Frequently Asked Questions & Kari's Answers

 

What is the operational range of Maqiano?

 

That depends on the piano. In most grand pianos the range starts from the lowest note, although it's easier to install  when there's 2 or more strings per pitch. The highest note in Steinway B, C & D is Bb above the middle C.  In some Yamahas you can get about a third higher, while e.g. in Fazioli 212 the higfhest note is Ab above the middle C.

When there's at least 8 mm space in between the agraffes and the dampers or iron support bars, it fits. In the upper register, the 3 uppermost octaves or so, with the capo d'astra instead of agraffes, you cannot currently use it.

In upright pianos it's even more varied, it depends on the size, brand, age etc. Again, when there's space between the pressure bar and the hammers, it usually works/fits. In the lower end it can get a bit difficult to install, but usually the usable range is from the second octave upwards.

 

Can I tune a note up or down?

 

No, only up. Maqiano cannot increase the lenght of the string, only stop the vibration to a desired point, thus decreasing the speaking/vibrating length of the string, so the tuning goes up.

 

How much can I alter the tuning level?

 

That depends on the piano, and on the register, but usually in the low and middle register you can easily tune it up to the next 1/2-tone, so you can get two keys to the same pitch, either exactly or a bit apart, creating a natural chorus-effect. With the new system you can also tune it up just a tiny bit if wanted, so it's very flexible.

 

Can I get a scale of all the 1/4-tones?

 

No, Maqiano will not add keys to the piano. If you tune e.g. the middle C up a quarter step, you won't have normal C in that octave anymore.

Also, you cannot install Maqiano on two adjacent notes, there's no space. You'll need to have one "normal" note in between.

In theory, you could tune C, D, E, F#, G# and A# in one octave, and Db, Eb, F, G, A and B in the second one. Then you'd have all the 1/4-tones, but in different octaves. You'd need 4 Deluxe sets or 6 Mini sets to do this.

 

What accessories does the wooden Deluxe set include exactly?

 
One Tool/Bar is included in the 3 -unit set. I think it’s usually enough, since the Bar is needed in the upright piano's bass register only… but if you think you’d want to microtune more notes in the low register than middle or high, you can add an extra Tool/Bar, it can be arranged to fit inside the box. For the Tool function one is definitely enough.
 
Special Upright Piano Survival Kit is included for all 3 units.
 
It also has 2 small rubber pieces needed sometimes for restoring the missing low frequencies in grand piano middle register, and a few spare parts that might be needed after some years’ use. One of those rubber pieces is included in the Mini set too.
 
Also there’s a specific slot for an extra part that will be announced later, it’s still in the prototype mode :)
 

What are the adjustments to be done? Which adjustments will be lost when packing the Mini box?

 
You can pre-adjust the fastening part for string thickness, and lock it with the Tool - that setting will be saved in the Mini box too.
For the steel strings it’s the same setting for most of the pianos. For the lower copper-wound strings you have to adjust for each thickness separately.
 
Then you can adjust the height of the fastening part related to the mass part, and the position & angle of the magnetic wedge that supports the Maqiano unit in the grand piano body / attaches it to the pressure bar of upright piano. These settings you might have to change a little when moving the unit to another pitch or when adjusting the tuning a lot.
These settings will be lost when packing the Mini set, but it’s not a big deal, re-adjusting usually takes just some seconds.
 

It's said to be totally safe for the piano. Are there any risks?

 
In the past 7 years using Maqiano almost every day, I have had zero accidents. I've been careful, and you have to be that too. It's very important that you read, understand and follow all the instructions, never use a lot of force when installing, adjusting or removing Maqiano, and never leave the parts in places from where they could fall on the piano, on the floor or on your toes.
I have always respected my instruments, I never use any kind of preparations that could be harmful, and Maqiano surely isn't.
 
The only thing that in theory could be a risk: Just talked with a piano technician, and he told me that sometimes the copper-winding in the low register strings is on the edge of being too loose, and if you touch it many times, it could eventually exceed this limit, get too loose and create some buzz/crackle. I've never seen this issue though, so it's only a theoretical risk. If you have tremendously bad luck and this happens, a new string costs about 15€, and a qualified piano technician changes it in 10 minutes.
 

Why is Maqiano so expensive?

 
It's not a device that everyone buys as a birthday present for their grandma. Only some very particular musicians who are searching for special things - like you - are interested in Maqiano, so the market is not that huge. When I'm ordering small amounts of durable, high quality, tailored parts from mainly Finnish or European manufacturers, it's quite expensive. Also, there's a lot of handicraft to put this parts together. And finally, I've spent thousands of hours to develope the product, so that it works, is relatively easy to use and carry around, and is safe for your instrument.

 

Can I use the piano's music stand with Maqiano?

 

That also depends on the piano, usually yes. In bigger uprights you can install the units with the front lid on, although it might be easier if you take it out. After installing you can put the front lid back... takes some efforts though.

In grand pianos, you usually need to remove the music stand when installing, and then you have to measure or try - very carefully - if there's space to put it back again. Sometimes you can just place it on the top of the side-supports, instead of sliding it in the groove where it usually stays. Then it's a bit higher than usually. If there's still not enough space, you can put some books or other soft & safe things inside the piano, near the edges, and place the music stand on them.

 

Can I fly with Maqiano?

 

Yes, you can.

According to the rules, Maqiano should be allowed both in cabin and as checked-in luggage, but... I have had it in the cabin maybe around 100 times. It has a lot of metal, so they always (except once!) want to see it in the security check, ask some questions, and screen it again. They never said I couldn't take it, but if one day they are mean, what can you do? Also, it's quite heavy - two 3-unit sets weigh about 5 kg... so nowadays I usually prefer to check it in.


If you're travelling with cabin luggage only, I strongly recommend you to have some extra time at the airport, so in the worst case you can go back and check your bag in.


They never asked me about the magnets, but if ever they do, it's good to know that the magnetic field Maqiano creates is less than 10% of the strength that requires labeling as "magnetic" and about 2% of the maximum strength for being allowed by IATA for air transport. So surely you can fly with it.

 

I have an old Красный Октябрь Model №632 Г -upright piano. Does Maqiano work with that?

 

Well, I don't know that one so well... most probably you can use Maqiano at least in some register, perhaps with the help of the Special Upright Piano Survival Kit.

If you want to be sure, take a good quality photo inside the piano, that shows the tuning pins, pressure bar, strings & hammers = the upper part of the piano, the front lid removed, and send it to me.