The History of Fazer Pianos

This renowned piano brand was owned by Musiikki-Fazer, a prominent entity in the Finnish music landscape, which was established in the year 1897 by Konrad Fazer.

Although Fazer is not as well-known as other European brands, they are very well-regarded, reliable pianos that offer excellent value for money, which is why we always aim to have at least one in stock at all times.

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Konrad Fazer and Helsinki's New Music Store

Konrad Fazer, the son of a Swiss immigrant who sought new opportunities in the Nordic region, was born in 1864 in Helsinki, Finland. Konrad was a talented amateur violinist and played with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra.

Konrad Fazer's journey began when he and his business partner purchased an existing music store that was located on the bustling Aleksanterinkatu, a street often celebrated as Finland's 'Official Christmas Street' due to its festive atmosphere and vibrant holiday decorations. Upon taking ownership, he promptly renamed the establishment Helsingfors Nya Musikhandel, which translates to Helsinki's New Music Store.

In its early days, the store primarily focused on retailing sheet music from a variety of esteemed European composers, thereby catering to the growing interest in music among the Finnish populace. As the years progressed, the company embarked on a remarkable journey of expansion and diversification. Over the next century, Musiikki-Fazer not only solidified its presence in the local market but also evolved into a powerhouse that ultimately controlled more than half of the entire Finnish record industry.

This growth was fueled by a combination of strategic acquisitions, innovative marketing practices, and a deep commitment to promoting both local and international musical talent. The brand became synonymous with quality and excellence, making it the most significant and influential company within Finland's music sector.

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Piano Production

Musiikki-Fazer's piano production began in 1934, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey within the musical instrument industry. Initially, the firm embarked on this venture by manufacturing instruments for the renowned Svenska Förenade Piano & Organ Company, operating under a licensing agreement that allowed them to leverage established designs and craftsmanship. This collaboration not only provided Musiikki-Fazer with valuable experience but also positioned them within a competitive market, where they could learn the intricacies of piano construction and the nuances of consumer preferences. The success they achieved through this partnership was a pivotal moment and inspired Fazer to eventually take the bold step forward of venturing into the design and production of their own range of pianos.

With a clear vision in mind, Musiikki-Fazer aimed to create pianos that would not only meet high standards of quality but also be accessible in terms of pricing for a wider audience. This ambition resonated with many music enthusiasts and retailers, leading to the rapid growth and appreciation for Fazer’s instruments. Their commitment to quality craftsmanship, coupled with affordability, quickly set them apart from competitors in the market.

By the early 1960s, the demand for Fazer pianos had surged to such an extent that it became clear that the existing production facilities would no longer suffice to meet the increasing orders. In response to this burgeoning popularity and the need for expansion, the company made the strategic decision to relocate to a larger manufacturing facility in 1963. The new facility allowed for more advanced manufacturing techniques, greater production capacity, and the ability to innovate further in piano design.

In 1971, Fazer proudly celebrated the production of its ten-thousandth piano. This achievement not only marked a moment of pride for the company but also highlighted its growing reputation in the music industry. At this juncture, approximately half of Fazer's production was being exported into the wider European continent, showcasing the brand's expanding reach and the increasing demand for their high-quality instruments beyond the Finnish home market.

As the years progressed, Fazer's production capabilities and reputation continued to flourish, peaking dramatically between 1983 and 1984.

During this period, the company reached an impressive output of over 6,000 pianos per year, firmly establishing itself as one of the largest piano manufacturers in Europe.

This remarkable production rate was indicative of not only the quality of their pianos but also the efficiency of the manufacturing plants and the skill of their workforce. The pianos crafted during this peak period were celebrated for their rich tonal quality, durability, and aesthetic appeal, making them highly sought after by musicians, educators, and music enthusiasts alike.

The firm adopted a streamlined production process that was meticulously designed to enhance efficiency and reduce waste while utilising the most modern equipment available in the industry. This approach not only optimised the workflow but also ensured that every aspect of production adhered to the highest standards of quality control.

The company favoured simplistic designs that facilitated ease of manufacturing in large quantities.

This capability was crucial, as it enabled the firm to meet increasing market demands while maintaining very exacting standards of craftsmanship and durability through easily repeatable processes.

The full-perimeter frames in Fazer pianos were constructed from premier cast iron, chosen for its strength and resilience, and featured an extremely flat rear flange that facilitated a seamless connection to the level faces of the high-quality multi-laminated wrest planks. This ensured that each frame could be assembled with absolute precision.

The designers behind these Fazer upright pianos also incorporated a carefully formulated scale design that produced the widest possible dynamic range, a crucial aspect for pianists seeking expressive capabilities in their performance. This innovative scale design allows for a rich tonal variety, enabling musicians to achieve everything from the softest whispers to the most powerful fortissimos, enhancing the overall playing experience.

Central to this remarkable sound quality is the use of the famous Röslau music wire, which is a non-coated high-carbon steel wire produced in Germany. This wire is widely regarded as the finest music wire available in the trade due to its exceptional tensile strength and resilience, which contribute significantly to the piano's ability to maintain pitch and sustain over time.

Furthermore, Fazer also utilised actions and keyboards sourced from highly respected makers such as Renner, Schwander, Herrburger Brooks, Langer, and BPA (British Piano Actions), a subsidiary of the renowned Knight Piano Company. Each of these manufacturers is celebrated for their precision engineering and dedication to producing high-quality piano components. The collaboration with such esteemed brands ensures that the touch and responsiveness of the keys are finely calibrated, allowing for a smooth and natural playing experience. The combination of these superior actions and the thoughtfully designed scale creates a harmonious balance that is essential for achieving a nuanced performance, making the Fazer upright pianos perfect tools for artistic expression.

Although Fazer may not enjoy the same level of recognition as some of the more prominent European piano brands, it is important to highlight that they are highly regarded within the musical community for their quality craftsmanship and reliability.

The sound produced by Fazer pianos is characterized by a rich tonal quality and a responsive touch, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced players alike. Moreover, the value-for-money that Fazer pianos offer is exceptional when compared to other brands in the same category. They provide an affordable option without compromising on the essential features that define a high-quality piano. This combination of affordability and quality is a significant reason why we prioritise having at least one Fazer piano in our inventory at all times. By doing so, we ensure that our customers have access to an instrument that embodies both reliability and performance, allowing them to express their musicality with confidence.