Which PETROF upright piano is the best fit for your home, studio or music school? The answer goes beyond the familiar P118, P125 and P127 names. The manufacturer’s wider range includes the 121 cm Discovery models, the P122, the concert-oriented P131 and P135, and the separate premium ANT. PETROF 136.
Height is one of the most useful starting points when comparing acoustic uprights, but it is not the only one. Cabinet design, action condition, tonal preference, room acoustics and the way you play all matter. This guide compares the main choices using PETROF’s published specifications, so you can shortlist a piano before asking about UAE prices or availability.
Quick recommendation: consider the P118 for a more compact home setup, the P125 for an adaptable long-term family or teaching instrument, the P127 Next if distinctive contemporary design is important, and the P131 or P135 if you want to explore PETROF’s taller, concert-oriented upright models.
PETROF upright piano sizes at a glance
The model number generally indicates nominal height in centimetres. However, P127 Next is listed at 126.3 cm in its official specifications, and the P121 MD Spring measures 120.6 cm. These are not interchangeable cabinets just because their nominal heights sound similar.
| Representative PETROF model | Height | Width | Depth | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P118 P1 | 118 cm | 144.5 cm | 55 cm | 212 kg |
| P121 MD Spring (Discovery) | 120.6 cm | 145.8 cm | 55.9 cm | 217 kg |
| P122 N2 | 122 cm | 145.6 cm | 56.2 cm | 224 kg |
| P125 F1 | 125 cm | 146.3 cm | 59 cm | 236 kg |
| P127 Next (TA/TB/TC) | 126.3 cm | 147.8 cm | 58.7 cm | 236–240 kg |
| P131 M1 | 131 cm | 145.5 cm | 60 cm | 253 kg |
| P135 K1 | 135 cm | 144.8 cm | 60.6 cm | 256 kg |
| ANT. PETROF 136 (premium brand) | 136 cm | 154.3 cm | 64.6 cm | 320 kg |
1. PETROF P118: a compact traditional upright
At 118 cm, the P118 family suits customers who want a fully acoustic upright without choosing a particularly tall cabinet. It is a practical shortlist for bedrooms, smaller living rooms and home practice areas where an upright’s projection should remain manageable. Within the P118 range, PETROF lists several cabinet variants, including the P118 P1, M1 and S1; the letters describe particular designs, not different heights.
The P118 P1 measures 144.5 cm wide and 55 cm deep. Its published soundboard area is approximately 1.0605 m². This is a capable instrument for lessons, daily practice and music-making at home; “smaller” should never be confused with “only for beginners”.
Good fit: compact rooms, daily practice and families looking for the feel of an acoustic piano without a taller case. View a PETROF P118 P1 example at Barbad or read the official P118 P1 specifications.
2. PETROF P125: the all-rounder for committed home players
For many serious students, teachers and home pianists, the 125 cm class is a logical place to begin. The P125 F1 has a published soundboard area of about 1.1852 m², compared with roughly 1.0605 m² for the P118 P1. In general, additional acoustic scale gives a designer more room to develop bass response and projection, although the way a particular piano is prepared and voiced is just as important to the result you hear.
One of the P125’s strengths is the choice of cabinet designs. The F1 mixes classical and contemporary styling; the M1 is deliberately restrained and modern; the G1 brings more traditional decorative detail. The P125 F1 is listed at 125 cm tall, 146.3 cm wide and 59 cm deep.
Good fit: intermediate and advanced learners, teaching studios and home players who want a balanced, versatile upright. See Barbad’s P125 F1 polished ebony and P125 F1 polished mahogany listings, plus PETROF’s official P125 F1 page.
3. PETROF P127 Next: design-led, not simply a bigger P125
The P127 Next deserves its own comparison because its striking rectangular cabinet is very different from a conventional upright. Its minimalist lines, colour combinations and customisable exterior are intended for contemporary interiors. PETROF categorises it in the Special Collection, rather than treating it as a straightforward step in the standard upright height series.
Although the name says P127, the actual published height is 126.3 cm. It is 147.8 cm wide and 58.7 cm deep, with a weight of around 236–240 kg depending on whether you choose the TA, TB or TC version. Its published soundboard area (around 1.1852 m²) is similar to that of the P125 F1. That is an important reason not to assume the Next automatically sounds larger just because its number is higher.
Good fit: modern apartments, architects and design-conscious buyers who want an authentic acoustic PETROF in an unusual cabinet. Explore the P127 Next at Barbad and review the official P127 Next variants.
4. PETROF P131 M1: a concert-oriented upright with a contemporary cabinet
The P131 M1 belongs to PETROF’s Highest Series, which is positioned for demanding players and performance-oriented settings. Its cabinet is relatively simple in appearance, yet at 131 cm high its design places it closer to concert-class uprights. PETROF lists it at 145.5 cm wide, 60 cm deep and 253 kg.
Its published soundboard area is approximately 1.2222 m². That is larger than on the P125 F1, but the right choice still depends on how the instrument sounds and responds in your own space. Players working on a wide dynamic range, accompaniment or more advanced repertoire may find it especially worthwhile to compare with the P125 in person wherever a demonstration is available.
Good fit: dedicated home studios, teaching rooms and pianists seeking a more substantial upright. See the PETROF P131 M1 manufacturer specifications. Contact Barbad to ask about UAE ordering and delivery options rather than assuming this model is currently in stock.
5. PETROF P135 K1: the tallest standard PETROF upright
At 135 cm, the P135 K1 is the tallest upright in PETROF’s main branded range. The manufacturer describes it as a large concert-type upright for demanding pianists and educational or performance environments. It is 144.8 cm wide, 60.6 cm deep and weighs approximately 256 kg.
Its scale is an important part of its appeal, but it is worth noting a surprising specification: the P135 and P131 have very similar published active soundboard areas, at roughly 1.222 m². You should therefore not reduce the comparison to “the tallest model must have the biggest soundboard”. The bass scaling, voicing, mechanical preparation, tonal colour and room all deserve an audition.
Good fit: advanced pianists, institutions and buyers who want to assess PETROF’s most substantial standard upright before considering a grand piano. Learn more from the official PETROF P135 K1 page. For local availability and quotations, enquire with Barbad.
What about the P121, P122 and ANT. PETROF 136?
P121 Discovery Spring: a different entry to the range
PETROF’s Discovery line includes the P121 MD Spring and FD Spring. The MD is listed at 120.6 cm high, with clean contemporary styling and a different construction philosophy from simply enlarging a P118 cabinet. It is worth considering if you are comparing entry points into PETROF rather than only the classic named series.
P122 N2: the intermediate-height alternative
The P122 N2 sits between the smaller P118 and the 125 cm group. Its dimensions are 122 cm high, 145.6 cm wide and 56.2 cm deep. It is an especially relevant comparison for customers who want more scale but cannot accommodate a deep upright. A P122 is not automatically available in every finish or market; ask for current options.
ANT. PETROF 136: a separate premium instrument
The ANT. PETROF 136 is not simply a P135 with one more centimetre. ANT. PETROF is the company’s separate premium brand, and this 136 cm upright is substantially wider, deeper and heavier (154.3 × 64.6 cm footprint; 320 kg). It is designed and specified as a different, premium-performance proposition. Customers exploring this model should request a bespoke technical and purchasing consultation.
How much does upright height actually change the sound?
Generally, a taller upright can allow for longer bass strings and a larger acoustic system. This may support a fuller bass, greater tonal flexibility or more projection. PETROF itself recommends considering room volume and acoustics when choosing height. Yet this is a possibility, not a guarantee: voicing, string scaling, action regulation, tuning condition, the pianist’s touch and the room affect what you hear.
The P125 and P127 Next illustrate the point: the Next is taller in nominal naming, but the manufacturer’s listed active soundboard areas are the same. Similarly, the 131 and 135 share approximately the same active area. Comparing only height misses the decisions that actually matter to a musician.
Which PETROF upright should you choose in Dubai?
- A smaller home or bedroom: shortlist a P118 and, if available, a P121 or P122. Check actual width, depth and the space needed for the bench and player.
- Family practice and long-term study: start with P125 F1 or M1, then decide whether the additional investment in a taller model meets your musical needs.
- Minimal architecture and a distinctive visual statement: compare the P127 Next with the restrained P125 M1 or P131 M1. Consider the cabinet as carefully as the instrument.
- Advanced home playing or a teaching studio: audition a P125 against P131 or P135, focusing on bass control, clarity, repetition and how the piano responds at different dynamics.
- Large spaces and demanding performance work: investigate P131 and P135 and, for a premium comparison, ANT. PETROF 136.
In UAE homes, also consider direct sunlight, air-conditioning airflow and humidity stability. An acoustic upright should be positioned thoughtfully, and professional delivery teams should confirm access before the instrument arrives. The nominal difference between 125 and 135 cm is not simply a matter of fitting ten more centimetres of height: the acoustic outcome and intended use matter more.
Should you choose an upright or a grand piano?
A tall upright can be an excellent instrument for serious playing when a grand’s floor-space requirements are impractical. But a grand has a fundamentally different action and string layout, and a large upright is not an exact substitute for it. If you have enough room and budget for both options, compare them by playing, not by assuming that a particular upright height reproduces a particular grand piano.
For related reading, see The Difference Between Upright and Grand Piano, What Makes PETROF Pianos Different? and our guide to piano maintenance and tuning.
Frequently asked questions
Is the PETROF P125 better than the P118?
Not universally. The P125 F1 has a larger listed soundboard area and a taller acoustic cabinet, which may be attractive to advanced players. But a well-prepared P118 can be a better fit for a smaller room, particular tonal preference or budget.
Is the PETROF P127 Next taller than the P125?
Yes, slightly: PETROF lists the P127 Next at 126.3 cm and the P125 F1 at 125 cm. Their differing cabinet aesthetics are a more significant distinction for many buyers than that small height difference.
Does PETROF make a 135 cm upright?
Yes. The P135 K1 is 135 cm tall and part of PETROF’s Highest Series. PETROF also has a separate premium ANT. PETROF 136 model.
Does PETROF only make P118, P125 and P127 uprights?
No. The official catalogue also lists the P121 Discovery range, P122 N2, P131 M1, P135 K1 and several design-specific variants and collections.
Are all PETROF upright models available immediately in Dubai?
Not necessarily. Available finishes, models, stock and special-order arrangements can change. Check each product’s status or request a current quotation rather than assuming that the entire international catalogue is available for immediate delivery.
Is the tallest upright always the loudest or best?
No. Height can influence potential, but voicing, scale design, room acoustics, action preparation and personal preference are essential. The right piano is the one that supports your playing in the intended space.
Explore PETROF uprights with Barbad
Barbad Musical Instruments works with PETROF instruments in the UAE. If you are choosing between P118, P125, P127 Next, P131 or P135, contact Barbad with your preferred models, room dimensions and budget. We can help narrow down the most relevant options and discuss current UAE availability, prices and delivery arrangements. No particular model or finish should be assumed to be immediately available unless its current stock is confirmed.
Product specifications were checked against PETROF’s official catalogue and individual model pages in October 2026. Photographs show specific official examples, not every possible finish. Cabinet specifications and available options can change by version and market.