Fazioli

Fazioli is an Italian piano manufacturer based in Sacile, in the province of Pordenone in northeastern Italy. Founded by engineer, pianist and composer Paolo Fazioli, the company produces a focused range of handcrafted grand pianos for concert halls, conservatories, competitions, recording studios, professional musicians and private collectors. Its identity is built around low-volume production, extensive hand finishing, acoustic research and the use of carefully selected materials rather than mass-market scale. Paolo Fazioli came from a Roman family involved in furniture manufacturing. He combined technical training with advanced musical education: he studied mechanical engineering at Sapienza University of Rome, piano at the G. Rossini Conservatory in Pesaro and composition at the Academy of St. Cecilia. After joining his brothers' furniture business, he used the company's experience with fine woods as a foundation for his long-standing ambition to build concert-quality pianos. The first piano-making work began within the family furniture operation in Sacile during the late 1970s. Prototype development started in 1979 with assistance from specialists in musical acoustics and wood technology. The first prototypes included the F183, F156 and F278, followed by the F228. The four initial models were presented at the 1982 Musikmesse Frankfurt, helping establish the brand internationally. Fazioli subsequently worked with the Zeltron research institute, associated with Zanussi, to refine tonal performance and the consistency of its instruments. By the middle of the 1980s, performances by prominent pianists and purchases by concert institutions had helped the young company gain recognition beyond Italy. The product range evolved around several grand-piano sizes, from the compact F156 to the exceptionally large F308. The F308, measuring 3.08 metres, is positioned for major concert venues and is widely described as the longest piano generally available on the market. It incorporates Fazioli's optional fourth pedal, which reduces hammer travel and volume while preserving the instrument's tonal character. The company also produces custom art-case instruments using decorative woods, inlays and other specialized finishes. A major expansion took place in the late 1990s, when Fazioli acquired land beside its original premises and built a larger facility. The site includes manufacturing areas, acoustic research facilities and the Fazioli Concert Hall, whose variable acoustic system allows instruments to be tested in a performance environment. Production surpassed 100 instruments annually in the early 2000s and later reached approximately 120 to 140 pianos per year, according to published company and reference accounts. This remains a deliberately limited output compared with industrial piano makers. Fazioli's reputation has been strengthened by use from classical, jazz and popular musicians, appearances at international competitions and installations in important performance venues. Pianists associated with the instruments include Alfred Brendel, Martha Argerich, Lazar Berman, Angela Hewitt, Herbie Hancock, Brad Mehldau and many others. Fazioli pianos have appeared at events including the Chopin, Tchaikovsky and Rubinstein competitions, and at institutions such as Juilliard. The brand continues to compete in the ultra-premium segment against established international piano makers while emphasizing Italian craftsmanship, tonal individuality, customization and direct association with performing artists.

Paolo Fazioli was born in Rome in 1944 into a family of furniture makers. His professional background combined engineering, piano performance and composition, an unusual foundation for a piano manufacturer. He graduated in mechanical engineering from Sapienza University in 1969, completed piano studies at the G. Rossini Conservatory in 1971 and pursued composition at the Academy of St. Cecilia. Although he joined the family furniture business, he retained the ambition of designing and building a concert grand of exceptional quality. The first Fazioli piano-making activity was established inside the family's furniture operation in Sacile during the late 1970s. In 1979, Fazioli began work on a baby-grand prototype with the support of acoustics specialist Pietro Righini, wood technologist Guglielmo Giordano and collaborators including Virgilio Fazioli and Lino Tiveron. The F183 prototype was completed in June 1980, while prototypes for the F156 and F278 followed later that year. Development of the F228 also began in 1980. Fazioli Pianoforti was formally founded in 1981. The first four models were shown at Musikmesse Frankfurt in February 1982. The production area was then expanded, initially allowing output of approximately two pianos per month. In 1983, Fazioli began cooperating with Zeltron, the Zanussi research institute, to improve tonal design and manufacturing consistency. Recognition followed in 1984 and 1985 as leading pianists began performing on the instruments. Concert halls purchased F278 grands, and the company started exporting to major European markets and the United States. The F308 was developed in response to demand for a powerful instrument suitable for large concert venues. Its prototype received a public performance in 1987 at the Teatro Comunale in Monfalcone, where François-Joël Thiollier performed both Tchaikovsky piano concertos. Later that year, Lazar Berman performed Liszt's Second Piano Concerto on an F308 at Carnegie Hall, while Murray Perahia requested the model for a performance in Venice. Alfred Brendel also selected Fazioli instruments for an Italian tour. The refined six-model range was presented at Musikmesse Frankfurt in 1988. During the 1990s, the company broadened its international presence through trade exhibitions and artist relationships. It appeared at the NAMM Show in Anaheim and at Music China in Shanghai, while Fazioli instruments were installed in venues including Sydney Town Hall. The F308 was presented in China in 1995, and one was purchased by the Beijing Conservatory. The company also produced a highly elaborate concert grand for the Sultan of Brunei, using decorative materials and inlay work. Fazioli entered the jazz world through Umbria Jazz in 1997, after which numerous jazz pianists adopted or requested its instruments. In 1998, Fazioli purchased approximately 14,000 square metres next to the original site and built a new factory designed for roughly 150 instruments per year. The complex included acoustic research facilities and a concert hall. Production approached 100 pianos annually by 2001, exceeded that level in 2004 and reached approximately 120 to 130 units per year by 2006. The concert hall's opening season began with Aldo Ciccolini and the F278 known as “Merlin the Magician.” The brand continued to gain visibility through professional tours, recordings, competitions and institutional purchases. Angela Hewitt began requesting Fazioli pianos for international tours in 2003. Fazioli instruments were used in the 2003 premiere of Daniele Lombardi's work for 21 pianos, at major piano competitions and by musicians in classical, jazz and popular music. In the 2010s and 2020s, the company remained identified with a small, specialized range and a production model centered on artisan craftsmanship rather than high volume. Its instruments continued to appear at major competitions, including the Chopin Competition, where several finalists used Fazioli pianos in 2021 and 2025.

1. 2025Fazioli is used by the Chopin Competition winner

   Eric Lu is reported as playing a Fazioli in the 2025 edition of the International Chopin Piano Competition.

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2. 2021Fazioli appears prominently at the Chopin Competition

   Three of the twelve finalists in the Warsaw competition perform on Fazioli instruments, including winner Bruce Liu.

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3. 2015Juilliard purchases a Fazioli grand

   The Juilliard School adds a Fazioli instrument and purchases further examples the following year.

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4. 2006Annual output reaches approximately 120–130 pianos

   Published reference material reports annual production in the 120-to-130-unit range.

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5. 2004Production exceeds 100 instruments

   Large orders push annual production beyond 100 pianos, and the new offices and Fazioli Concert Hall are completed.

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6. 1998New Sacile factory is developed

   The company acquires adjacent land for a larger plant with manufacturing, acoustic research and concert facilities.

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7. 1994North American and Asian trade-show presence expands

   Fazioli appears at NAMM in California and Music China in Shanghai while expanding international institutional placements.

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8. 1987F308 receives early public performance

   The first F308 prototype is performed publicly in Monfalcone and later appears at Carnegie Hall with Lazar Berman.

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9. 1983Acoustic research partnership begins

   Fazioli collaborates with the Zeltron research institute to advance tonal quality and instrument design.

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10. 1982First model range is presented internationally

    The F156, F183, F228 and F278 prototypes are exhibited at Musikmesse Frankfurt.

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11. 1981Fazioli Pianoforti is founded

    The piano company founded by engineer and pianist Paolo Fazioli is formally established.

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12. 1979Prototype development begins

    Paolo Fazioli begins developing the first piano prototypes in Sacile with specialists in acoustics and wood technology.

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Ultra-premium, low-volume Italian piano maker focused on handcrafted construction, acoustic refinement, customized finishes and professional concert performance.

• F156Grand piano1980

  The smallest model in Fazioli's principal grand-piano range, measuring 156 cm. It provides the brand's handcrafted construction and tonal approach in a size suited to domestic, studio and smaller performance environments.

• F183Grand piano1980

  A 183 cm grand developed among the company's earliest prototypes. It occupies the compact-to-medium segment of the range and is intended for professional practice, teaching, chamber performance and private use.

• F212Grand piano

  The 212 cm model was developed as a medium-sized grand complementing the larger concert instruments. It is designed to offer substantial projection while remaining suitable for institutions, recital spaces and advanced private players.

• F228Grand piano1980

  A 228 cm grand positioned between the medium-sized and full concert models. It forms part of the core Fazioli range and is intended for recital halls, conservatories, studios and demanding home installations.

• F278Concert grand piano1980

  The 278 cm concert grand that helped establish Fazioli with major pianists and performance venues. It has been used for concert performance, recording and competition work, and is also available in specially customized configurations.

• F308Concert grand piano1995

  Fazioli's flagship 308 cm concert grand, developed for large halls and powerful orchestral settings. It is described as the longest piano generally available on the market and can include a fourth pedal that reduces volume without materially changing the tone.

• Custom art-case grand pianosCustom piano

  Special commissions produced with individualized cabinetry, exotic woods, precious-material inlays and other decorative treatments. These instruments extend Fazioli's furniture-making heritage into bespoke collector and institutional commissions.

• 2020One World: Together at Home

  Global

  Stevie Wonder performed on a Fazioli piano during the Global Citizen benefit event supporting COVID-19 relief and public awareness.

  Outcome. The appearance gave the brand broad visibility in a major televised and online benefit program.

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• 1997Umbria Jazz partnership and festival use

  Italy · International jazz market

  Fazioli instruments were introduced at the summer Umbria Jazz festival in Perugia and its winter counterpart in Orvieto. The association helped the brand build visibility among jazz pianists as well as classical performers.

  Outcome. The instruments became associated with a group of prominent jazz artists, including Herbie Hancock, Brad Mehldau, Michel Camilo and Stefano Bollani.

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• 2003Deepen the relationship with Angela HewittStrategy

  The company sought to strengthen its connection with leading international performers as part of its premium positioning.

  What changed. Angela Hewitt began requesting Fazioli pianos for her worldwide concert tours.

  Aftermath. The relationship increased the visibility of Fazioli instruments among classical audiences and institutions.

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• 1998Build a dedicated expanded production and research facilityStrategy

  Growing international demand and the need for more controlled acoustic development required greater space than the original production area.

  What changed. The company acquired adjacent land in Sacile and built a new plant with manufacturing space, acoustic research facilities and a concert hall.

  Aftermath. The expansion supported output approaching 100 instruments annually by 2001 and more than 100 by 2004.

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• 1987Develop and introduce the F308 concert grandProduct launch

  Large concert venues required an instrument with greater power and tonal richness than the existing models could provide.

  What changed. Fazioli developed the 3.08-metre F308 and presented its prototype in public performance before later showing the model internationally.

  Aftermath. The F308 became the company's flagship and a defining part of its concert-piano identity.

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• 2020Fazioli instruments appear in One World: Together at Home

  Stevie Wonder played a Fazioli piano during the Global Citizen benefit broadcast supporting COVID-19 relief efforts.

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• 2020Angela Hewitt's four-pedal F278 is severely damaged

  A unique F278 configured with four pedals was dropped during moving and was initially regarded as beyond economical repair.

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• 2015Juilliard adds Fazioli grand pianos

  The Juilliard School purchased a Fazioli grand piano and acquired at least two additional instruments during 2016.

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• 2004Fazioli Concert Hall begins its first concert season

  The newly completed concert hall opened with a season inaugurated by Aldo Ciccolini, combining public performance with instrument evaluation and recording functions.

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• 1998Fazioli expands production through a new Sacile factory

  The company acquired land beside its existing premises and developed a larger factory intended to support increased production, acoustic research and concert testing.

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1. Fazioli
2. Fazioli official website