MAGAS, MAGADIS, (from μαγάδιον "to sing Magazine, or play in unison or octave,") the name of a musical instrument in use among the ancients.

There were two kinds of magades, the one a string instrument, formed of 20 chords arranged in pairs, and tuned to unison or octave, so that they yielded ten sounds; the invention whereof is ascribed by some to Sappho; by others, to the Lydians; and by some, to Timotheus of Miletus. The other was a kind of flute, which at the same time yielded very high and very low notes. The former kind was at least much improved by Timotheus of Miletus, who is said to have been impeached of a crime, because by increasing the number of chords he spoiled and discredited the ancient music.