Steinway vs Petrof Concert Grand Pianos: Which is Better?

Today, we are going to demonstrate some fundamental differences in American and European pianos. Naturally, there is tremendous variance of pianos within Europe as well as in the United States. However, what we are going to show is how it is necessary to approach playing American and European pianos with dramatically different techniques in order to get the sound you are after out of them.

[ThruAWiderLens]

My wife has been playing a Petrof in our living room for 10 years. It's a magical instrument, ethereal. Thank you for this wonderful video.

[ytassassin]

We love our Petrof baby grand and have never regretted choosing it over other comparably priced brands. My tuner always comments on its lovely sound and how well it holds its tune.

[zeljkovlahovic]

Petrof is warmer and the sound is nicer....

[AndreCMeretikaMusic]

Petrof is the de facto my favorite brand.

[albertpeckham]

I admire the sound of a Petrof. I used to work in a famous auction house and we had the joy of hearing many makes of pianos. I thought the Petrof was uniquely suited to Chopin's music. I once put together an auction of nine Steinway concert grand pianos. It was a rare opportunity and was an amazingly a huge success.

[PianistStefanBoetel]

By the way, thank you for working out the strenghts of both piano brands. It really makes you very credible as a piano seller. It's better than the other type of seller who bashes the brands he doesn't sell. If I'd live in the U.S. I would come to your shop.

[nikolaacimovic]

As a south-esatern european child I started learning on Petrof.In Yugoslawia, Russia and eastern Europe Petrof was the most beloved piano...For me is Stainway strange, and the fact is correct:tone schould be gained more through pressure then by Petrof...In the fact both touch as well as arm weight transfer are important elements of piano technique...Both schould be present in approching each new piano and always in a different proportion...

[salzdt]

Hi Robert,
I enjoyed your comparison of the Petrof and the Steinway. I am am old former student of your Dad when I was at at Hofstra. My piano teacher is going to acquire a 7 foot Petrof after playing a Yamaha for over 40 years. Her piano was played 24/7 by students and she now needs to retire it. When I asked why she chose the Petrof, she said it was always her favorite, but she could not afford one. The piano is coming from NYC from a rited pianist who needs to down size. I can't wait to play her Petrof after hearing hour demonstration. I will tell her to check out your video. Thanks again. On another note, I am sure your Dad is watching from above your success and is very proud of your!

[fakeaccount]

Nothing is more satisfying than playing romantic and yes Petrof will always sound more colourful and bright than any other piano.

[wotan]

Fascinating! I once played a friend’s 1920s 7-ft Knabe, and I exclaimed, ‘You don’t even have to play it; it plays itself!’ Every other piano I’ve played requires some kind of varied effort. That old Knabe was incredible.

[ebonyivory]

What a gorgeous ambience. It is a paradise for those who have the piano in their hearts. I love Petrof's sound.

[Kimmobiino]

Somehow I liked the Petrof here, maybe I am used to hearing old versions recorded in Europe say in France.. Bechstein might suit that piece too..

[whoahdudeman]

Thank you very much! This is EXACTLY the kind of video I was looking for to better orient myself on the piano market! Thank you!

[mattwatson]

I have a Petrof pii, 1980s vintage here in NZ. Dream come true to have such a nice piano. Has a gorgeous tone and action. It was exported from Japan in 2012, sharing a 20ft container full of Kawai and Yamaha uprights.

[garyschneider]

Great explanation through the analogies of the French horn and race cars.

[tedstoecker]

Fascinating and well done; probably the perfect piece for that comparison. It's not that one is better than the other but that they are different and can both be beautiful under the right hand (hands?). Your best vignette on the art of piano playing so far.

[matthewraden]

What a gorgeous-sounding Steinway. I also like the Petrof.

[alaind.]

Nice video. For me the best piano is Bosendorfer, second Petrof, third Steinway and last Fazioli.

[sheryljohnson]

I learn so much from your videos... Thank you! Hoping to one day purchase a small grand piano from you to replace my 47-year old, not-so-great console piano. In the meantime, I'm absorbing all of the information you provide in your videos and appreciate all of them! Happy new year to you.

[DanielLearnsPiano]

1:26 Petrof (playing for Petrof)
3:32 Steinway (playing for Steinway)
5:17 Steinway (playing for Petrof)
6:52 Steinway (playing for Steinway again)
8:39 Petrof (playing for Steinway)