Omnichord

Suzuki Omnichord
Omnichord OM-150 front panel
ManufacturerSuzuki Musical Instrument Corporation
Dates1981–1996, 1999, 2024
Technical specifications
PolyphonyFull polyphony
Synthesis typeOM-27/36/84 – Analog, OM-100/150/300 – Sample-based
FilterNone
Aftertouch expressionNo
Input/output
KeyboardStrum plate, chord buttons
External controlOM-200M/250M/300 – MIDI out Qchord – MIDI in & out

The Omnichord is an electronic musical instrument introduced in 1981 by the Suzuki Musical Instrument Corporation.[1] It allows users to play distinctive harp-like arpeggios produced through an electronic strum plate, simulating the experience of playing a stringed instrument. Originally conceived as an electronic Autoharp,[2] the Omnichord found popularity due to its portability, its unique timbre, and its value as a kitsch object.

The various Omnichord models feature a touch plate that the user strums, organ-like chords, preset drum rhythms and auto-bass line functionality. A grid of buttons allow the user to select major, minor, and 7th chords to be triggered by the strum plate, chord buttons and bass-line accompaniment.

Although production of the original Omnichord line ceased with the OM-300 model in 1996,[3] the instrument has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years due to renewed interest in vintage electronic instruments.[4] A new Omnichord model called the OM-108 is due for release in 2024.[5]

  1. ^ Hills, Bruce (2 June 1982). "Device converts the musically illiterate into instant maestros". The Deseret News.
  2. ^ "Suzuki products | Suzuki Musical Inst. MFG". suzukimusic-global.com. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  3. ^ "Make Your Own Kind of Music OMNI CHORD OM-108 | SUZUKI MUSICAL INST .MFG. CO. ,LTD". Make Your Own Kind of MusicOMNI CHORD OM-108 | SUZUKI MUSICAL INST .MFG. CO. ,LTD (in Japanese). Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  4. ^ Maymind, Leo (11 April 2023). "Blast from the past: Suzuki Omnichord". MusicRadar. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference :3 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).