Petrof - European Excellence in the World of Pianos

Although the European market for grand and upright pianos may often be associated with countries like Germany and Italy, one of the leading piano manufacturers is located further to the east. We’re talking about the magnificent Petrof instruments, which have been crafted for over 150 years in the Czech Republic.

History of the Petrof Factory

The founder and creator of the first Petrof piano was Antonin Petrof, and this happened in 1864. He had previously learned and observed the work of craftsmen in Vienna before establishing his own business. Initially, Antonin Petrof crafted instruments in his father’s workshop. The factory operated this way for a short period, interrupted by the Austro-Prussian War.

Petrof resumed its operations in 1874 when the factory was relocated to Brno. Soon, in addition to upright pianos (and harmoniums), Petrof also began producing upright pianos. The company’s reach gradually expanded, and Petrof branches were established in Hungary and Vienna. Antonin was joined by his three sons, who took over the company in 1915 when their parents tragically passed away in an accident. Another branch was established in London in partnership with the legendary Steinway & Sons, and Petrof’s production extended to electronic and radio-acoustic systems.

After the Second World War, the Petrof factory was nationalized for many years but returned to the private ownership of the Petrof family in 2001 (with Jan Petrof taking over the management a decade earlier). An important aspect of the brand’s activities is investing in development, innovation, and research. For this purpose, the Development Department and later the modern Development Center were created.

High Quality and Innovative Solutions

Currently, the Petrof factory operates in Hradec Králové in the Czech Republic and also has a branch in the United States. Therefore, these European grand and upright pianos are available on every continent, and their quality is highly esteemed (the Petrof factory has won prestigious awards in Europe and around the world over the years). They are also distinguished by the European Excellence certificate, attesting to the exceptional quality of materials. An important part of the factory is the anechoic chamber used to analyze the acoustic properties of instruments.

To truly appreciate the value of Petrof instruments, it’s best to listen to their beautiful sound in person. These are pianos crafted from the highest quality materials. On average, it takes several months to produce one instrument. Those interested have the opportunity to visit the Petrof museum, where the secrets of production are revealed before their eyes. One of Petrof’s key innovations is the Magnetically Accelerated Action (MAA) mechanism.

Even today, most of the work at the Petrof factory is done by hand, starting with the detailed selection and processing of raw wood. Let’s take a look at the models currently coming out of the Petrof factory (the numbers in the names refer to the height in centimeters – upright pianos).

Petrof upright piano models:

• P135 (135 cm): This is a high-quality upright piano with an impressive design, characterized by rich sound and precise mechanics. Ideal for demanding pianists and classical music enthusiasts.
• P131 (131 cm): This upright piano model stands out with its beautiful finish and subtle sound. It’s suitable for both beginners and experienced pianists.
• P125 (125 cm): A compact upright piano, perfect for small spaces. Despite its size, it still offers a beautiful and full sound.
• P122 (122 cm): Another model with a slim design, characterized by exceptional sound and a light touch of the keys.
• P118 (118 cm): This upright piano boasts exceptional ergonomics and stylish appearance, offering excellent sound quality and intonation.

European sound

Not everyone realizes that comparing a European Petrof upright piano to an American Steinway or an Asian Kawai piano results in completely different sounds. This is due to differences in the construction of these instruments and the materials used. While pianos from other brands may not appear significantly different from the outside, the entire secret lies in the mechanism and acoustics. European pianos typically have a sound described as round and romantic, though capturing this in words is a challenge.

Interestingly, the Petrof factory doesn’t only produce instruments under the Petrof brand. They also manufacture Rösler, Scholze, Weinbach, Fibich, and Akord grand and upright pianos.

What Is the Value of a Petrof Piano?

As for the price, it depends on the model and the condition of the instrument. It’s best to check the prices on the official dealers’ websites or browse the wide range of Petrof grand and upright pianos available on Klaviano’s search engine.