Petrof Piano History, Quality, and Market Role
Petrof Pianos was founded in 1864 by Antonín Petrof, born in Czechoslovakia. Antonin learned piano building from his uncle in Vienna. After Anonin returned to Bohemia in 1864, he built his first pianos in his father’s workshop. By 1880, the company was registered, and in 1883, it started building upright pianos. The company is known for creating high-quality pianos with a distinctive tone as one of the leading European piano manufacturers and is still a family-owned business today.
The company increased production in 1954 and started building smaller vertical and grand pianos. Petrof became a significant player in the global piano market, exporting its instruments to various countries.
Throughout the 20th century, Petrof faced several challenges, including political and economic shifts in Czechoslovakia. Despite these hurdles, the company continued to innovate and produce pianos renowned for their quality. In the 1990s, Petrof expanded its international presence, establishing a strong foothold in markets outside Europe, including Japan, China, Australia, South America, and North America.
Quality
Petrof pianos carry exceptional quality control using high-grade materials in their pianos’ construction, such as spruce and maple wood, which are carefully selected and treated to ensure optimal tonal quality.
Petrof Grand Pianos
Tone
Petrof pianos are known for their warm, rich, full-bodied sound and balanced tonal range, with a particularly strong and resonant bass. The midrange is lush and expressive, while the treble notes are clear and bell-like. This tonal quality is achieved through meticulous craftsmanship, including hand-finishing the soundboard and careful action regulation.
Touch
Petrof offers a medium-to-firm touch, making it suitable for classical and contemporary music with a responsive touch and various playing styles and genres. The action is designed to provide a smooth and consistent feel, allowing pianists to express themselves precisely and easily. The touch is often described as medium to firm, balancing resistance and responsiveness.
Price
Petrof pianos are generally positioned between mid-tier and high-end markets. Petrof Upright Pianos range from $10,000 – $25,000, depending on the size and model. The Baby Grand Pianos to Concert Grand ranges from $40,000 – $100,000. They are more expensive than entry-level Yamaha and Kawai models but often more affordable than high-end brands like Steinway, Bösendorfer, and Fazioli.
One of the key factors in Petrof’s success in North America is its ability to adapt to local market demands while maintaining its European heritage. The Petrof company offers a wide range of pianos for institutions and homes and has established a strong network of dealers and service providers to support customers’ needs.