Pros and Cons
The GEWA UP 405 is the flagship model in GEWA’s digital piano lineup. With its traditional upright piano design, high-quality hybrid wooden keyboard, and expressive piano sound, it offers a winning formula, but how does it hold up in the upper mid-range segment?
This concept has already proven itself in the entry-level class, as the reviews of the GEWA DP 345 and the portable piano PP-3 show. We were particularly impressed by the piano sound of the GEWA instruments. With a more advanced sound system and a keyboard feel that sets it apart from the entry-level segment, the more expensive UP 405 goes even further.
While the GEWA UP 405 doesn’t have a fully wooden keyboard, its Concert Pianist II is a hybrid design with wooden elements. Structurally, it remains a conventional digital piano keyboard, but the white keys have a wooden veneer that enhances the touch. The addition of Ivory Feel keytops and let-off simulation further contributes to an authentic playing experience.
At first, the key travel on the GEWA UP 405 felt slightly shorter than usual. This isn’t a flaw, just something to get used to. As with any digital piano, adjusting to the dynamic response also takes a little time. However, I quickly adapted, and the keyboard performed well, handling note repetition and staccato playing with ease.
The GEWA UP 405 offers two high-quality piano sounds. The Hamburg Grand delivers the grand piano sound we’ve already praised in other GEWA instruments: a brilliantly sampled, detailed Steinway D concert grand. The sound is expressive with a wide dynamic range, incorporating nuances such as string resonance and key-off effect for a natural decay.
The second piano sound, the Vienna Grand, also benefits from these detailed nuances. Given the name, one might expect a Bösendorfer, and indeed, this sound has a distinctly different character from the Hamburg Grand. The Bösendorfer-inspired tone offers greater subtlety in pianissimo passages while still allowing for powerful, articulate accents.
Both piano sounds are crafted with great attention to detail, making them a joy to play, whether for classical, jazz, pop, or rock. They each have a unique temperament that allows for expressive, dynamic performances. The decay is well-balanced, and the attack remains clear and nuanced across the entire range. Simply excellent!
GEWA offers the free Piano Remote app for Android and iOS devices. While the GEWA UP 405 is already easy to navigate thanks to its large touch screen, using the app on a tablet provides an even clearer and more intuitive overview of its many features. In fact, the piano’s minimalist design belies its depth—there’s far more you can do with its sounds than it might initially suggest.
You can fine-tune the acoustic piano sounds to shape their tonal characteristics. There’s also plenty of room for creativity in the effects section, especially when layering or splitting sounds.
The electric piano section of the GEWA UP 405 is also impressive: the Fender Rhodes and Wurlitzer sounds respond beautifully to dynamic playing and reveal all their characteristic tonal nuances. The modulation effects add depth and can be fine-tuned for an expressive, immersive experience.
The GEWA UP 405 allows you to use up to three sounds simultaneously, with complete flexibility in how they’re assigned across the keyboard. Split and layer combinations are easy to create, and the sound selection offers plenty of options—whether it’s a bass in the left hand with a piano/strings layer or other creative pairings.
While some of the additional sounds (like nylon guitar and accordion) might not be the most compelling on their own, their real strength lies in layering. The UP 405 offers a wealth of possibilities for mixing pianos, electric pianos, strings, and pad sounds, enhanced by its extensive editing capabilities. One key advantage: You can save and instantly recall custom combinations and favorite sounds, including all effect settings.
Learning to play the piano on a digital instrument? The GEWA UP 405 has everything you need. It includes a metronome and a recorder function, perfect for capturing and reviewing your études. You can also record performances as audio files via USB. On the flip side, the UP 405 can also play back WAV and MP3 files, making it easy to play along with backing tracks.
For even more convenience, Bluetooth wireless audio lets you stream online lessons or accompaniment tracks directly through the piano’s sound system using a tablet or smartphone. Bluetooth MIDI is also on board—not only for connecting to the GEWA Piano Remote app but also for wireless integration with music production or notation apps on your mobile device or computer.
Another helpful feature for teaching and practicing is the 4-hand mode. Similar to split mode, it divides the keyboard into two equal ranges, ideal for piano lessons.
The GEWA UP 405 immediately impresses with its excellent piano sounds. Whether you’re playing classical, jazz, or pop, the tones are authentic and full of life. With the Hamburg Grand and the Vienna Grand, you even get two expressive concert grands.
Compared to its predecessor, the UP 400, it’s clear that sound quality was a major focus during development. The piano sounds are noticeably more refined. While the Steinway sample in the previous model could occasionally sound a bit brash in the fortissimo range, the UP 405 delivers a much more balanced sound with greater nuance in the pianissimo.
The visually understated, classic design also contributes to the instrument’s appeal, subtly emphasizing traditional piano aesthetics. Only the touch screen and volume control hint at its digital core.
Despite this discreet appearance, the UP 405 offers a wide range of features that make it ideal for both learning and practicing. And thanks to its powerful speaker system, it’s also capable of making a strong acoustic impression. A solid home piano that combines great sound with an enjoyable playing experience.
Pros and Cons
Jörg Sunderkötter
... thanks to its powerful speaker system, it's also capable of making a strong acoustic impression.
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