Alesis Coda Pro 88-Key Digital Piano with Hammer-Action Keys

Excellent Digital Piano

I recently decided to start playing the piano again after many years and wanted a full size 88 key digital piano which would allow me to play with headphones at any time and not disturb the family and have a sound and feel close to an acoustic upright when not wearing headphones. I ordered the Alesis Coda Pro without having seen or played in person (not on display at local stores), but based on reviews I had read. I also ordered the separate Alesis stand, shown in my pictures (note the floor speakers and bench in the photos were not Alesis and were purchased separately). I only recently purchased so I cannot comment on long term reliability, though my initial impression is that this is solid and well made. I recommend buying the separate Alesis stand designed for use with this piano IF your intent is to keep the piano in one location. If you plan on “gigging” outside the home, a more portable option would be recommended. In summary, this is a VERY nice piano and deserves consideration in comparison to some of the more well known brands. I must say I have fallen in love with this piano. The piano has many features, but I will touch upon the ones important to me: PROS 1. Fully Hammer weighted keys - This was very important to me to have a realistic piano key feel. The keys feel very solid, do not “wiggle”, or feel like cheap plastic. The action is wonderful and responsive. Love how when I push on the keys it has a weight and feel very close to an acoustic piano. This was the most important requirement for me and a deal breaker if the piano did not “feel” right. Keys are also touch sensitive (more pressure on keys = louder sound) 2. Sound is very nice and rich. I am only interested in piano and organ voices, but there are also many other voices for creativity. Sound is not as technically as crisp as a Yamaha (IMO), but this is not a bad thing. This was mentioned in another review I read and I have to agree as well. 3. The speakers that come with the piano are good, but not very loud at highest setting. In order to really bring out the rich sound, I attached two powered computer speakers to the piano and placed on the floor under the stand. I found by putting under the piano, it simulates the sound of the vertical strings of upright piano. In other words, makes the sound come from the right place in addition to adding volume. See my photo with this review 4. Has a metronome. 5. Allows variations in touch sensitivity. 6. Has a classic black look. (I am not a fan of silver colored techno looking pianos) 7. Front earplug jacks, rather than rear. 8. Alesis, while not as well known, has been around for years and part of a much large music conglomerate called “Inmusic”. 9. Great value and features at this price point, including features found on pianos much more expensive. 10. Recording/playback feature. 11. Variable reverb (sound echo feature that simulates playing in a large venue with sound echoing off the walls) CONS 1. While not a big deal, I wish the piano would save the last settings when the piano is turned off. The piano resets back to default settings each time the piano is turned back on. Again, not a big deal as the default settings are ok for what I do. 2. Would have liked an LCD display of all settings rather than a red digital display. Again, not a big deal, just a preference.

TexanBill . Review provider: walmart.com