The factory
The Fazioli factory is located in Sacile, 60 Km (35 miles) northeast of Venice in the northeastern part of Italy. The area is renowned for an ancient and prestigious tradition in woodworking.

The company was founded by pianist and engineer Paolo Fazioli in 1981 when he produced the first prototype which was unveiled at an international music trade fair in Frankfurt.  With an assembly of woodworkers, acoustic engineers and piano makers, Mr. Fazioli produced seven to eight grand pianos in the first year (all hand-made).  By 1998,  Fazioli was making up to 70 handmade pianos annually.  In 2008, Fazioli is expected to produce 120 pianos.

Each Fazioli instrument is individually handcrafted combining high quality materials with the finest workmanship and technology.

Models available
The smallest grand piano Fazioli makes is the Model F156 at five foot one inch, which retails at around $85,000 US (2008 prices).   The biggest grand piano is the Model F308 - also the world's largest concert grand at 10 feet, two inches - which retails at around $200,000 US (2008 prices). Designed for large spaces and particularly more modern large-capacity concert halls, the model F308 is the absolute "jewel in the crown".  It has immense power and an extraordinary harmonic richness, owing to the increased string-length in the bass section. It is provided with a fourth pedal patented by Fazioli. This pedal allow to turn down the volume without modifying the timbre.

Fazioli Factory also makes art deco specialty grand pianos made with special wood. The most expensive is the Brunei model, designed with flowers in mother of pearls, features semi-precious stones in various types and colors which adorn this stunning piano in sequoia burr.  This piano retails at around $400,000 US and is possibly the world's most expensive piano.

Fazioli's roster of performing artists
Steinway is traditionally the favored piano among performing artists with about 90% share of the 1,400 classical concert pianists.  Today, Fazioli is slowly gaining converts with some of the world's leading contemporary pianists including Angela Hewitt, (who bought a Fazioli grand in 2002).  Fazioli is considered one of the best pianos made in the world today, along with Steinway and Bosendorfer,  if not the best.

To go to Fazioli Factory website, click here.