and wired headphones if desired.
The Deciding Question
The central question is whether you prioritize published hardware specifications and output power or a trusted brand voice and out of box completeness. The Alesis Recital Pro tells you its hammer action, polyphony, speaker wattage, weight, battery capability, and ports. The Yamaha P71 omits several of those details but includes a sustain pedal and power supply and carries the Yamaha grand piano voice.
If you need guaranteed loud practice and the ability to move the piano with battery power, the Alesis answers that question directly with 20 watt speakers and a 23.1 pound portable build. If you want a simple weighted Yamaha with a pedal included and can live without published polyphony or speaker specs, the P71 is the more straightforward choice. The overall scores are close at 78 for the P71 and 76 for the Alesis, so the difference is narrow.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you need full transparency on specs or you are comfortable with a simpler, less documented instrument that still carries a strong piano brand. The Alesis gives you more information and louder speakers, while the P71 gives you a Yamaha voice and included accessories. Both are valid for different learner needs.
Who Should Buy Which
Choose the Yamaha P71 if you are a beginner or returning player who wants an 88 key weighted touch sensitive instrument with a Yamaha grand piano voice, dual mode, and one button operation. It is also the right pick if you want a sustain pedal and power supply included in the box. Avoid the P71 if you need published polyphony, speaker output, Bluetooth, or detailed connectivity before you buy.
Choose the Alesis Recital Pro if you are on a strict budget and want hammer action keys, 128 note polyphony, loud 20 watt speakers, an LCD screen, USB MIDI, quarter-inch outputs, and battery operation. Avoid the Alesis if you want a refined graded action, app connectivity, or a sustain pedal included.
In short, the P71 is for players who trust Yamaha's core piano experience and prefer simplicity. The Alesis is for players who want the most published features and volume for the least money and can accept a heavier, less refined action and a separate pedal purchase.
Yamaha P71
Pros
- 88 weighted touch sensitive keys
- Yamaha grand piano voice among 10 sounds
- Dual mode for layering two voices
- Simple one button operation
- Sustain pedal and power supply included
- Lower mid-range price for a weighted Yamaha
Cons
- Listing omits polyphony, speaker power, and connectivity details
- No Bluetooth or app support described
- Only a single sustain pedal included
- No published weight or dimensions
- Limited 10 voice sound set
Alesis Recital Pro
Pros
- Hammer action at the lowest price in this guide
- Powerful 2 x 20 W speakers
- LCD screen makes settings easy
- Quarter-inch line outputs and battery operation
Cons
- Action is heavier and less refined than Yamaha, Casio or Roland
- Only twelve voices and no Bluetooth
- No pedal in the box
Who Should Buy Each
Yamaha P71
- Beginners who want weighted keys without many extras
- Parents seeking a simple practice instrument for piano lessons
- Players who prioritize Yamaha piano tone over a large sound library
- Anyone who wants a focused piano replacement with included pedal and power supply
Alesis Recital Pro
- You want weighted keys on a strict budget
- You need speakers loud enough for a living room
- You want a screen rather than hold-and-press settings
Quick Decision Guide
| If you need a named hammer action and published portability with battery power | Choose Alesis Recital Pro |
| If you want a Yamaha grand piano voice and a sustain pedal included in the box | Choose Yamaha P71 |
| If you need loud built-in speakers and an LCD screen for easy settings | Choose Alesis Recital Pro |
| If you prefer simple one button operation and dual mode voice layering | Choose Yamaha P71 |
| If you need USB MIDI and quarter-inch line outputs for recording or performance | Choose Alesis Recital Pro |
FAQ
About This Comparison
Mandrillis Team
The Mandrillis editorial team researches and compares audio and music gear using manufacturer documentation, verified specs and real buyer feedback, so you can make a confident purchase without wading through marketing claims.
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