Petrof 7'-0" Versus Kawai RX-6 (7'-0")

[Richard Brekne]

This is an accurate description. To keep a Petrof sounding and playing 
nicely it requires quite a bit of regular maintenance. They have 
improved somewhat these past few years yet typical deficiencies common 
to instruments from this factory (which have included Weinbach, Røsler 
and Bohemia) remain, tho perhaps to a lesser degree then before.

Petrof is an instrument that goes for a <<heavy touch>> in the broadest 
sense of the word. They use relatively soft action felts for nearly 
everything in the action which contributes to a response that requires a 
pianist to work relatively hard.  They also have a tendency to get very 
bright very quickly which does not suit the instrument. This is largely 
because the Petrof factory has a voicing tradition that largely deals 
with shallow needling of the crown area only.  Deep shoulder needling to 
create a big nice cushion is not part of their basic voicing philosophy. 
André O. from Holland has some keen insights on that subject having 
spent a good deal of time at their factory some few years ago.

They also have some unusual soundboard building ideas. For one thing 
they taper their flitches slightly so that the sides have a slight 
concave curve before drying them and gluing together the panel. Their 
R&D department claims to have solid data that shows this improves the 
general performance of the end soundboard assembly.

It should surprise no one that many owners enjoy their Petrofs. They 
have a very nice overall sound picture. And as we all know pianists seem 
to display an amazing ability to look past technical difficulties a 
technician easily spots unless a problem is so acute that it outright 
inhibits the instrument from functioning in some fashion or another. 
That said... I think it is safe to say you will find few top name 
pianists that will vouch for them.

For pianos in their price range however... I'd say the Czechs and 
Slovaks are putting out the most satisfactory instruments on the 
planet.  Always kind of figured that if Steinway wanted to start selling 
medium priced instruments they should of found some kind of marriage 
between themselves and Petrof instead of getting into bed with Kawaii.

Cheers
RicB


    The Petrof is a technician's piano.... It more often needs a
    technician.  
    Carlos Ralon, RPT