Kawai
CA-401
$2,700
Your entry into Kawai's premium CA line — real grand piano DNA at a reachable price
Gewa
Premium German console with Italian wooden keys
| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | Yes | +1.5 |
| App Connectivity | No | +0 |
| Recording | Yes | +1 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | Yes | +0.3 |
| Preset Songs | 0 | +0 |
| Sound Variety | 40 sounds | +0.5 |
| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 | +2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm | +1 |
| Headphone Optimization | Yes | +1.5 |
| Key Action Quietness | fatar tp40 wood | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 65 kg | -3 |
| Width | 1450 mm | -0.5 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | fatar tp40 wood (grade 9) | +5.4 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 256 notes | +1.5 |
| Sound Modeling | No | +0 |
| Key Surface | wood | +0.3 |
The Gewa UP 400G is a premium console piano pairing a Fatar TP/40 wooden-key action with an 80W 6-speaker system, Bluetooth MIDI, and headphone optimization — a top-tier European instrument for serious home pianists.
The Gewa UP 400G is a hidden gem in the premium digital piano market. The combination of Fatar's wooden-key action, an 80W 6-speaker system, and headphone optimization creates an instrument that rivals offerings from Yamaha's CLP-700 series and Kawai's CA series at a competitive price. The European pedigree — German engineering plus Italian keyboard craftsmanship — gives it a distinctive character that sets it apart from Japanese competitors. The main risk is limited dealer support outside Europe, which could affect after-sales service. If you can source one and you value touch quality above all else, the UP 400G is a remarkable instrument that deserves a place on every serious pianist's shortlist.
The Fatar TP/40 with wooden keys is one of the finest keyboard actions available in a digital piano. Manufactured in Italy by the same company that supplies actions to many premium brands, this keyboard uses real wooden key components that add mass and resonance to every keystroke. The escapement mechanism simulates the let-off point of a grand piano action, and the grading from bass to treble is meticulously calibrated. Advanced players will feel the difference immediately — this is a keyboard that responds to the subtlest changes in finger pressure, velocity, and angle. It is as close to an acoustic grand piano feel as digital technology currently allows without going hybrid.
You are a serious pianist — perhaps classically trained, perhaps returning after years away — and you want the most realistic touch possible without buying a hybrid piano. You practice daily, often late at night, and headphone quality matters enormously to you. You appreciate European craftsmanship and are willing to look beyond the major Japanese brands. Your living room is large enough for a substantial piece of furniture, and you want an instrument that rewards your technique with nuanced, expressive response.
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Fatar Tp40 Wood |
| Polyphony | 256 notes |
| Sounds | 40 |
| Weight | 65 kg |
| Speakers | 80W (×6) |
| Bluetooth | MIDI |
| Key Surface | Wood |
| Sound Modeling | |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm |
| Headphone Optimization | Yes |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| Lesson Function | Yes |
| App Connectivity | No |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 0 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1450×480×1050 mm |
| Stand Included | Yes |
| Pedal Included | Yes |
A sturdy X-stand or furniture-style stand is essential if one isn't included.
Closed-back headphones with good bass response make practice sessions more enjoyable.
The included pedal is usually basic. A half-damper pedal upgrade is worthwhile for expressive playing.
An adjustable-height bench helps maintain proper posture during long practice sessions.
The CA-401 edges ahead in Beginner and Night Practice and Value. The CA-401 costs $300 less. Choose the CA-401 if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
Kawai CA-401 →The KIYOLA KF-10 edges ahead in Beginner and Night Practice and Value. The UP 400G costs $200 less. Choose the KIYOLA KF-10 if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
Roland KIYOLA KF-10 →The CSP-255 edges ahead in Beginner and Night Practice and Value. The UP 400G costs $200 less. Choose the CSP-255 if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
Yamaha CSP-255 →Yes. The Gewa UP 400G scores 7.1/10 on our Beginner scale, which means it has strong learning features like lesson modes, app connectivity, and built-in songs to help new players get started.
The Gewa UP 400G has Bluetooth MIDI for wireless app connectivity, but no Bluetooth Audio for streaming music.
The Gewa UP 400G weighs 65 kg (143 lbs). It scores 1.5/10 on our Portability scale. This is a stay-in-place instrument — plan its location before setup.
Yes. The Gewa UP 400G has 2 headphone jacks (6.3mm). It scores 7.5/10 on our Night Practice scale. It also features headphone sound optimization for a more immersive experience.
The Gewa UP 400G has a full 88-key keyboard, the same as an acoustic piano. This gives you the complete range for any piece of music.
Buying a digital piano can feel overwhelming. Hundreds of models, confusing specs, and marketing jargon make it hard to know what actually matters. This guide breaks down everything you need to understand — in plain language — so you can make a confident decision.
Read more →"Should I buy a digital piano or a keyboard?" It's the most common question beginners ask — and the most confusing, because the terms get used interchangeably even by music stores. They're actually quite different instruments designed for different purposes. This guide cuts through the marketing noise and explains exactly what separates them, when each one makes sense, and which you should buy based on your actual goals.
Read more →"Weighted keys" and "graded hammer action" are two of the most common terms you'll see when shopping for a digital piano. They sound similar but refer to different things. This guide explains exactly what they mean, how they affect your playing, and which type you should look for.
Read more →Living in an apartment doesn't mean giving up piano. Digital pianos were practically made for this situation — plug in headphones and the world disappears. But not all models are equally quiet. Key noise, headphone quality, and late-night optimization features vary widely. This guide helps you find the right piano for peaceful apartment practice.
Read more →Kawai
$2,700
Your entry into Kawai's premium CA line — real grand piano DNA at a reachable price
Roland
$3,200
A Karimoku-crafted wooden cabinet that happens to be a serious Roland piano
Yamaha
$3,200
The piano that teaches you to play your favorite songs — with lights that show you which keys to press