Maqiano™ – The Revolutionary Microtuning System for the Acoustic Piano
Created by Award-Winning Composer and Pianist Kari Ikonen
The name Maqiano is derived from the words maqam* and piano. Maqiano is a patented, portable microtuning system that enables pianists to play microtones on the acoustic piano – both grand and upright! Works a bit like the capo in guitar - shortening the vibrating length of selected strings, making the tuning go higher. Freely adjustable to the exact desired frequency.
*Maqam, pl. maqamat, is a system of melodic modes in traditional Arabic music.
New 2025 version with significant improvements
New Form & Novel Fastening Technique
-Install, fine-tune or remove in seconds - see the short video → → →
-No unwanted distortion or noises in any register or on any dynamic level!
-Only a tiny difference in the timbre compared to "open" strings.
-Broader range of tuning frequencies, possibility to tune a note up just a tiny bit if needed.
-Easy and secure fastening also on upright piano!
And most importantly - when used according to the instructions - it's totally safe for the piano and its strings. After removal, the piano is in its original tuning again. Scroll down to read more about the safety!
Different Sets of 2 and 3 Maqiano Units
The new version is sold in boxes/cases of 2 or 3 units, so you can buy the amount you need - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8... You need one unit for each pitch / choir of strings.
Usually I carry 4, 5 or 6 units when touring, depending on the repertoire. For just exploring different maqamat or playing melodies at home, 3 or 4 might be enough. Sometimes even 2 will do, just to bring some microtonal colour in improvisations. The maximum I've used simultaneously is 13 units, in a very special project... If you're unsure, just order 2 or 3 to start with, and get more later!
Maqiano Deluxe - Three units in a stylish wood & alcantara box/stand, with all the accessories needed for grand & upright piano use. 679€ + VAT*
Maqiano Mini - Two units in a small & sturdy Japanese steel box, with basic accessories. 399€ + VAT*
Shipping costs will be calculated at checkout. Any two sets of the above in the same order - get free shipping! And if you want to get more than two sets right away, email us at contact.maqiano@gmail.com to get a discount code!
*VAT will be added for private customers inside the EU (Germany 19%, France 20%, Finland 25.5%...). No VAT added for EU companies with a valid VAT ID. Also no VAT for orders outside the EU - for your responsibilities on local taxes, customs fees, tariffs etc. consult your local tax professional.
Maqiano Sets, Accessories and Extras
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Maqiano Deluxe €679.00 -
Maqiano Mini €399.00 -
The Tool / Bar €24.00
Hard to choose between the wooden box and the Mini?
-The wooden Deluxe box also serves as a stand for 3 Maqiano units, you can place it on or inside your piano. It has defined slots for all the accessories so everything stays in order. It keeps all your adjustments, you don't need to change anything for packing. It's a bit bigger, a bit more expensive, and weighs a bit more. And it's super beautiful!
-The 2-unit Mini set in the steel box is smaller, lighter and cheaper, but you have to change some settings / adjustments when packing it. The box is more for carrying, not so much working as a stand.
If you're sure you'll want 3, 6 or 9 units, go for the wooden Deluxe one.
If it's 2 or 4 units, perhaps the Mini would work fine. If you're travelling a lot with small luggage, the Mini fits better in your bag. If you need 5 units, why not getting one wooden 3-unit set and one Mini?
Maqiano Reviews & References
“Kari Ikonen invented a device that temporarily allows any piano to play Arabic scales and other micro-intervals, dramatically widening its palette of expression.” -Songlines (UK)
“This is an exemplary solo piano album, full of original twist made possible by a microtuning device The Maqiano” -Jazzwise (UK)
“Ikonen mellan öster och väster med revolutionerande ny mikrointervallmanick” – Hufvudstadsbladet (SV)
“Utilisant les potentialités du Maqiano, Ikonen fait passer l’abstraction de sa musique derrière les séductions immédiates d’un univers sonore enchanté et délicieusement déroutant.” – Jazz Magazine (FR)
Listen to Maqiano on Wishamalii's album "al-Bahr" (Nordic Notes 2024) or its prototype on my solo piano album "Impressions, Improvisations & Compositions" (Ozella Music 2021)
Is Maqiano safe for the piano?
Yes it is, if you use it according to the instructions!
In Kari's experience:
I have used Maqiano for over 7 years on my own beloved Steinway B and on hundreds of different pianos around the world.
(See the list of my past concerts - I have used Maqiano since early 2019)
No damage has ever been caused to any piano or to their strings. No piano has ever gone out of tune - after removing Maqiano, the pianos have returned to their original tuning, every single time.
Some stage managers, piano techicians and concert organizers have been concerned of course. In many concert halls all preparations and special techniques are forbidden, but after explaining them how Maqiano works, and showing them this statement written by the most respected Finnish piano technician Pekka Savolainen, they have let me use the device on their precious instruments.
It's also useful to know - and to mention - that there's no need to touch the strings with your fingers, and all the material facing the piano strings are softer than the steel they are made of. The copper-wound strings are only touched by soft plastic.
Contact
Maqiano / Kari Ikonen OY
Torkkelinkatu 4 LH 63
00500 HELSINKI
FINLAND
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