Uilleann OPTICAL Technopipe from Fagerstroem

Fagerström Technopipe – Uilleann Model

The Fagerström Technopipe Uilleann Model is a compact, high quality electronic practice chanter designed for quiet practice without compromising on feel or functionality. Featuring optical finger sensors and a wide range of adjustable settings, it offers a responsive and realistic playing experience for Uilleann pipers.

Realistic playing experience

• Optical contacts for precise and reliable finger detection
• Full size chanter spacing comparable to a traditional chanter
• Very lightweight and portable at approx. 60 g
• Integrated drones with natural style playing control

The drones are started by playing low D, and the chanter is then activated by squeezing the octave switch. To stop the sound at any time, simply touch the dedicated sound off contact. The second octave is played by pressing the underarm bag style octave switch.

The bottom sensor acts as a low D valve for staccato playing. This function can also be easily disabled if preferred.

Easy settings and controls

Two control contacts are used to manage all settings. To adjust a setting, simply hold the relevant fingering combination and use the control contacts.

• Sensitivity – controls how close your fingers need to be to the holes to be detected. This can be manually adjusted or auto calibrated.
• Pitch – the chanter starts in the key of D (294 Hz), with low D adjustable from 100 Hz up to 297 Hz. The chanter key can also be set to A (220 Hz), B flat, C, or D.
• Metronome – easy to start at the desired tempo, with optional sub beats.
• Drones – adjustable relative to the chanter volume and always tuned to match the chanter key.
• Scale options – choose between harmonic tuning for pipe style playing or equal temperament for playing with other instruments.
• Fingering options – supports both Uilleann fingering and Great Highland Bagpipe fingering, each with cross fingering for a fully chromatic scale.
• Volume – controls chanter, drones, and metronome volume.
• Recording – records more than 2500 notes, with playback speed adjustable from 1/4 to 2 times the original speed. During playback, recorded notes sound on the right channel so you can play along on the left.

MIDI function

The Technopipe also supports MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), allowing it to communicate with electronic instruments, computers, synthesizers, and other MIDI compatible devices.

To enter MIDI mode, hold a specific fingering combination and insert the MIDI cable plug while switching the chanter on.

• MIDI channel adjustable from 1 to 14
• Bass fixed on channel 15
• Tenor fixed on channel 16
• Pitch adjustable in semitones
• Volume settings affect MIDI velocity
• Vibrato effects may be possible via pitch bend messages, depending on the receiving device

Please note: In MIDI mode, the metronome and recording functions are not available.

Compact dimensions

• Length: 249 mm
• Diameter: 16 mm
• Weight: approx. 60 g

Despite its compact dimensions, this is a full size chanter, with contact spacing matching the hole spacing of a traditional Great Highland Bagpipe chanter. Combined with its low weight and compact size, it is an ideal practice instrument for use at home or on the move.

Ideal for

• Quiet home practice
• Travel and portable practice
• Players who want realistic chanter spacing
• Practice with headphones or MIDI compatible equipment