The Williams allegro-2 plus 88-key digital piano comes with a hammer action keyboard, offers you a real piano-like feel and sound in a portable solution, at a price that is hard to resist. Before this option came out, buyers had to consider a Casio or a Yamaha, but not they have this option, which is quite good and priced at entry-mid range. Now Williams piano have come with a slightly improved version that is named Williams Allegro 2 plus piano. [easyazon_link identifier=”B06XXQ11BT” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]See PRICE on Amazon[/easyazon_link].
Highlights
- Good beginner piano, semi-weighted action
- Entry level prices
- Built-in Speakers
- Only instrument sounds, no backing styles
Williams piano can be a good option, if its going to be your first 88-key piano keyboard, as these a priced lower than most other comparable options out there. However, if you already play the keyboard or the piano and are looking for a robust piano with the best keyboard action and top notch sounds, you may have to look elsewhere.
The Williams Allegro 2 plus can be compared with these similar pianos:
- Williams Allegro 2 Plus: 88-Keys, Semi-weighted action, 64-note max polyphony
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B076TK3GVF” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]Williams Legato Plus[/easyazon_link]: 88-Keys, Semi-weighted action, 32-note max polyphony
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B00UJ9LNDK” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]Yamaha P45[/easyazon_link]: 88-Keys, GHS weighted action
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B072FKLXRB” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]Alesis Recital Pro[/easyazon_link]: Hammer-Action Keys, 128-note max polyphony
Allegro 2 “Plus” vs Allegro 2
Williams introduced the new Allegro 2 “Plus” version some time back, which replaced the Allegro 2 portable piano.
When Williams had launched the product, it claimed that the Williams Allegro 2 was an improved version of the earlier Williams Allegro piano and comes with 88 hammer-action weighted keys, and a brilliant new custom sound library.
Although, it claims to have introduced several new features, there are only some minor changes.
- The new Allegro 2 “Plus” comes with slightly improved piano and instrument sounds (but they are only marginally better).
- The hammer-action weighted keys does not exactly feel like a hammer action keyboard as explained below.
- The power adapter and sustain pedal is included in the purchase; you don’t have to buy them separately.
Other than that there’s not much difference between the new (plus) model and the earlier Allegro model.
Pros & Cons
- PROS: Affordable, Hammer Weighted Keys, Built-in Speakers
- CONS: Limited sound selection. No backing styles. No teaching tools. It claims to have hammer action keyboard but it feels a bit soft
- Uses: For learning. For use in school bands. Perfect choice for students, small bands, home entertainment, schools and churches. [easyazon_link identifier=”B06XXQ11BT” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]See PRICE on Amazon[/easyazon_link]
Review
A good blend of features, pricing, and quality is usually offered by Casio & Yamaha, but even Williams pianos seem to be competing with them in the “budget keyboard” segment. This is a good alternative for beginners, who normally turn to a Casio for value-for-money keyboard.
How is the keyboard action?
Keys are weighted but not exactly like a real piano. In this case, the specs says it has got hammer-action keyboard, but it still feels a bit like semi-weighted keys (as if springs have been used under the keys).
Another way to ascertain if a keyboard really uses hammer action keyboard is take a look at the price and the weight of the instrument; in this case both the factors suggest that the piano really doesn’t use authentic hammer action keyboard (it feels a bit softer).
So experienced players looking for real weighted hammer action 88-keys piano, and better sounding (good samples across all the octaves), should consider other options.
Good Overall Package
Despite some limitations, the keyboard comes across as a great package, considering the price.
The Williams allegro 2 definitely impresses you with the overall package, has decent set of instrument sounds, and with external amplification it definitely sounds a lot better.
Considering the price, this is a decent & compact instrument suitable for learning the piano, and will suit the beginner player looking for a 88-key keyboard with slightly weighted keyboard action.
The Williams Allegro 2 has full sized, touch-sensitive keys and you can use it for learning or practicing. experienced players can use the piano to play in different genres – classical, pop, rock or jazz music.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B06XXQ11BT” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]
Click here to buy on Amazon
[/easyazon_link]
Video Review
Here’s video review of this piano:
Competition Check
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B076TK3GVF” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]Williams Legato Plus[/easyazon_link]: 88-Keys, Semi-weighted action, 32-note max polyphony. This is the entry level portable piano from Williams
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B00UJ9LNDK” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]Yamaha P45[/easyazon_link]: 88-Keys, GHS weighted action. Nice overall piano.
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B072FKLXRB” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]Alesis Recital Pro[/easyazon_link]: Hammer-Action Keys, 128-note max polyphony. great set of features.
- Williams Allegro 2 Plus: This model
Specs
Here are the key features of the Williams Allegro 2 (Plus) 88-Key portable piano:
- 88 touch-sensitive, hammer-action (actually just weighted), velocity-sensitive keys
- 64-note polyphony
- LCD Display
- 10 Sounds – 2 Pianos, 2 Electric Pianos, 2 Organs, 2 Pads and 2 Basses
- Demo songs corresponding to each voice
- Layer, Split, and Transpose modes
- Reverb and Chorus effects
- Metronome feature with variable tempo
- 1-track recorder for song recording and playback
- USB port, two 1/4″ stereo outputs, sustain pedal and headphone jacks
- Headphone jack for silent practice
- MIDI (only USB for MIDI)
- No audio input
For the price, this instrument blows most other digital piano, especially with external amplification. If you want a decent instrument to learn on, or want to save space, you can’t go wrong with this for the price.
Overall Ratings: Buying Links
A good 88-key piano with weighted keys and a reasonable sound quality; more importantly its available at an extremely low price. The Williams Allegro 2 88-key digital piano is suitable for beginners and for those who want a second practice piano. Williams Allegro 2 is a good model for beginners and a decent option for starters or occasional players.
Buying Links
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B06XXQ11BT” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]Buy on Amazon[/easyazon_link] | Buy on Guitarcenter.com
Useful Accessories
Although, the Williams Allegro 2 (Plus) digital piano comes with sustain pedal and power adapter, you may consider buying headphones, bench, covers for your Allegro 2 piano, if you’re looking for a few more useful keyboard accessories.
Related Products
Its low priced, easy to use, and had decent key action.
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
The Williams Allegro is okay for the price, but there are complaints about its pedal and the speakers are also just about okay. The pedal is inconsistent and of of low-quality, despite it having touch-sensitive keys.
However, if you’re a beginner, go for it (its cheap) and can be a good piano for practice, but intermediate and expert level players should look at something better. If you are looking for a good practice piano and don’t wanna spend to much. this is probably one of the best starter pianos you can find on the site.
I am basically a drummer wanting to expand my musical capabilities, so I bought this product to learn the piano. I was impressed to find that other than the keys being a little bit lighter to the touch, the overall piano is good for the price. The piano sound is nice, it comes with built in effects like reverb and chorus. And it also has a recorder that I can use to jot my musical ideas. You can also use it a midi controller by hooking the piano to a PC via usb. Overall, its a nice product that I can use to learn the piano without spending tons of money. Pleased with the product.