Suzuki Omnichord | |
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![]() Omnichord OM-150 front panel | |
Manufacturer | Suzuki Musical Instrument Corporation |
Dates | 1981–1996, 1999, 2024 |
Technical specifications | |
Polyphony | Full polyphony |
Synthesis type | OM-27/36/84 – Analog, OM-100/150/300 – Sample-based |
Filter | None |
Aftertouch expression | No |
Input/output | |
Keyboard | Strum plate, chord buttons |
External control | OM-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]
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