Product Review: GEWA UP-355 – Digital Piano

Piano culture at an entry-level price: GEWA’s newest mid-range piano, the UP-355, combines classic home piano design with modern features. Particularly impressive is its Steinway D-274 grand piano sound.

When it comes to pure piano sound, all GEWA pianos are built on the same foundation. Even the smallest portable piano PP-3 benefits from the expressive sound of a sampled Steinway & Sons D-247.

However, the instruments sound different due to the inherent characteristics of each digital piano: keyboard, case construction, and especially the speaker system. Let’s see how the GEWA UP-355 performs in these disciplines.

What Is It Like to Play the GEWA UP-355?

The playing experience begins the moment you touch the instrument. In this regard, there are worlds between the UP-355 and the smaller DP-345, not least due to the UP-355’s much more substantial cabinet. Everything is incredibly solid – you can actually feel the quality of the workmanship. Despite having the same keyboard, the UP-355 thus offers a distinctly different playing experience than its smaller counterpart,

Visaton Speakers

With only a slight increase in speaker power, the UP-355 still stands out from the smaller DP-345. The speaker system in the UP-355 by German manufacturer Visaton makes all the difference.

And with the right sound, playing a digital piano takes on a whole new dimension. In other words, the sound directly affects the playing feel. Not only does this make playing more enjoyable, but you also get a more nuanced sound from the keyboard that both instruments feature.

Concert Pianist Keyboard

Thanks to the ivory feel keytops, the Concert Pianist keyboard feels great to the touch, allowing you to play fast passages with confidence and ease. In addition, the triple sensor system gives the Concert Pianist keyboard an excellent touch response. The only thing the keyboard lacks is a let-off simulation, which you would expect considering the price range. Nevertheless, the keyboard feels good and is fun to play, especially with the piano sound.

Steinway Sound

This sound, with its open character, rich in overtones with beautiful dynamic accents, is clearly the hallmark of this GEWA piano. Different presets are available, offering sounds with more overtones or a more subdued quality.

There are several improvements over the previous series. Although the same samples of a Steinway grand from the Hamburg H.O.M.E. studios form the basis, the sound has obviously been further refined. Without losing any of its expressiveness, the sound is more nuanced than in previous GEWA pianos.

Learning to Play with the GEWA UP-355

The GEWA UP-355 has helpful features for practicing and learning. There are no pre-recorded piano pieces like some competitors offer, but you still get the basics. A built-in sequencer/player allows you to record your own etudes and pieces. Also useful is a metronome, which you can adjust for volume and time signature.

In addition, you can transfer audio files or online lessons to the internal playback system via Bluetooth Audio. For more details, see the Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ section.

Conclusion: Good Features, Good Price!

To celebrate its 70th anniversary, Thomann offers GEWA digital pianos at a permanently reduced price. This makes the GEWA UP-355 even more interesting for all those who are looking for an affordable home piano that offers high-quality entry-level playing and sound characteristics. Beginners and advanced players alike will enjoy the wonderfully dynamic sound of a Steinway piano. Here you get a great set of features at just the right price.

GEWA UP-355 – Overview

Release date: 06.2023
Keyboard: Concert Pianist, graded hammer action, Ivory Touch
Sound generation: 256 voices, 20 sounds
Piano app: GEWA Piano Remote, free for Android & iOS
Manufacturer/Distributor: GEWA

FAQ – GEWA UP-355

Too many details often obscure the essential. But it’s the little things that count – especially when it comes to musical instruments. Learn more about technical details here in the “Frequently Asked Questions” section.

Is there a GEWA piano app?

Yes, the manufacturer offers the free GEWA Piano Remote App for Android and iOS devices. The design of the app is not as graphically sophisticated as the apps from Yamaha or Kawai, but it makes it easy to use all the functions of the digital piano.

Does the keyboard have a let-off simulation?

However, the keyboard features a triple sensor system that effectively captures each keystroke to trigger the sound. This ensures excellent repeatability and allows for precise pianissimo passages. The only limitation is that the system does not provide a defined tactile trigger point for pianissimo attacks.

Is it possible to connect external devices?

Absolutely. The UP-355 offers flexible options for both hardware and software. The AUX In port lets you connect external audio devices such as playback systems or eLessons, while Bluetooth audio support allows for seamless digital audio streaming. For MIDI connectivity, the digital piano offers a standard USB MIDI port and traditional MIDI In/Out connections, as well as wireless communication through Bluetooth MIDI.

The UP-355 features a USB-to-Device port for saving user data and sequencer songs, as well as for receiving system updates from the manufacturer. In addition, while an extra sustain pedal jack may seem unconventional for a home piano, it will prove beneficial if you intend to use the instrument as a portable digital piano without a stand.

What does the speaker sound like?

The sound is characteristic of digital pianos, with the speakers emitting sound from beneath the keyboard. While the bass could use a little more punch – though this is subjective – the speaker system maintains clarity even at high volumes. Thanks to Visaton technology, you get a consistently convincing, clear sound.

Is there any key noise?

With a hammer action you can never completely avoid key noise – whether it bothers you or not is highly individual. The UP-355 is not one of the quietest instruments in its class, but the noise is within normal limits. In our test, we didn’t find anything distracting. In addition, the keyboard has a pleasant feel to it.

How many sounds does the UP-355 have?

The UP-355 offers a total of 20 sounds, some of which come in multiple variations. In addition to the acoustic piano sound, there is an excellent vintage Fender Rhodes-style electric piano and of course “digital piano classics” such as strings, choir, organ, clavinet, harpsichord, and vibraphone. The quality is impressive, with the three core sounds of grand piano, digital piano, and strings standing out.

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