Pros and Cons
As far as digital piano brands go, GEWA may still be a newcomer – so we have a real insider tip here. In the price range under 1,000 euro, the GEWA PP-3 inspires not only with its lively piano sound, but also with extensive equipment – modern features such as Bluetooth and piano control app included.
While no expenses were spared in terms of sound, the same cannot be said about the weight, which is just under 15kg thanks to the plastic casing. This lightweight construction combined with it being manufactured in Asia could be an explanation for the low price of the GEWA PP-3.
The electronics built into the instrument, however, are entirely of European development and manufacturing. The Vogtland-based company GEWA is a household name as a manufacturer of musical instruments and is only considered a newcomer in the digital piano sector. While it is well known that this market is highly competitive, the GEWA piano series has become well established – most recently notable in the new home pianos, such as the GEWA DP-345.
This also applies to the GEWA PP-3, which is definitely a tip for beginners who don’t want to do without a good piano sound while on a small budget. Generally, a portable piano is recommended in this case, since the important elements of keyboard and piano sound profit from the reduced casing. The case is sufficiently stable for home use, but you should – if the original stand is not included – choose a keyboard stand that can provide optimal support for an electric piano.
Given the small size of the case, one would not expect any sound miracles, especially not in the price range between 500 and 1,000 euro. Nevertheless, the GEWA PP-3 performs really well in this aspect, as the sound from the speakers seems balanced and clear.
It is beneficial that the playback system somewhat restrains the bass – so you can bang the keys with full force, even at high volumes. This is more than sufficient for home use or a small choir rehearsal. If you want to perform live on stage with the PP-3, you can connect an amplifier via the line-out jack or connect the piano to a mixing console.
The GEWA PP-3 combines the mobility of a stage piano with the classic digital piano features that are important for learning with and playing a digital piano. The included pedal is praiseworthy – it is not (as so often) a foot switch, but a decent sustain pedal. The pedal connector here supports the half-pedal function, which is available in connection with compatible pedals.
Optionally, GEWA offers a matching stand including triple pedal lyre, also available in a bundle with the instrument. The stand is very affordable at just below 100 euro and makes the PP-3 look like a small modern home piano. Very practical: Only four screws have to be loosened and the GEWA PP-3 can be used as a portable piano.
Here the PP-3 benefits from the GEWA pianos, because built into the e-piano is not only the same 256 polyphonic sound generation, but also the already well-known piano sound. For this, a Steinway & Sons D-274 concert grand piano was sampled, which equips the PP-3 with a lively and powerful sound.
The piano sound is balanced over the entire range and has great dynamic, which spans many nuances from pianissimo to powerful forte. Simulation details like Sympathetic Resonance, Damper Resonance and Damper Noise are also taken into account.
Playing this piano sound is a pleasure, not least due to the keyboard. The “Smart Touch” keyboard installed here has obviously been fitted to the overall light weight of the instrument. It already feels different than the keyboards of the GEWA home pianos and also does without Ivory-Feel. Nevertheless, a balanced compromise has been found here, because the keys provide a good counterweight, resulting in a grippy playing feel.
The acoustic piano sound is available in different versions – the Piano 1 sounds full and warm. Other versions put more emphasis on midrange frequencies, resulting in a more direct sound – good for rock/pop – or sound more moderate with reduced treble emphasis, which is great for playing ballads and neo-classical music.
The electric piano sounds here can also convince with their quality: Fender Rhodes – sometimes rocky and a bit distorted in the higher dynamics, sometimes mellow and bell-like. Then Wurlitzer and FM pianos. Also available are a clavinet harpsichord next to strings, choir, synth pad etc. The total of 20 sounds even cover guitar and accordion. While the quality of piano sounds is clearly the main priority, the additional sounds do a good job in layer and split combinations.
The control concept of the GEWA PP-3 may seem quite unique at first, but ultimately it is really practical. Selecting sounds and adjusting the volume – easy to do, but the PP-3 can do much more than the compact control panel suggests.
The four “Sound” buttons can perform different tasks. You can navigate through the sound categories but also control the metronome. In addition, you can choose to play your favorite sounds or personalized user sounds, even with individual effect settings or sound combinations. To control these functions, you can use GEWA’s Piano Remote app.
Right from the start, the PP-3 relies on the use of the “GEWA Piano Remote” app, which is available free of charge for Android and iOS devices. A very efficient operating concept: Why put settings into cryptic key combinations (which no one can remember anyway) when it can also be done conveniently via smartphone?
The app connects to the instrument wirelessly via Bluetooth. Here you can set favorites for the F1 – F4 buttons, with detailed settings for modulation effects like chorus, phaser, tremolo, etc., and can also apply reverb, which comes with various echo effects. The effects sound great, and the most important parameters can even be adjusted, such as intensity and speed (rate) of the chorus, or even the echo duration of the reverb.
Combinations are also possible. Two sounds can be freely adjusted in keyboard zone and transposition, so any split/layer combinations are possible. An advantage is that the app immediately synchronizes the data with the instrument – changes are immediately audible and remain in the instrument after saving. The favorites remain available even without the app.
The app and its customized operating concept are very practical, but there is still room for improvement. For combinations, it lacks the ability to adjust the volume balance between the two sounds. Also, the sustain function should be separately switchable for each layer. In some cases, the menus when editing were not synchronized correctly. However, all these are minor issues that can quickly be solved by updating the control app.
Standards such as transpose and tuning functions as well as scales can be found in the settings tab of the app. Here you can also find the settings to adjust the piano sound: String Resonance, Damper Resonance. Although the effect is not strong, the character of the piano sound can be varied subtly and realistically. In the section “Attack” – perhaps a bit misleading in title – the three velocity curves Soft, Medium and Hard can be altered to change dynamic expression.
The GEWA PP-3 should be a sales hit, as for an entry-level electric piano it offers high-quality sound. Not only the main features of playing feel and piano sound are well executed, but also the additional functions such as controlling the piano via the piano control app and the various edit functions for sound combinations, effects, and acoustic sound details that come with it.
The plastic casing could be a point of criticism, but it is stable enough for home use. Above all, it makes the GEWA PP-3 a very handy portable piano that can easily be transported. It is also ideal if there is no actual space for a piano, so the portable one might have to disappear in the closet after practice.
The equipment is very well suited for both home use and live performances. For the latter, you should certainly think about a robust transport bag, while the bundle including a stand is worth considering for home use.
Available since: 05.2022
Keyboard: Smart Touch, graded hammer action
Polyphony: 256 voices
Piano App: GEWA Piano Remote, free, Android & iOS
Manufacturer/Distributor: GEWA
Pros and Cons
Jörg Sunderkötter
The GEWA PP-3 aims to be a sales hit, as it offers high sound quality in the entry-level segment.
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