Under $400.00: Donner vs. Alesis vs. Inovus - Digital Pianos Compared (88 Keys Fully Weighted)

These are some highly requested digital pianos that many people have wanted me to compare, and that is what this video is for! I also included a lesser-known brand, the Inovus i88, which was sent to me a while back. It has many similarities to the Donner, and is in the same price point so it is also featured.
Making unbiased reviews for over 10 years: / thepianoforever
Milan Recording Studios: / @milanrecordingstudios...

[@imdurc]

3:57 - Damper pedals 7:25 - Speaker discussion 8:47 - Speaker sound 10:02 - Output discussion 11:49 - Direct sound 15:32 - Playability/Action discussion 22:43 - Built-in sounds 38:12 - Keyboard user experience 43:09 - Conclusion

[@PiXimperfect]

The only piano reviews I trust! Thank you for making these videos :)

[@avc7137]

You are a legend man!

[@8luck]

yes

[@ryssiem1266]

Thank you so much for this review! Your videos are honestly the best. Very informative and engaging! Keep going, you’re doing an amazing job :)

[@juandavidbernal6447]

The best digital piano reviews as always. Thanks James!

[@moldenburg909]

Great review! Funny, the same soundbank used on the Donner and the inovus, although only the first part. I can’t remember that I noticed that when I saw your review of them. Yes, I think a review of the stands - and even other stuff you use - is appreciated. Nicely done. Thank you for sharing and playing.

[@josue85]

Truly love the enthusiasm and knowledge of these videos. I'm not in the market for a keyboard, but I always watch just for the enjoyment

[@ThePianoforever]

I appreciate that!

[@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12]

Same here🎹🎶

[@TCOR777]

Thanks for these honest and unbiased reviews. I bought the Donner a few months ago following your video. I'm very happy with the purchase, but agree that switching sounds is laborious. James, at one point I saw you scrolling back to the grand piano.......actually if you press the grand piano button twice in quick succession then it automatically take you back to the piano sound immediately even if your up in the 200's.......however to access any other sounds there is a lot of scrolling. Kind regards

[@thehannahouse]

Wow, this was an incredibly in-depth and helpful review of these digital pianos, thank you so much!!!

[@ThePianoforever]

You're very welcome!

[@thehannahouse]

@@ThePianoforever after watching some of your reviews I purchased the Casio CT-S1 and love it!!!

[@Akshay-qu3dc]

James , just wanted to say you are awesome !!!

[@ThePianoforever]

I think my followers are awesome!!!

[@SunnyDeals]

Thank you very much for the review! I was debating which one to get on the amazon prime day.

[@Ilint]

Really nice review, I was looking at donner's cabinet options to replace my old CDP 130, but decided to just spend the extra money and get a KDP 70

[@raydelrosario2366]

I just got the Donner today...I'm so happy with it. My goodness, it's so inspiring to play.

[@christianclarke1270]

Thank you so much for this!!!!!

[@rockhard2654]

man when you review something you review the living hell out of it ive never seen a more detailed review and comparison you exposed every flaw actually you where pretty brutal if i was on the development team of anyone of those keyboards' id be feelin kinda crappy right now

[@jeffchisamore1556]

I wonder if they're supplementing FM synthesis to save on samples. That sawtooth was really odd. Thanks for doing these videos. It's always interesting to hear these budget keyboards and you tend to explain everything important. Cheers.

[@nelliedamm9400]

Thank you for your reviews, very informative! Would so appreciate your opinion on the Donner DDP90. It looks like a solid standard w/out all bells and whistles, which I think might distract a beginner. We are looking at buying as soon as I hear from you ... a Christmas present for 2 budding pianists...hopefully! Thanks for your time.

[@anthonysilva5312]

These reviews are honest, thorough and trustworthy. Would love to see/hear VST reviews!

[@scottliu6042]

Awesome review, James. I went to the piano store today and tried Yamaha P515, the action is very good and I didn’t find it heavy at all like how lots of youtubers described it.

[@natashaphillps9187]

I don't know why this got in my recommendation, but I thoroughly enjoyed your video. Your speech is impressively polished. You bring out the details that technically wouldn't be on a manual. Your explanation is never too abstract or personal to understand. And, you point out things that retailers might not want to tell us. You show us what people, who are in the market for a keyboard(or a digital piano, rather) want to see. I mean, I'm not even looking for an instrument to buy, but still. I agree 100% with you about the weigh difference between black keys and white keys. I don't get why people wouldn't mind black keys being lighter, furthermore try to protect a company(or an instrument) featuring it. They think it's just a trivial factor that won't affect your play too much. And that's not even remotely close to being true. It's 2021, almost every digital piano(at the price point of >650$ and even under for some model) comes with an acceptable sampling. At this point, what makes digital piano sound good isn't only about the samples themselves anymore. It's the software, hardware engineering behind. Like the action and velocity sensitivity that can provide wider, more accurate dynamic range, etc. Black keys being lighter + white keys being heavier(and getting worse as you move your finger to the top portion of a key)... those two factors really go against being a good digital piano. Unwanted note popping out too loud is bad enough, then you have a note being too quiet as well. Because you were careful so a random note won't come out loud... It's like an endless trap. It makes you unable to play evenly, makes you lose control of the instrument. You want an instrument that does what you want it to do, not fight against you. And, yes of course you can get used to it by applying different pressure each finger. Which you don't have to!!! Matter of fact, you shouldn't!!! It just encourages you to develop bad habits(like twisting your wrist). It's should not be said as feature nor 'personal preference', it's just not-so-good design. It will make your play experience worse immediately. And it WILL make your play sound horrid. It's not just about being louder or quieter. Not being able to 'even' really ruins. I'd take worse sound but better action over better sound with worsT action. I can tell all this because of not so proud digital piano A(not gonna mention it) from a company that's well known for their watch. The piano's pretty, compact, and light... then I noticed all those funky 'features' right away. And got really frustrated. Well, it's not my main set up so I didn't cry blood, but I cried tears. So you noticing and actually pointing out in the video about Alesis' black keys being lighter makes me trust your honesty.

[@ThePianoforever]

I will only make honest videos or none at all.

[@gryph82]

really good review!

[@snorlaxman222]

Would love it if you could post a google spreadsheet or something similar showing your current recommendations for digital pianos in different price ranges/categories. You have so many reviews and comparison videos, but it would be interesting to see what your final verdict is between all the different competition.

[@prestonlandolt]

Yes!

[@Johnnnynov]

Nice reviews, James. out of these 3, I believe we only have the Alesis here where I live, and it's not cheap. Could you review the Casio CDP-S100 or S150 (which are pretty much the same)? That's the most affordable DP here in Brazil, hence pretty popular.

[@mysongs6745]

Hi. You are a wonderful musician. I really enjoy listening to you play.

[@johnweller1423]

Definitely would like a review of the stands you use. 😀👍

[@ThePianoforever]

Got it!

[@alanmodimages]

And... now we know :) Thank you for doing this! :)

[@prajwalgyawali4255]

Ordered Donner DEP20. Can't wait to start learning. 🎉🎉

[@davidwright6839]

I've really found your videos very useful in determining my recent purchase of a Yamaha P515. I'm replacing a Yamaha PF100 that I've had for 30 years and play almost every day. I did have a suggestion for a future video but I don't know if it fits with your format of reviewing actual pianos. I was curious to get your opinion on a software package, PianoTeq 7, that uses physical object modelling rather than large sample sets to reproduce every nuance of a real piano using algorithms.. It even allows selection and placement of up to 5 microphones similar to what might be done in your studio to get the best sound. It would be interesting to see how these physically modeled sounds would compare with the digital samples provided in the top end digital pianos. Would this laptop software make even a less expensive MIDI capable student piano sound as good as an expensive version?

[@guitarista666]

I would like to get a modest, but decent , digital piano. Glad I stumbled onto your channel.

[@paulfitzgerald4933]

My first keyboard stand was like that. The top row had 4 bars which allowed me to secure two pieces of half-size equipment.

[@dk-jy3ug]

Have you ever played the Souidmy G-310W? I wonder how that one ranks among these other low cost digital pianos.

[@creativecompanion]

Pedal for the Inovus has a four foot cord. Do you know what we would use to extend it? Thanks

[@CLR2TKF]

Any Bosendorfer 230VC in the US yet? If so, hope you get a chance to review it!

[@570films]

Great video. Would you post information about your stand? Thank you Jamed

[@geu6270]

Meticulous job comparing these guys thanks for doing it !!! I simply want a backup I can store somewhere when my Kawai Hydrid DP goes in the tank for repair....yes it happens not near as unreliable as the Yama's various GH actions with dead keys but it will, lol.

[@thomaslong4770]

I would like to see (and hear) you do a segment on the Donner 320's electric piano settings and your opinion as to see if you feel that Donner was able to capture the sounds of a Fender Rhodes and Wurlitzer electric from the 70's. Thanks

[@curtiselam]

very cool, thanks!!

[@GoodxLad]

I am new to piano and I have a question. About a month ago I started using a cheap $150 keyboard to see if I'd stick to practicing and take it seriously. I'm loving and taking it serious now and I plan on upgrading soon. I am torn between the Roland FP 30 and the Kawaii ES110. The only reason I am leaning towards the Roland is through how you have described the action feel. One day I want to be able to purchase an upright but it's way outside my budget at the moment. That's why I want to be practicing on something that feels more like an acoustic than the ES110 but I know I would also appreciate the better audio and depth the ES110. Would it be wise for me to sacrifice audio and depth for a heavier action or are they both so far from feeling like an acoustic it won't really matter? Hope my question makes sense. I'm loving your videos and I will watch this one now.

[@ThePianoforever]

I would not choose the FP30 as it has many faults, but I am told they will be coming out with the Roland FP30x that I have on order and should be able to review soon.

[@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12]

@@ThePianoforever I watched a review about the roland FP-30X over a month ago and if I remember correctly the way you select the sounds is about the same on both the FP-30 and the FP-30X Please do correct me if I'm wrong Have a nice day🎹🎶

[@cookwithcynthiia]

@@ThePianoforever do you recomendó the Roland FRP-1?

[@kameronsmith5854]

If you ever get a chance do you think you can review the NUX NPK 10?

[@abstractday8498]

Will you be reviewing the Nux npk 10?

[@speakz6935]

What's the best easily portable keyboard for rock piano?

[@d.j.peters]

If you buy the Donner today (here in Germany ~340€) it comes with a standard sustain connector (pedal included) and a triple pedal connector also !

[@TECH3_]

do a under $1000 please , and please please include the dgx 670 and fp 30x please do the comparison it will help to choose my first digital piano ( i play an arranger )

[@ratz-js1lv]

Donner DEP-10 or 20 has a 5 pin connector for a triple pedal as well.

[@remoteworkinternational]

Can you do a review on Souidmy G-110W, Donner DEP-10, ZENY 88, RockJam 88-Key, HONEY JOY Digital Piano 88?

[@javierherrera3286]

You have done a few videos about Donner Pianos. There is one that call my attention. "Donner DDP-90 88 Keys. It is just and only grand piano sound no different voices. I kind of like the idea of no distractions while learning to play it. Any comments or recommendations on it? Thanks.

[@lsdd71]

Comparing the organ preset … when you played the Alesis with the Donner I was thinking they complemented each other … and then you said just that …. And so I giggled..

[@quadropheniaguy9811]

I love the three tiered stand. Is it custom made?

[@ThePianoforever]

It's not custom made and I will be doing a review on it soon. It has it's good points and a few not so good points.

[@G91YS]

I have a P45B since I started almost a year ago but I'm planning to get either CLP745 or P515... :-)

[@ukaszKwasek]

p515 is that price range is a good catch imho

[@johnweller1423]

I really enjoy my P515 😎🎶

[@RonaldFigura]

I use that style stand exclusively. As far back as the Ultimate Support Systems days. A review would be great.

[@adamyohan]

44:01 "-are they the same?" LMAOOOOOO

[@NeilBaylis]

Whose keybeds do they use?

[@NoelForsgren]

yes!

[@JonSmith-cx7gr]

Donner, of course, is also the name of a type of kebab - best consumed after an evening of heavy alcohol consumption and as such this represents another plus point for this particular piano. Interestingly donner, the kebab, is commonly classified as a wind instrument...

[@eXquisiteGaming110]

ahh the good old donner kebab, the ultimate feed after a night of heavy drinking with the boys

[@MrJimlen]

subscribed :)

[@Alkis05]

The reason why the top and bottom ones sound different must be that although the fundamental components of their spectrum are the same (they are tuned the same), their average of the spectrum distribution of the top one is of a higher frequency. I suppose I could examine it in a audio software, but I'm to lazy for that. XD

[@ArifImran156]

pls give me some advice..what is the best digital piano around $500 which has best weightened and sensitives touch keys..i simply do not need many features..cz iam literally zero experience about playing piano..juz pure beginner who is really deeply wanna know how to play piano...tia for your reply sir..

[@ThePianoforever]

I think if you watch this video you will find you answer.

[@thephilosopher5799]

Yamaha P45 in my opinion or even Casio cdp s150.

[@SIArtists]

The Dep-20 is on sale for 330 dollars on amazon right now

[@47f0]

Currently $370 in the U.S. Amazon. I did notice a new Horse keyboard that looks like an Inovus clone for $319..

[@Fuzzywally001]

For me it says it isn't available - does anyone else get this?

[@divyabksunar1986]

Does donner have ability to practice privately with an headphone??

[@thephilosopher5799]

They all sound very different but my ears can’t tell which one is better. Weirdly I like the accent the Alesis but I can see how this can be annoying if you’re looking for consistency. The thing about the Inovus and the Donner having the same sound sample is interesting. The electric piano sound on the Alesis sounds like a electric bass.

[@luiscervantes3374]

What are the models genious???

[@Mr_Disaster786]

Which one is the best

[@jonathansanchezmedina]

I bouth yamaha p125, before i had a kawai es110 but i have a many problems.. i know that es110 maybe is better than p125 but p125 is a solid dp.

[@AlphaMohid]

Do you think Yamaha P45 is worth it for an absolute beginner?

[@ThePianoforever]

The P45 is a good choice if one does not mind a keyboard with very few features and no direct outs.

[@AlphaMohid]

@@ThePianoforever Thank you for replying!🖤

[@schopin]

Do you think the Yamaha U3 is a great piano for an intermediate looking to get into more difficult pieces?

[@ThePianoforever]

Yes, it is!

[@LongTrout]

My casio El Cheap Model 88 key weighted. The keys are way noisy and it sound like you are typing on a computer0 keyboard when you are playing.

[@Opiatel]

Yamaha P-125 vs the new Roland FP-30X would be cool

[@ThePianoforever]

Interesting.

[@SIArtists]

I clicked on this so fast

[@ThePianoforever]

You are great.

[@rgriffith6476]

I bought a donner sustain pedal... it has failed like 30 times, i have soldered and fixed it idk how many times..the wire used in the thing is legit 1 strand of copper which i dont think is legal in this country. pay the extra $50 and get something non-disposable (yamaha)

[@Joshchapmanf]

What is the full name of the donner keyboard ?

[@TealTrump11]

Dep 20

[@jpirard]

I have an Alesis and I think it is fine. but what do i know. I am sure they are happy you kind of dissed it.

[@thephilosopher5799]

Probably has the best sound samples. Everything else the other pianos do better

[@montyboon4127]

Pretty sure the Donner is the Cheapest at £300. The Alesis is £330 and the Inovus ... Cant be found on the British Market so by default its DSQ, BTW I highly recommend getting the Donner WITH the stand, its only £60 more and comes with Built in Tri pedals. (Sustain / Damper. Soft and Supersonic). it fixes the only issue with the Donner which is that weird 5th Foot it has meaning you cant balance it on stuff. and gives it its own place, also the Donner is Chonky as hell, so a stand will make it seem more natural

[@christophercrimmins6143]

looks like the lagrima 560 is the same as the inovus

[@john-lenin]

I’d rather spend a little extra for a really good pedal that I could use when I upgrade.

[@john-lenin]

I’ve been saving and this is about all I can afford.

[@ThePianoforever]

I think you can find an acceptable option here.

[@SuperZutsuki]

Don't sleep on craigslist deals. You might be able to find a higher-quality used Yamaha, Kawai, Roland, etc. going for less than these.

[@ukaszKwasek]

Look out for used keys. You can easily get a Kawai es100 or yamaha p115 for a similar price if you search. I wouldn't buy one of these keyboards to be honest if I were in you. You would easily regret it. Or in alternative, if you have space to spare and are quite serious, there is always the option to get an old acoustic piano. They sell for peanuts and you can find a nice catch easily (admittedly a bit more involved purchase).

[@kolterh.9437]

@@ukaszKwasek Good advice.

[@krstnphil]

So the winner for DAW users is the Donner, because of the best feel. :)

[@OkitaNamikaze]

*whistles in c sharp*

[@ritiksinha5990]

First one with first View nd like

[@ThePianoforever]

Thank you.

[@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12]

2 different digital pianos with the same sounds? Why?🎹🎶

[@cyberlord64]

I see... So Yamaha P45 it is...

[@adamyohan]

26:00 laughed my ass off at how you switched between the instruments and there was 0 difference.

[@cjpage1]

Being a guitar player myself, I've acquired a fair few fx pedals. A few high end/boutique and a few cheap copies. Donner, on the cheap side, are an exact copy circuitry wise to any high end fx unit. The only difference being the quality of the parts used in the build and why they get away with a copy of an expensive fx for a low price. Although here, when switching between the donner and inovus (which are seemingly identical) the donner has a more full sound which only leads me to the think about the final build quality of the inovus and how it can sound worse than a copy product...

[@spacefighting8505]

I think the pedals you showed are similar because they're just rebranded products from some chinese maker

[@ThePianoforever]

The insides are different for sure.

[@gessemendes999]

Iam Brazil Wonderfull

[@ThePianoforever]

Thank you for watching my video.