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Table Of Contents
Intro • My Review • Pros • Cons • Features • Conclusion
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Williams Allegro 2 Introduction
Having recently checked out the Williams Rhapsody 2 and learnt of the $130 less Allegro 2 model, it was only obvious that this would be our next choice. The Williams Allegro 2 does skimp a bit on the feature front but does it really cut out in the performance department. That’s what we look at but first a little preview of what this digital keyboard offers. 88 hammer action weighted keys are probably what is its biggest advantage over the competition. While others at this price range settle for semi-weighted or simulated spring action with sensitivity, Williams decided to offer up the complete weighted package. This is great news for anyone who wishes to practice playing for an acoustic piano on a digital keyboard.
Additional features worth mentioning at the start include, easy controls, LCD display, FX control and modulation, reverb effect, chorus effect, total of 10 sampling sounds and the ability to split or layer two voices. Granted, it isn’t a Casio feature rich instrument neither does its speakers really feel powered like a Yamaha but it does cost much less the latter and is better built than a Casio. Carry on if you want to get a complete blow by blow account of our time spent with the Allegro 2 from Williams.
- 88 full-size, hammer-action weighted keys for...
- New Williams sound library with unique, hi-definition...
- Modulation/FX control for realistic, expressive control of...
Williams Allegro 2 Review & Experience
After the Rhapsody 2 experience, we had high expectations from the Allegro 2. Besides this specific model from Williams does feature heavily among online piano tutorial sites. Probably the very first thing that caught our attention was the use of weighted hammer action keys. It is rather similar to those present on the Rhapsody 2 model except, these feel a little lighter and more sensitive to the touch. Nevertheless, for anyone wishing to master the acoustic piano with a tutor, this should serve well. But don’t keep your hopes high of performing a complete fortissimo or pianissimo out of this piano.
As far as the features of the piano goes, 10 voices are actually sufficient for a serious performer. In the end, a piano should mostly sound like a piano and not like a string instrument. Thus, limited options aren’t a bad thing. In fact, it further reinforces the serious learner’s tag of the Allegro 2. The reverb feature is definitely an excellent addition. It helps give that extra sense of realism as it does replicate the string resonance of a piano. The package came without the power adapter and pedal, which we thought was a mistake but upon confirming from the shipper we learnt that Williams doesn’t sell any of its digital pianos as a complete bundle. That’s a bummer because a power supply would not have pushed the price up by a whole lot. Why not just bundle it along with the pedal and charge another $30 extra – it won’t hurt anyone and might in fact help with the sales.
As for the actual sound signature of this piano, before we get all critical let’s just point out that it isn’t a thousand-dollar digital piano. Now, the tone is quite acceptable and so are the voices. By tuning it a little, which is entirely possible on this Williams model, you can get it pretty close to the real thing. However, for those who have spent most of their adult life playing an acoustic piano, this will still remain a digital keyboard even on the best of its days. The reverb while great does suffer somewhere around the middle C, the notes just start sounding weird.
The MIDI USB connection is yet another advantage for enthusiastic students who wish to do more than what the tutor shows them because this piano connects easily to any laptop or PC and then can be used to play along with tracks online or even practice lessons from piano tutors over the internet. Overall, the fact that this is a recommended beginner’s piano by loads of tutors across the globe speaks highly of its simplicity and design. Yes, it does not ship with the standard set of accessories, which includes a power supply as well. However, considering the overall quality and price, you shouldn’t be complaining much. For those who want more for their money either get the complete add-on package from Williams or opt for the more expensive Rhapsody 2 digital piano. In our opinion the Allegro 2 is a much better option than the Rhapsody 2 though, it doesn’t exactly match more expensive Yamaha models. Like the reverb on this isn’t that great the moment you get closer and closer to the middle C section. Not that it is horrible but we have heard much better in this price range for sure.
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Williams Allegro 2 Pros
- Playing this piano is easy thanks to the keys weight. They aren’t really heavy like an acoustic string piano but they are weighted differentially. For an organ player this will seem quite natural.
- The sound signature of the complete set of voices and tones are above average, which is great considering its price tag.
- Speaking of the price tag, this one is way cheaper than many Yamaha learner models that have weighted hammer action keys.
- 88 key full sized keybed with weighted hammer action and complete sensitivity control is a must have for any new learner.
- Likewise, the use of high quality materials, superior finishing and even the neat music sheet stand is a good addition.
- MIDI/USB connectivity helps increase the possibilities of this piano.
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Williams Allegro 2 Cons
- Unfortunately, this piano has no options to connect sostenuto or soft pedals. The only thing allowed is a damper pedal.
- Metronome settings don’t save if the piano is switched off thus reconfiguring controls is a bother.
- The headphone jack on this thing is 6.65mm type and it is towards the back. Not a clever idea considering this is supposed to be noob friendly.
- The reverb quality dies down as your reach the middle C section though experimenting with the tuning does help a tad bit.
- The keys on this might feel lighter to those who mostly practice on acoustic pianos.
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Williams Allegro 2 Features
- 88 Hammer action full sized keys, they have a heavy feel, the right distribution of weight as you move towards the right side.
- Not only are the keys sensitive to the pressure of your touch but also the velocity of your key presses.
- Total of 10 voices ranging from Classic Piano, Digital Piano to Organ, Synthesizer and more to pick from.
- 64 Note layers with the ability to split and record two together.
- MIDI is available over USB line output, which can then be used with sound applications, tutorials and much more.
- Inputs available include one for pedal, another for headphones and USB/MIDI.
- No demo tracks are included in the Allegro though you can sign up for free trials on any piano tutorial service online and play along.
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Williams Allegro 2 Conclusion
Is it a digital piano that tops Yamahas and the likes? No it does not but some of the features it offers does make it a worthy competitor. At less than $300, you get a piano that has weighted keys and 88 of them in total. You also get reverb control, absolute sensitivity control and decent speakers. No wonder this is the most loved among all learner friendly pianos in the market. Tutors, parents and anyone with a musical bend begins appreciating the quality and performance the moment they see the price tag and what it has to offer. Yes, Williams could have done better with the Allegro 2 but that would automatically increase the price. We would have loved if the complete accessory set came bundled albeit for a slightly higher price but we will settle for just the keyboard any day.
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