🎹Alesis Melody 61 vs RockJam RJ561 vs Casio LK-S250 61-Key Portable Keyboard Review & Demo🎹
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- Опубликовано: 19 окт 2024
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#Alesis #RockJam #Casio
Hello everyone, and welcome to another piano comparison video here at the Merriam Pianos RUclips channel. This video will be a little bit different for us as instead of comparing 88-note digital pianos like we usually do, we’ll be comparing three different non-weighted, 61 note keyboards - the Alesis Melody 61, RockJam RJ561 and the Casio LK-S250.
This part of the market is a common entry point for lots of people, so this video should prove helpful to many as these are three of the most popular entry level keyboards on the market.
If this is your first time to the channel, please like, subscribe and hit the notification bell!
Overview
All three of these keyboards are available for under $200 CAD, and each one is a great way to introduce you or your child to piano for the first time. None of these would of course be appropriate for piano lessons, but are perfectly fine as an introductory instrument.
Piano Sound
There’s very different piano sounds coming out of all three instruments. In terms of authenticity, the Alesis seems to be the least authentic, the RockJam slightly better, and the Casio the best of the three.
That said, there is a notable flaw with the RockJam sound engine; the RJ561 has limited polyphony, as well as a delay from the sound engine whenever multiple notes are played at once. This prevents the RockJam from being used in any type of professional situation, where the Casio and Alesis could conceivably be used for professional applications.
Piano Action
When it comes to the action, the Alesis has a more satisfying touch than the RockJam, but the Casio once again shines as the best of the three with the most realistic feeling action. It bears repeating that even the Casio wouldn’t be appropriate for serious piano study - a weighted, 88-note action is required for that - but of the three, it’s got the edge.
User Interface
The user interface and layout are definitely a bit lacking on the Alesis, and you’ll probably need to spend a fair bit of time with the manual. The RockJam on the other had has an excellent, well laid out, easy to navigate user interface that won’t require much if any time with the manual.
The Casio has a dynamic LCD screen that’s executed very well. Even navigating complex features like auto-accompaniment is super easy on the Casio. Once again, it’s the best of the three.
Lesson Functions
All three instruments have a built-in lesson function, and yet again, the Casio shines. The keys actually light up as an interactive guide that will be super helpful to young learners.
Features
The Alesis has a mic input as well as a headphone port. The RockJam has exactly the same two inputs. Neither has a sustain pedal option, but each does offer a sustain button.
The Casio actually has a sustain pedal option which is a nice feature, as well as a mic input, headphone jack, USB port and an Audio In option. The Casio is also MIDI compatible.
All three are battery operated, but can also be powered via a DC adapter.
Summary
Musically, there isn’t much of a contest here - the Casio is in a completely different league than the other two in every single category. You might be asking why on Earth all three are priced almost the same? We’d assume it’s probably because of the bundles you get with the Rockjam and Alesis - both come with a stand, bench and headphones, while the Casio comes with the keyboard only.
Conclusions
If musical potential is the most important thing to you, the Casio is a no brainer here as the best option. If the value of the bundle is important to you, it might make sense to go with the Alesis or RockJam. We hope this video has been helpful.
Thanks for watching!
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For the melody 61 you have to change the tune. That’s why it sounds like that. The regular piano sound is set to 001. In this video it is set to 120.
Merci pour ce commentaire, oui c’est vrai vous me conseiller de le régler sur 001 pour faire de meilleurs sons ?
1:12 Rockjam
4:45 Alesis
5:46 Casio
Thanks this was helpful 😊
🙂
A very fair comparison with great real-world consideration for price. This is easily one of the best digital piano channels on the internet...
Super detailed and love the comparison. You're right that for lots of people, when thinking about starting with a piano, these are the entries. This is the only review I could find doing a comparison between the 3, and you've touched on the most important points. Great video! Thank you so much for this review!
I was going to buy the Alesis and when searching RUclips, i saw this very professional and helpful video... Thank you so Much
, Now i will choose wisely!.
This video has helped us so much.
We decided on the Casio after watching, but it was quite a bit more expensive as we got it with stand and headphones etc as a learners package.
But clearly worth it. A great sounding keyboard.
Thanks for the video.
Great stuff.
thanks for the help! I think ill buy casio now!
Same I was gonna buy the rockjam but now im buying the Casio after the vid
Just bought the Alesis due to brand familiarity. But Casio is def the better board. Will be returning the Alesis. Thanks a bunch for taking the time to do this video! Nailed it.
Amazing comparison!
Though, in Europe, these Rockjam and Alesis models cost around 80 euros each, but Casio costs around 200 euros. And that probably explains the difference. So, imho it would be better to compare Casio with Yamaha Ez-220 - as they are in the same price range, both have lighted keys and usb and are midi-compatible - so they are great to use with Synthesia.
But anyway this is a very good comparison - thank you a lot for it.
From time to time I find myself thinking about buying a cheap piano - and after your video I realise that I shouldn't do it, as I will suffer more than I possibly could enjoy with that cheap sound.
So glad I came to this review I was about to get the Melody 61
You're not getting the Melody 61 anyone? There's a price difference in the two. I'm still getting the Melody 61
@@metroworldtv7712 You got it in the end? How does it sound/feel?
Great review and comparison. And yes, this IS my "first taste of the piano". Start cheap, get skills, and grow my craft is my goal. I bought the Alesis 61 for $106 USD. No output is a downside.
I didn't even know John Cusack could play piano. Thanks for all of the info!
After listening to these instruments and evaluating the touch, I feel less ashamed of my Yamaha NP32 😂😂
Thanks for the video and looking forward to the next one !
Good comparison. Went with the Casio for $119.99 delivered. Thanks.
Wow, ours first digital keyboard was a Casio (and is still is), I think we made a best choice 20 years ago. That was a honest and great review.
A superb presentation. Comprehensive, and professionally delivered. Would be worth paying for such valuable insight. Thanks.
Thank you so much! We're glad that you enjoyed the review! :)
Great video - thank you. I'm a 64 year old Brit just starting to learn piano after 50 years of guitar playing. I'm now off to buy the Casio!
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! You're very welcome! Congrats on taking the plunge into the world of piano playing! Having been a guitar player first myself, I can certainly attest to the fact that the transition is not too daunting and incredibly rewarding! :)
Such a great channel. Although not in the market for one of these keyboards, i really enjoyed the comparison. If possible, I'd love to see an in depth video on the MP7SE.
Very detailed and knowledgeable review. Thank you! This is my choice for future advice on keyboards. Already subscribed.
thank you for this review, but while the Casio is the clear winner, its worth noting its £100 more expensive than the other 2
Really looking forward, Stu, to your review of Kawai es520. Your analysis is often the most thorough & meticulous on RUclips.
Great comparisons and easy to follow along. Learned a lot and very impressed by the pros and cons demonstrations.
Thanks a lot for this excellent explanation of each of these 3 music keyboards. I really appreciate it because right now I´m in the exact point to choose one of these 3 and you clarify it perfectly!!!
You're very welcome! We're happy to hear that you found the video helpful. :)
Thank you! As a piano student, this was very helpful.
Thanks for that very good and professional review that’s what I was looking for before buying one to my daughter!
The casio has NO clacking sounds unlike the other two, their clacking keys greatly interfer with hearing the notes at all..
That was so helpful. It is definitely the Casio for me! Thank you.
Thank you for this comprehensive comparison. Of course seems like you could play and make a bumpy boulder sound good, but I have decided on the Casio based on your excellent comparison of features, cost, and benefits. Well presented and engaging.
Oh, and yes, my kid and I laughed at “E flat never sounded so good” 😂
Hi! Brent here! Thank you for tuning in! We're glad you enjoyed the comparison and Stu's playing! Thanks again and happy playing! :)
You also play very nicely! I just ordered 2 Alessis bundles for my 3 year old grandson and for my 3 year old great granddaughter. I would have loved a Casio, but, my budget was beer xD. They both love to play a toy piano so I thought it would be better than toys. That Casio sounds beautiful, maybe next time...Thanks
You're very welcome! We're glad you enjoyed the video comparison! The Alesis will certainly be a meaningful upgrade! Wishing your grandson and great granddaughter all the best with their musical journey! :)
I was thinking on the rockjam but the difference on the casino is too obvious. I rather pay with card a better keyboard! I was only thinking of getting into piano again (I played a little when I was a child) because I'm feeling stressed out and I'm inclined into doing something relaxing like playing piano, but even as a hobby the difference of quality is blatant by this video
I just bought Alesis melody61 in Amazon for my 5yo boy Bday this coming Christmas eve.
Thank you very much for this review. You saved me really valuable time here.
Thank you so much for this review! It helped me choose which keyboard to get so this was absolutely helpful
I know nothing about pianos but I think the Casio sounds the best. LOL I think I'm going to buy one. I play guitar and I love that instrument but I want to learn the piano too
Thanks for the video, my wife wants to learn piano and now i know- thanks to you, what i need for her thansk
Thank you Stu, your video has been most helpful in me decided which piano to buy.
Thank you for this review. I have made my choice to spend a bit more and get the Casio. Thanks for the help
The interesting thing with keyboards like the Alesis and Rock Jam is that they aren't using original chips for the sounds. The melody 61 actually uses a variation on a Holtek chip design that has been around for years. These chips use a quality cut version of one of the old yamaha xg sound sets with different chips sounding slightly different and stuff like that. I'm not sure what the Rock Jam one uses, but most of the sounds on there ar: the same cut down roland sound canvas sounds found on the software midi synths built into modern operating systems. Even the chip in the alesis one steals the same sounds for the piano 2 sound setting.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks so much for tuning into the video and sharing your insights! All the best and happy playing! :)
Excellent comparison, important point, articulate, supper beneficial. Thank you.
Very informative! Thank you for helping me make an easy decision
You're very welcome! We're happy to hear that the video was helpful to you. :)
Great review. Appreciate your assistance here. Thank you.
Great review. Very thorough. Thanks a lot
You're very welcome! Thank you for tuning in! :)
Thanks man . This really helps. There's a Alesis for sale with bench and stool for £30 in 2024 near to me .But I still want a Casio at £150
You're very welcome! That is a tough call of course. A great deal is a great deal after all. If possible, I'd try out both to see which one you connect with more in terms of the musical experience.
Hi, thanks for the helpful video. Was looking for a comparison to the Yamaha YPT-270. Have you used it? If so, where would you say that lands in your ranking compared to these three? Thanks again!
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in! I have not personally tried that model, so I can't really comment on how it stacks up against these other models.
Hi stu great review from cambridgeshire England UK 🇬🇧
Thanks so much for tuning in! We appreciate that! :)
I like Alesis for my little one. Thanks for the review.
You're very welcome! Thank you so much for tuning in! :)
That was very helpful thank you for the review
Great review, very nice person.
Super helpful, thanks mate 🙏
Thank you for a great review. Going with the Casio.
You're very welcome! Thanks for tuning in! Congrats on your Casio LKS250! I'm confident you will be thrilled with it. :)
@@MerriamPianos I'm 56 years old. I don't even know how to read a note, but lately I have been hearing so much classical music and love the way it sounds on the fortepiano. Anyway, would love to play some of these beauties one day. This clip is how I got inspired, ruclips.net/video/-OWOqkUTjbE/видео.html Hope you check this out. Have a wonderful day!
great review. it starts at 4:35
Absolutely nice comparison! 5 stars
Thank you! Very helpful. Bought the Casio.
Would love to see you do a comparison of the Casio LK-S450 and Yamaha EZ300
Thanks for the suggestion! We will certainly add it to the list and do our best to tackle it! :)
@@MerriamPianos thank you!
Thanks. Great review!
Casio LK-S250 is $200 in Canada in music shops. The Casio
CT-S200 61keys is the cheaper one in the same price range as the others.
What's so much. Well, I'm 58 and I'm learning the first notes. I choose a Rock Jam on Amazon. Waiting for him, is on the way to Portugal. . Let's see hoe it goes. Personally I prefere Roland. Take care. Success
Congrats on taking the first step in learning piano! That is exciting. Enjoy your new keyboard when it arrives and happy playing! :)
@@MerriamPianos Hi Thanks so much. You play great. Is wonderful to hear you. Blessings. And thanks for your videos. I was watching your links , in case I don't like very much the Rock Jam. But I didn't find what I'm looking for yet. Let's see how it goes with Rock Jam first. :)
nice demo!!!
Thank you so much this is very helpful to me
You're very welcome! We're glad you found it helpful. :)
This video is awesome!!!! Thank you so very much👍🏾😃
You're very welcome! We're glad to hear that you enjoyed it! :)
I love your reviews! I think a Kawai ES110, ES520, ES920 would be a good comparison. Btw I’m an ES110 owner so it would be of personal interest to see what you get going up the Kawai scale in your level of depth of reviews.
This video was helpful thank you. What I really want to know is what is the organ sound like? You didn't show any of the other instrument sounds. You only played the piano sound. I want to order the casio but I would love to know what other sounds it has apart from piano.
So I am absolut beginner, no experience with music and I am over 50 but think I need something new challenging for my brain, which keybord would you recommand?
Hi there! Brent from Merriam Music here! While the options showcased in this video would be suitable starting points for an introduction into piano playing, I usually recommend considering an 88-key digital piano with a weighted touch. In addition to providing more longevity, it will give you a far more rewarding musical experience, which will help retain your interest and motivation when learning and practicing. :)
Thanks very much for this video!
@stu is there a beginner keyboard like these that has the lite up keys plus have some function to implement your favorite songs into the keyboard to learn the lighted keyboard way?
Very informative, thanks!
thanx - i was in fact going 2 go by the amazon star rating, (not the worst measure of value). it's a bit diff. price differential here in aus., &, as i already have a reasonable alesis midi 2 b getting on with my beginner lessons, i'll save my money towards the casio. gr8, informative, professional video/advice. once again, thanx.
Great mate!
Thku. This helps me out tremendously
You're most welcome! Thank you for taking the time to check out our channel. :)
Thanks! Wery helpful video
well, which is the best piano then..?
none of them have 5pol midi out? I have a Kurzweil MicroPiano which (I think) has better sounds. Can you recommend something else in this price range with old school midi out?
Hi! Brent here! There are not many modern pianos/keyboards in this price range that have a traditional 5-pin MIDI output unfortunately. None are coming to mind currently. There are a few that will have MIDI capability via USB connectivity though.
The lk-s450 is the way to go for just a little more…
Muy bien,felicidades muy clara explicación
Thanks so much! We're glad you enjoyed it! :)
Thank you!👍😁
Thanks for your video, I am choosing a Casio.
You're very welcome! Enjoy your Casio piano when it arrives! :)
Good informed video thanks
You're very welcome! :)
so from amazon which one should i buy if i first wanna try
Brent from Merriam Music here! It comes down to personal taste really. For me, the Alesis and Casio options have a better feel/touch.
Is a Dynamic keyboard?
Thank you!
The Casio sounds like a real piano but as if it were recorded through a gramophone, the alesis and the rock jam would work better as electric pianos or strings or pads, their acoustic piano sounds just don't hit it
Thank you. ❤Casio it is.
You're very welcome! The Casio LKS250 is a wonderful option! :)
Yeah, but the price of the airline ticket to get those cheap headphones has to be considered! Great review. I think its good to emphasive the learning features of these entry level units, since that is the intended use. Like did they all have lighted keys, or other learning features? I know its impossible to get into all the details.... Thanks for looking into these keyboards!
Merci!
Well a former Keyboard Dealer who used to have a Sh0p in Ipswich, Told me that he wouldn't touch the Rock jam Keyboards, They are Rubbish,,, well I recently bought a Rock Jam Keyboard from Ebay, and it is Very Run of the Mill
How many polyphony does the alesis have?
1) Casio
2) Alesis
3) Rock Jam
Yamaha - the best !
Thanks for tuning in and sharing your thoughts! :)
I am looking to buy a keyboard for my girlfriend who wants to learn piano. I can’t wait to surprise her with one😂
That is a wonderful gift! Learning piano is an amazing experience. :)
Musically criminal LOL! That's a line worth remembering! We must live in a music prison, since we are surrounded by a whole population of the musically criminal with today's "music". This is an excellent review, very helpful for the keyboard ignorant, like ME! And isn't Alesi made by Yamaha? I thought I read that on the internet, and you know the internet never lies. 😁
Haha absolutely! It is a fantastic term. :)
Thank you so much for tuning in and for your kind words about the review! We appreciate it. I don't believe Alesis is made by Yamaha. The Internet has been known to get things wrong every now and then. ;)
@@MerriamPianos 😆
I got a new piano from best choices products with headset with microphone.
THANK YOU FOR IN FO
The Casio is much more expensive now, you can't compare these keyboards apples with apples
The Casio definitely has a really impressive sound for this price point! :)
Pensei que o Alesis fosse demontar-se todo, aliás os dois lol
The Alesis is a solid keyboard, but the Casio LKS250 is also an impressive contender for the money. :)
Casio's are the sh*t. Always were, always will be.
You definitely cost me more lol I went with the Casio lol that was not my intention lol
Haha fair enough! But, I am quite confident you will be very happy with your purchase! I think the LKS250 is the best performing instrument amongst these three. :)
God I didn´t know that Edward Norton plays the piano
"I am Jack's digital piano."
@@bobleguy Marla sings while he plays piano
Casio is different from the others by far margin, Casio's rival should be Yamaha.
Casio's offering in this price category is quite impressive to say the least! :)
I'm surprised that you are comparing entry level keyboards. At least digital pianos are ok.....
The keyboardist plays well, but that keyboard is rubbish, it’s not shameful for Alesis to steal money from innocent beginners who don’t know that there are honest keyboard factories, Yamaha, Roland, Korg, Casio, don’t be fooled. I have 50 years experience as a keyboardist and never saw this scam to buyers, of the more than 80 keyboards I had an Alesis Vortex 2, one of the best controllers in the world, it’s professional, wireless, with aftertouch, comes with an editor on the PC to load in 25 programs the data that are sent to computers or iPad, Alesis went crazy. my strongest repudiation of this firm. Young musicians ask before buying, avoid this kind of manipulation against musicians and in favor of unscrupulous capitalists.
Inovus i88
not much difference.Casio just edged it methinks