Alesis Harmony 61 MKII: Ideal Keyboard Package for Beginners

The Alesis Harmony 61 MKII is a beginner-friendly keyboard designed to simplify the process of acquiring a first instrument for aspiring pianists. This 61-note keyboard offers full-sized, piano-style keys, built-in speakers, and an extensive library of 300 sounds encompassing various instruments. In addition to entertainment features, the Harmony 61 MKII includes essential accessories like a keyboard stand, adjustable piano bench, headphones, music rest, and a microphone to kickstart your piano-playing journey.

When it comes to playability and build quality, the Alesis Harmony 61 impresses with its sturdy construction and decent durability. While the keys lack velocity sensitivity, they mimic the appearance of traditional piano keys, providing a familiar feel for beginners. The built-in speakers deliver ample volume, enhancing the overall experience despite the keyboard’s lightweight design. Although the absence of velocity-sensitive keys limits expressive capabilities, this feature aligns with the expectations for an entry-level instrument aimed at novice users.

The standout feature of the Alesis Harmony 61 MKII lies in its diverse range of 300 voices, catering to various music styles and genres. From acoustic piano tones to synthesizers, strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion, the keyboard offers a plethora of options for musical exploration. Users can experiment with combining voices in ‘dual mode’ to create unique textures and utilize ‘split mode’ to trigger different sounds on each keyboard half. Additionally, the keyboard boasts 300 built-in rhythms and a ‘one-touch song mode’ for easy music creation, providing a fun and engaging experience for young players.

While the Harmony 61 excels in sound versatility, it lacks support for a sustain pedal, a crucial accessory for mastering piano techniques. Although the keyboard features a ‘sustain’ mode to prolong notes after key release, manual control of sustained notes is absent. This limitation could hinder users transitioning to digital pianos in the future, emphasizing the importance of early sustain pedal practice for aspiring piano players.

In terms of accessories, the Harmony 61 bundle includes a single-braced keyboard stand, an adjustable piano bench, basic headphones, and a microphone for added functionality. While the quality of the headphones and microphone may not match that of the keyboard itself, they serve their purpose adequately for beginners. Assembling the stand and bench is straightforward, ensuring a hassle-free setup process for users of all ages.

Overall, the Alesis Harmony 61 MKII presents a compelling option for novice pianists seeking a comprehensive keyboard package. Despite its lack of velocity-sensitive keys and sustain pedal support, the keyboard’s extensive sound library, user-friendly features, and inclusive accessories make it a valuable entry-level instrument for aspiring musicians. With its focus on simplicity and accessibility, the Harmony 61 MKII offers a well-rounded introduction to the world of keyboard playing, setting a solid foundation for beginners to explore their musical creativity.