Alesis Harmony 61 MKIIFrom real comments

Name: Alesis Harmony 61 MKII
Rating: 2.2 (34 reviews)

Verdict distilled from 34 mentions across 10 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment30%

PROS 30%

CONS 70%

Rank based on 34 mentions across 10 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

You want a low-cost first keyboard for a child or total beginner
You just need something basic to 'plink around' on before formal lessons
You're on a tight budget around $100-106 and don't need pedal or MIDI support

What users love

Budget-friendly priceNotable0 mentions

Widely praised

Good starter option for beginners and kids0 mentions

Widely praised

Review convinced buyers to purchase0 mentions

Widely praised

Skip this if...

You need touch/velocity-sensitive keys for expressive playing
You want to connect a sustain pedal or MIDI gear
You expect realistic acoustic piano sound quality

What users complain about

Weak or synthesized sound qualityKey factor0 mentions

Strongly criticized

No MIDI or sustain pedal input0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Unfavorable comparisons to competitors0 mentions

Frequently criticized

No touch/velocity sensitivity on keys0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Reliability and defect reports0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Mediocre bundled headphones and microphone0 mentions

Generally negative

Poor customer service0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice

1Mid

Mad Professor Fire Red Fuzz

Articulate soundGreat with extended-range guitarsStrong overall tone qualityPrice concerns

Mad Professor Fire Red Fuzz

Articulate sound

Great with extended-range guitars

Strong overall tone quality

Price concerns

2Premium

Mad Professor Deep Blue Delay

Musical analog toneLong-term reliability and board loyaltySimple, intuitive controlsHigh price pointCheaper alternatives seen as comparableDistortion at high settings

Mad Professor Deep Blue Delay

Musical analog tone

Long-term reliability and board loyalty

Simple, intuitive controls

High price point

Cheaper alternatives seen as comparable

Distortion at high settings

3Premium

Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrive

Touch-sensitive dynamicsLong-term favorite / durability of appealSweet, low-gain tone qualityHigh price versus clonesDeluxe loses some original characterLimited mid control

Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrive

Touch-sensitive dynamics

Long-term favorite / durability of appeal

Sweet, low-gain tone quality

High price versus clones

Deluxe loses some original character

Limited mid control

Best value

4Mid

MXR Super Badass Distortion

Exceptional versatilityNatural, amp-like tonePowerful 3-band EQDemo videos undersell the pedalNoticeable noise floorVolume drop when engaged

MXR Super Badass Distortion

Exceptional versatility

Natural, amp-like tone

Powerful 3-band EQ

Demo videos undersell the pedal

Noticeable noise floor

Volume drop when engaged

5Premium

Eventide Orville

Exceptional reverb qualityHigh-quality warm pitch shiftingStrong aspirational appealHigh priceCheaper alternatives may sufficeEffect can feel like it plays for you

Eventide Orville

Exceptional reverb quality

High-quality warm pitch shifting

Strong aspirational appeal

High price

Cheaper alternatives may suffice

Effect can feel like it plays for you

6Premium

Origin Effects Deluxe61

Authentic amp-like toneExcellent low-to-mid gain driveUnderrated favorite among ownersHigh price pointLimited gain-staging flexibilityNo built-in reverb

Origin Effects Deluxe61

Authentic amp-like tone

Excellent low-to-mid gain drive

Underrated favorite among owners

High price point

Limited gain-staging flexibility

No built-in reverb

7Premium

Roland TR-808

Iconic, powerful kick drumWarmer, more alive analog characterCultural and historical influenceExtremely high collector priceAnalog noise and static requiring EQReliability concerns of aging hardware

Roland TR-808

Iconic, powerful kick drum

Warmer, more alive analog character

Cultural and historical influence

Extremely high collector price

Analog noise and static requiring EQ

Reliability concerns of aging hardware

8Premium

Moog Subsequent 37

Inspiring and addictive to playWarm, fat analog toneStrong DAW/VST editor integrationHigh price for what it offersLimited versatility outside bass rangeNeeds effects/partner gear to shine

Moog Subsequent 37

Inspiring and addictive to play

Warm, fat analog tone

Strong DAW/VST editor integration

High price for what it offers

Limited versatility outside bass range

Needs effects/partner gear to shine

Wampler Tumnus V2

Klon Centaur-style toneConvincing demo influenced purchaseExcellent clean boostNot suited for metal tones

Wampler Tumnus V2

Klon Centaur-style tone

Convincing demo influenced purchase

Excellent clean boost

Not suited for metal tones

10Mid

Wampler Paisley Drive

Transparent toneVersatile across genresWorks well across many guitar typesTwo-channel routing complexityDry signal bleed-throughInconsistent demo impressions

Wampler Paisley Drive

Transparent tone

Versatile across genres

Works well across many guitar types

Two-channel routing complexity

Dry signal bleed-through

Inconsistent demo impressions

You are here

31Budget

Alesis Harmony 61 MKII

Budget-friendly priceGood starter option for beginners and kidsReview convinced buyers to purchaseWeak or synthesized sound qualityNo MIDI or sustain pedal inputUnfavorable comparisons to competitors

Alesis Harmony 61 MKII

Budget-friendly price

Good starter option for beginners and kids

Review convinced buyers to purchase

Weak or synthesized sound quality

No MIDI or sustain pedal input

Unfavorable comparisons to competitors

Versatile
1. MXR Super Badass Distortionarrow_upward15
2. Wampler Paisley Drivearrow_upward6
3. Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrivearrow_upward4
Expensive
1. Moog Subsequent 37arrow_downward3
2. Origin Effects Deluxe61arrow_downward3
3. Eventide Orvillearrow_downward4
Dynamic response
1. Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrivearrow_upward8
2. Wampler Paisley Drivearrow_upward2
Build quality
1. Moog Subsequent 37arrow_upward3
2. Origin Effects Deluxe61arrow_upward1

Overall Impression

An affordable, convincing starter keyboard for beginners and kids. Multiple commenters bought the Harmony 61 MKII at low prices (around $100-106 at Walmart) specifically because the review convinced them, including parents buying for children and adults returning to piano. It's widely viewed as a practical low-stakes way to start learning before investing in lessons or a better instrument, especially for kids' play or casual noodling around the house.

Sound quality and touch response draw frequent criticism. Several users describe the sound as synthesized, toy-like, or 'horrible,' and unfavorably compare it to entry-level Yamaha and Casio keyboards. Others specifically complain the keys lack touch/velocity sensitivity, giving an aggressive, unnatural attack. These complaints suggest the instrument struggles to satisfy anyone seeking realistic piano feel or tone beyond very casual use.

Limited connectivity and occasional reliability issues frustrate buyers. Commenters note there's no MIDI or sustain pedal input, restricting expansion for more serious players. A few report receiving defective units with no sound at all out of the box, and one mentions being unable to reach Alesis customer service to resolve a problem. Bundled headphones and microphone are also called mediocre, pushing some buyers to use their own accessories instead.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?

attach_moneyBudget-friendly priceNotable

4 mentions

Widely praised

Buyers repeatedly note the low price point, around $100-106, making it an accessible first instrument. This affordability is cited as a key reason for purchase by multiple commenters.

@a.a.2114

Thank you for the very illustrative tutorial. Thank you to the pianist for delighting us with his talent. I bought the same keyboard at Walmart at an affordable price. Here we are ready to learn. Thank you

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January 20, 2023

@scottieray

I bought this today at my local Walmart for $106 USD. My goal is to plink around with it until I can get some in-person piano lessons. After that I will donate it to the local Children’s Hospital family/play room. Good review.

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November 25, 2021

@Goliaht79

These keyboards are basic that's why they're very cheap and not worth investing in those types of piano ;

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June 18, 2021

@davidquesada6666

Am I wrong or does it sound like a toy? I didn't hear any decent piano sound, tomorrow I was thinking of buying this keyboard for 100 dollars, what do you think

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April 1, 2021

child_careGood starter option for beginners and kids

4 mentions

Widely praised

Several users describe it as suitable for absolute beginners, including a 4-year-old learner and adults returning to piano. It's seen as a low-risk way to test interest before committing to a pricier instrument.

@melaniesbuchanan1759

I'm \"ok\" with this keyboard as im just learning to play again. But I will say that this keyboard is more in the \"beginner\" arena as there's no input/output for a midi cable, sustain pedal as he mentioned, etc. While the headphones are light, they definitely aren't the best quality so as an adult I use my own and leave the headphones that came with this to the kiddos. I haven't used the mic yet bc as a former vocalist I know I won't get the quality I desire, but again, the mic is fine for kids play. I can't seem to get the keyboard stand and the bench to adjust together to the height that I need, but from what I've seen from others this doesn't seem to be a problem for many. All in all, I would recommend for a beginner. 😊

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April 16, 2022

@morgangentle1515

My daughter is 4,, just ,4 in oct , is this ok to learn on or what would you recommend for a 4-6yr old

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December 26, 2021

@sophiaram3095

Thank you for the video because I'm going to ask for one for Christmas and this was the one I liked the most but I didn't know what it was like and how this one sounded, this is the first one I'm going to have and I really liked it, SOME RECOMMENDATION YOU CAN MAKE IS THAT IT'S THE FIRST ONE I'M GOING TO HAVE.😁

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December 4, 2021

@scottieray

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November 25, 2021

thumb_upReview convinced buyers to purchase

3 mentions

Widely praised

Multiple commenters say the review itself was persuasive and helped them decide to buy the keyboard, indicating the product met expectations set by the demo.

@fudo4667

I just saw this keyboard on Amazon, thank you very much for your video it convinced me

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November 20, 2021

@grekoz0772

It helped me know if it's a good piano or not, it convinced me and tomorrow it arrives according to Amazon, thank you good video :)👌

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August 8, 2021

@seiiitha

It's the best Harmony 61 video on Youtube, I congratulate you

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February 19, 2021

volume_offWeak or synthesized sound qualityKey factor

8 mentions

Strongly criticized

Many commenters describe the sound as toy-like, overly synthesized, or outright bad compared to entry-level competitors like Yamaha and Casio. Some say it doesn't produce a convincing piano tone at all.

@bryanbadilla1062

I think the attack it has is very aggressive, that's why it gives the illusion in my opinion of not having sensitive keys or good sound. In my opinion discarded.

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December 27, 2024

@EBmusicmaker2026

I have a very old Alesis QS7 from 1997. But it sounds much better than this terrible thing

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October 10, 2024

@randomkidbelkke12

Idk why but mine sound horrible,I need to upgrade to another piano this one sound horrible

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January 8, 2024

@josemiguellopezardila9067

That keyboard is terrible IT CAN'T EVEN BE CONSIDERED A KEYBOARD, it's a toy, you can't connect a pedal to it. Amplified it sounds very bad I don't recommend it don't waste your money.

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December 6, 2023

cableNo MIDI or sustain pedal input

4 mentions

Frequently criticized

Several commenters point out the keyboard lacks a sustain pedal jack or MIDI connectivity, limiting its usefulness as players progress beyond basics.

@josemiguellopezardila9067

That keyboard is terrible IT CAN'T EVEN BE CONSIDERED A KEYBOARD, it's a toy, you can't connect a pedal to it. Amplified it sounds very bad I don't recommend it don't waste your money.

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December 6, 2023

@gaelrosas1614

I have a question, can pedals be added to it or does it already sound like it has pedals?

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April 23, 2023

@melaniesbuchanan1759

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April 16, 2022

@fabianespinosacobo1821

Hello, can someone tell me if a pedal can be added to it?

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March 24, 2022

compare_arrowsUnfavorable comparisons to competitors

4 mentions

Frequently criticized

Multiple users say similarly priced or even cheaper Yamaha and Casio models sound and perform better, questioning the value proposition of the Harmony 61 MKII.

@Davidsaracho-oficialtuc

At this price the Yamaha psr 383 is much better in sounds. But it's fine to start

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December 25, 2025

@Mystery-l6t

For price ranges and similarities, a Casio ctk 3200 that has usb midi and pedal and sounds better than this is better

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April 27, 2024

@JorgeHernandez-dp3hd

I used one and the quality of the keys seemed very bad to me and the sound too synthesized compared to for example any beginner Yamaha low range, for what it costs I would rather buy a used low range Yamaha

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January 11, 2023

@abiel4307

Honestly I'm disappointed with USA technology..they break quickly, must be bad material quality.....better the Japanese ones Yamaha

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May 19, 2022

touch_appNo touch/velocity sensitivity on keys

2 mentions

Frequently criticized

Users specifically complain the keys lack proper touch response, giving an aggressive attack and unnatural feel that undermines expressive playing.

@cristianpaniagua4993

Very bad reference to learn the basics, the fact that it doesn't have sensitivity

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August 14, 2024

@enmanuelossoriomoran6643

The most important thing it doesn't have. Touch sensitivity on the keys (touch response)

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May 3, 2024

warningReliability and defect reports

2 mentions

Frequently criticized

A couple of buyers received units with no sound output at all right out of the box, raising concerns about quality control.

@saraygutierrez3046

A bad one came to me, it turns on and makes no sound. And I can't find anyone who can fix it for me

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June 16, 2024

@TheBlossom357

Just received it and there absolutely no sound coming out of it

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February 28, 2022

headsetMediocre bundled headphones and microphone

2 mentions

Generally negative

An experienced user notes the included headphones and microphone are low quality, preferring to use personal headphones instead and avoiding the mic for serious use.

@yermainvergara2964

I would have liked to know about the quality of the headphones and the microphone and the resistance and material of the chair too, that caught my attention a lot

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June 13, 2022

@melaniesbuchanan1759

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April 16, 2022

support_agentPoor customer service

1 mentions

Frequently criticized

One buyer reports being unable to reach Alesis through their website to resolve a problem with the keyboard, describing the support experience as nonexistent.

@leensteed7861

Shame they have zero customer service. Website makes it impossible to reach them to fix a problem with my daughters keyboard. Thanks for nothing!

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August 5, 2024

Alesis Harmony 61 MKIIchat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

thumb_up_off_altBuy this if...

What users lovefavorite_border

thumb_down_off_altSkip this if...

What users complain aboutheart_broken

Compare in seconds

Who wins on what

Versatile

Expensive

Dynamic response

Build quality

auto_awesomeOverall Impression

Alesis Harmony 61 MKIIFrom real comments

Buy this if...

What users love

Skip this if...

What users complain about

Overall Impression