How Good/Bad is a $250 Keyboard (Williams Legato III) 

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One thing is clear; an accomplished player on a cheap instrument sounds better than a bad player on an expensive instrument.

I appreciate the honest thoughts and opinions. I didn't expect to watch the entire 30+ minutes of this video but I became more intrigued as I watched. I dabble in guitar and basses but have always wanted to pickup at least minimal skills on piano. If I was younger I might say fk it, I am spending 500 to 800 bucks on a nice unit to learn on and maybe take some lessons. However, I am not younger. I am in my late 40s and I am sitting here in my home office staring and decades of expensive stuff I bought, like 600 dollar drones, 800 dollar digital cameras, multiple GoPro cameras, a couple of Xbox One Xs, flight simulator controls, driving simulator controls, and a slew of other expensive things that have only been used a few times. The purpose this instrument serves is allowing a person to have an introductory taste of playing the piano. That is when you determine if you will keep playing it, or if it will be added like another decoration to my ever growing inventory of decorative cool things. In my older age, I have learned to go cheap, but reasonable. I could go with a 50 dollar toy from Walmart, or get something more true to the instrument I am hoping to eventually evolve to which is a real, full size piano with 88 keys. I know with a very cheap toy keyboard there is practically no chance to find inspiration. Now what is likely to happen, is that I get this contraption, I play with it a solid 30 minutes the first day before getting caught in a RU-vid rabbit hole, then maybe a few more times over the next month. Then it becomes a permanent addition to my collection of cool things that I have but never use, only this one didn't cost me 500 or 1000 bucks. Also, I might add, a beginner playing real piano or this contraption will not notice the shortcomings of this instrument initially. Once you get to the point that you do notice these things, and you are still inspired to continue, then upgrade. My first guitar when I was 15 was a Hondo black flying V Gibson copy. I wanted a Gibson Flying V just like James Hetfield wanted but like most, I didnt have the money, and smart parents. They bought me a Hondo that looked just as cool, although it seemed to weigh 30 pounds. I think that is my plan. I will buy this today if Guitar Center has it in stock. If not I will order it online, and maybe I find a better alternative. In the unlikely event that things go as I daydreamed, that I am loving it, and taking lessons is going well, then I will upgrade to a proper contraption, and donate the Williams to perhaps a young mind, that is hoping to learn but does not have the money.

I bought this piano, I'm on a very tight budget. I don't have a steady income. This is my first piano and I don't know if i should be disappointed or not. From the review it seems like I should be. I wish I saw this video earlier, I'll try to make the best out of it and work with what I got.

Thanks for this review, it was entertaining, and you really gave this keyboard a chance and didn’t simply dismiss it. Your reviews are always interesting, and I began taking piano lessons because of them. (I got the Yamaha p515 based on your review at NAMM and like it a lot). Glad I wasn’t tempted to get something like this Williams.

A owned a Williams piano keyboard once. Absolutely the worst I ever owned. A student of mine bought one of the more expensive ones and it had keys that stopped working only after a few months. Will never ever purchase another one and would not suggest that anyone else should.

Last year, I saw the Williams Legato III as a Daily Pick from Guitar Center for $170, with X-stand. My youngest son found my old 1980s Casio 70+ key board which has 101 sounds in the basement a month earlier, and started showing some interest. But, I wasn't convinced he will stick with it. Hence, the Legato III, advertised for $170. Well, I "popped" on that just to see if he maintains his interest. We are not rich and would hate to put a lot of money on something which may end up collecting dust. But, so far, so good. And, he developed enough on his own to ping on said instrument on the same points this video had. (Before, he didn't know better.) He is still playing it, so, I may have to save up, then search for a more playable keyboard/piano.

Thank you for your review. I was getting a deal on this but will no longer worry to buy.

I’m beginning on piano and I was thinking of buying one of these because of my current budget. This video makes clear in a couple months I’d regret it, so I’ll save for a better one. Thanks for these helpful reviews!

James, thanks for your honest and enjoyable reviews. It is really good to also review cheap instruments like this one and demonstrate that they are not good enough even for total beginners so they don't waste their money. Last year when I was starting as a total beginner of piano playing I bought a cheap Artesia piano. It was a very decent piano, good build quality, good-looking, decent sound. However, in only two months of playing it I myself started sensing that the dynamics issue I was seeing (some notes coming out too quiet, others too loud) just couldn't be my fault even if I had started playing the piano only recently. When one day I laid my hands on a Roland FP-30 and the difference was huge - like I was suddenly playing at least 10 times better. I quickly replaced my first piano with a Yamaha-P125. I could see how springy and awful the touch of the Artesia was. Lesson learned.

I almost bought Williams Legato lll, thank God I found your review video now im looking to spend just a little bit more and maybe buy yamaha p45

Wonderfully thorough review. I certainly don't want that tinny sound. I know you don't have much faith in this price range, but I'd love to see a review from you of the Alesis Recital Beginner (not pro). It's "Amazon's choice" at $349 (the white model is only $219, I'm guessing because white is less popular).

I bought two of them. I used them as a midi controller. The first one just quit, wouldn't power up. So I bought another one. Same issue as the last, just quit on me. I did have the first gen though. I also did compose some custom music for the Silent Hill game that I thought turned out pretty decent sounding using the built in piano voice.

The piano sounds shifted the fluid in my middle ears. I think it's good that you gave this instrument a chance though.

The Williams line is owned by guitar center, if I’m not mistaken. Tried this for fun when I was there, to see how it compared to my P-515. Not surprisingly, there was no comparison. The P-45 is probably the cheapest price you can pay to get reasonable action.

I laughed out loud when you said: "As you can hear, it sounds like I have almost no concept of how the piece should actually be played..." You played it well but the sound engine combined with the mediocre key action is not allowing the dynamic variation to be easily heard. A beginning piano player should not have to fight the limitations of an 88 key digital piano to play a relatively simple piece. The opening movement is easy enough for beginning and intermediate players to play a piece complex enough to apply some dynamic variation, to reflect the emotional impact the piece is capable of. It makes me wonder why there are 88 keys on a digital piano of this build style as 61-key Yamaha keyboards have superior dynamic response and even better piano samples and technology despite using unweighted key action.

I'd buy it for two fifty. $2.50

The Williams [L]egato III is semi-weighted, while the Williams [A]llegro III has weighted hammer action. But I suppose if this version is flawed, then so will the [A]llegro III. Thank you for the video.

I bought one of these when I downsized and left my big old acoustic piano. After 6 months I hated the thing and it was the action. I was learning to smack the keys. I then purchased a Casio Privia and after 3 years I still am amazed and enchanted by it. Your review was right on.

Williams sounds like a recording of a piano heard through a radio.

Appreciate your continued investment of time in your work dude. Good stuff, subscribed

This review caught my attention since remote teaching may increasingly become the new normal for universities (think COVID-19), I have been looking for affordable 76-88 note keyboards for home (and dormitory) use. And I that could be delivered to a student’s doorstep at close to the price of a college textbook. (Yes, college textbooks can be in the 200.00+ price range!). The Williams Legato III is cheap, and nearly disposable but has possibility. Perhaps the IV version will address some of the shortfalls. Thank you for your fine playing (your Bach touch reminds me of Simone Dinnerstein), and for the excellent review(s).

I have the Legato I, and everything in this video applies to that model as well. I only paid $10 for mine so I can't complain. It does have a function not discussed here. It can be used as a midi controller. Granted, I wouldn't suggest buying one for that purpose, but if you already have one it can be used with Addictive Keys for example to get a better piano sound.

The Moonlight Sonata was much more evident sound-wise than the Satie piece. It would be agonizing to try to learn on this instrument.

Williams Legato III: 16 pages of manual Pavel Showcross: 32 minutes of review.

Thanks for a very entertaining review. It was very interesting to hear how this choice of instrument affects your playing.

So: bad action, bad dynamic, bad sounds. But it comes with line out, so you can play in public...😅

Totally agree that dynamic staccating is counter productive... like how you have to stab at different speeds to accentuate electric gain.

The sound your hearing is from a low bit rate sample. You can hear that kind of sound in low quality compressed audio.

My word, his ear and ability to hear the finer aspects of the musical notes is AMAZING.

Thank you for this; super helpful!

Wow, I thought it was just my speakers or the recording or something, until you mentioned that weird metallic/electric sound haha

Appreciate your taking the time to do this review.

I had a Casio WK 1400 which sounded very nice. The grand piano tone was especially good. I wish I never sold it.

Does it have MIDI jacks? Using another sound module can expand inexpensive keyboards. If you can find a keyboard with the FULL XG sound module, not the lite version, can expand the library with decent sounds. On a budget an XG lite small keyboard can double as a sound module as the module supports the full 88 keys, even though the keyboard may have far fewer keys.

And they say inflation is happening. I have a cheap Yamaha keyboard 64 key that has better sound and touch sensitivity with midi output and it was only about $150 back in 2005. And it still works with no problems. It has a plugin for a sustain, but never bothered getting one. I bought an upright used piano as nothing ever comes close to the real deal. But keyboards are nice when you're on the road, and just want to compose or play with the instruments.

I think the first bass sound is supposed to be a plucked double (upright) bass, and the second a bass guitar.

Debussy on the Rhodes tone sounds dreamier. I'm sure you've played Clair De Lune on the actual Rhodes, earlier. Thanks for this review, I was considering purchasing one on eBay, now, not so much.

That odd sound you're talking about is likely file compression on the samples.

You should really try their better keyboard, the Allegro III, I bought the discontinued Allegro II version, and I have been happy with it. Mine doesn't have the record and play, but it works well. It's really heavy with weighted keys. It weighs 39 pounds as apposed to the Legato III which weighs 19 pounds. One reason I bought it was so that I could take a portable keyboard out of the house and have a Leslie sound using the pedal while on the organ settings. I really didn't notice any shrill sounds; so don't give up on the Williams brand yet until you try the Allegro III. My last name is Williams, but that didn't influence me.

It's my everyday MIDI controller with GarageBand on my iPad Air 3. Even the sustain pedal works in MIDI mode. Its built-in sound engine is much better than the internal speakers output. Try it with good headphones or connected to an amp or PA and it sounds much better.

He played won't get fooled again. Love that low sequencer sound

I’m thinking of getting the Williams Rhapsody 2. I’m curious to know what you think of it.

The piano sampling is either from a 70 year old spinet or it used very bad mics for an old grand that was found in a basement somewhere. The dynamic control was a disaster and that's a dealbreaker. The Rhodes lacked the timbre changes of good samples but yes, it's a way better than the acoustic piano. The Wurli sounded distressed but almost OK but what was going on in the bass is very unwelcome. Forget the organ too because it was painful. Way too much attack. Pass.

Please also do a review on the Artesia PA-88H. Thank you!

Thank you for the video my friend. I do not own a Williams Legato 3, I have the version earlier than this one!! What you were saying about the dynamics was very true. Also Satie’s Gymnopedie no. 1 was the first song I learned with this keyboard! It’s not the best, but it helped me learn the basics. I am studying to become a professional piano player and am very much longing to invest in a better instrument. Thanks for the review!

I have bought a 15 years used Technics Piano SXPX103 which was half that price and it is WAYS better, and will still be WAYS better in 15 years! I have seen so many e Pianos having caught dead keys just after 15 months... You can't judge that upon unpacking a new device.

I love that you are always honest, unlike some other reviewers who are sponsored by some brands.

Could you ever consider reviewing the Thomman piano, P56 or something like that? It seems to be of great value to me. I don't see much commentary about them. I saw one video of a store on San Pablo that you visited in Berkeley. Thanks for all the knowledge that you impart

At first I though the sampled piano sounds was OK but then it started sounding tinny and artificial .

What I also notice is that there is a ‘click’ sound by every note. Maybe it’s the moment you let the key go or ... don’t know. In reality it’s a pity that the sound and the action is like it is. This could be a nice start you know but so now and them I got the impression notes just vanish. what do you do with a keyboard like this? Send it back? Anyway it wasn’t your fault. You play good. Thank you for sharing and playing.

For us who play but only need a practice keyboard in a small place with no room. id take it. even if it is a bit off. yeah play at church, but kids practice. I would actually use it. but yes would have a better one.

Williams Legato vs Artesia Performer, which sounds better ?

I had an Allegra II which I brought used for $175. I only kept the piano aboyt 3 weeks - my 1st digital piano but but just an awful digital piano. I bought a used Yamaha DGX-650 and luckily sold the Williams for $175. I tried their "grand" at Guitar Center had the same weighted action as the Allegra which is a very bad weighted action - not even close to a real piano action. My advice - don't bother with Williams pianos.

From my experience, I don’t recommend this kind of keyboard for somebody whose goal is to learn to play the piano. I played a cheap keyboard at first and the first time I played a piano, it was a disaster. There is too much to adjust when you switch from the organ action to the piano action. There are one or two digital pianos that are a little bit more expensive than this one(still way cheaper than Yamaha p45) but have fully weighted keys. It’s better off go with them.

I think the extra artifacts you were talking about in the sound have to do with the sampling rate in the bit depth and everything. Like for example, my Korg M50 88 how is a bit rate of 24 bit and a sampling rate of 48 kHz. I would guess you’re may be looking at a 12 or 16 bit sampled at maybe 24 kHz or so. I’m not sure if this is the case,

The ringing is a bad sampling rate without anti-aliasing when pitching the samples up and down

It did me good in my first years

Thank you for your honest review. I am glad to see one that isnt compensated for.

Thanks for the Bach. Will not be recommending this for my students. Thanks for doing the research!

Nice review! I've watched many of your videos and I enjoy them (especially the one where you compare the down weight of several pianos). In the semiweighted category, could you do a review of the Studiologic Numa Compact 2, please? I'd be interested to see what you think of it, as many people say it's pretty expressive for a semiweighted action.

Isn’t the first bass sound trying to represent an upright acoustic bass?

Thanks so much for the reviews. Have you ever or can you please do a review video of the Williams Allegro 111 or even the pricier Williams Overture 2?

The same thing is happening to my keyboard, couple notes sounding higher than they should, I thought it was broken..

Heads up you mist a sound for them all, if you double click the sounds it’ll give you a different or another sound for each

Nice job on the Bach!

Came here because of that super annoying high pitched ringing on some low notes. Glad I spent 12 minutes watching instead of wasting time talking to customer service! That’s too bad it’s just a part of the product 😒 thanks for your review!

I'm a beginner and i used to have the Williams Allegro 2 Plus. I know it i wasn't crazy. All the things you mentioned in the video i have the same playing experience on that piano. The fact that the Williams Allegro 2 Plus have "Weighted keys" the key action is terrible, you can not control the dynamics. It have the same metallic sound and the buzzing on the speaker. I got tired of him and i sold it.

Hey the Rhodes sounds good!

BTW - How much compression does YT impose on uploaded content? Not an [obvious] issue with yours, but *soooo* many vids are pumped to the point (and beyond) of unlistenability :'( Thanks again! :-)

Playing Debussy on a $250 keyboard, n you still killed it bro, haha! I love the reviews man

Williams, the Fender Squire of electric pianos.

I tried one at a music store the other night, but it the thing felt like a toy. Every demo model in the store had a broken key. So....that was a nope for me.

Teacher, it's okay which digital piabo you get for $1,200

That Odd bass sound was a stand up acoustic bass

What are some of the differences between this, and the allegro ?

Well thank you so much!

Could you do a review of the Alesis Recital Pro. It’s price range is from $350 to $550. They say it is a good beginner digital piano.

On budget Controllers, you could do a comparison between Nektar Impact lx88+, Icon iKeyboard 8X, and Midi­plus X-8 II.. I got the Nektar and being semi-weighted feels quite nice, with good dynamic response.. (I'm no real Pianist tho..)

This makes me wonder, do you think the action would improve after breaking in? Maybe once the action looses up a bit it wouldn't be quite as wonky?

You mention the Roland FP 30. Are you planning an in depth review in the future? I'm curious as I've just purchased this keyboard as a beginner and am finding the keys heavy to push down. Doing a weight check, its 68 grams to get middle C key moving down placed on the very front of the key.

I bought the Allegro III and it was good for a complete noob, like me, who had never played a single note on a piano. I was pretty pleased for a while, but once I got a Kawai MP8II I noticed many of things in this video. Not sure what I am going to use if for, now.

That bass was supposed to be upright countrabass. It wasn't that bad in my opinion. And yes the higher registers did sound like a japanese koto or a Chinese guzheng. If you did a series of low-end digital piano reviews I think there'd be a market for it. Although probably not in the 250 range but rather around the p45 because that's where they tend to have better action

Do you think someone who can play Moonlight Sonata would buy this piano?

Would you be able to do a review of the Alesis Recital? Some say it's a bit better than the Williams digital pianos. Thanks.

That is why i put my Williams overture 2 in the garage!!

I dont know what piano to get . This one is in my price range but I'm not sold on it.

The consistency problem is also present in my McGrey SP-100 Plus but not as bad. Could you review that if possible?

A piano shop near to me had a Williiams with a weighted action in a corner for ages , it was about 3years old & they took it in part exchange for a much more expensive well known model. The action was awful, some notes were sticking & the piano sample was very poor , so the shop owner decided to just keep it to demonstrate to potential buyers of cheap Chinese import 'no name' instruments just what they were likely to be stuck with .It was a great boost to his trade . He eventually scrapped it . For those on a very tight budget , a secondhand Yamaha,Roland,Casio etc is a much safer bet !

Would this be recommended for a beginner?

for some reason the organ sounds hurt my teeth - listening via headphones.

Thanks for the review. Really enjoy your videos. New sub! I must ask: I'm in the market for a new keyboard (only studio use) and i'm a bit puzzled right now.Since i own a really good set of studio monitors i don't care about onboard speakers. What i really care about is having at least 1 awesome grand piano sound. A decent rhodes and strings is also welcome. Instead of having to navigate countless submenus i really like a simple, straightforward user interface too. Of course having a really good action is the most important thing. Now...i can stretch my budget to a MP11SE or CP88 but...are they really worth the nearly 1000Eu price difference over the MP7SE...?

I’m buying a Yamaha keyboard piano for 200, is that ok for a beginner piano?

You played some Riders on the Storm which is the song I'm learning piano on!

Thank you James.

On a budget, this is a perfectly good keyboard. The keybed and sound engine was updated on the Legato III. I use this keyboard every day as a MIDI controller and its holding up just fine. It's replaced my 49-key Roland MIDI controller in my home studio. My favorite GarageBand keyboard is the Classical Grand Piano. I use similar keyboards in Presonus Studio One where I can tweak them into any custom keyboard sound I want. If you're a really busy player, then you might find the Legato III's 64 polyphony voices limiting.

You should do a review on the Yamaha YPT260

How many notes of polyphony does it have? I'm guessing 6-8? The bit after the Rhodes sound demo where you switch back to piano tone very obviously drops too many earlier notes... truncation like that sounds out like... well, too many truncated earlier notes!:-/

I was planning to get a used one for only $150. Is it worth even that much?

You don’t understand the frustration I have, my perents bought me the same piano I tried to tell them how hard it is to play it at a consistent volume and how the action straight up sucks. And I got scolded for being “ungrateful” and my step dad went as far as saying “maybe your just not that good” but whatever man I’m just gunna start saving up on my own cos I’m fed up with this shit.