| Suzuki Omnichord | |
|---|---|
 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]
- ^ Hills, Bruce (2 June 1982). "Device converts the musically illiterate into instant maestros". The Deseret News.
- ^ "Suzuki products | Suzuki Musical Inst. MFG". suzukimusic-global.com. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
- ^ "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.
- ^ Maymind, Leo (11 April 2023). "Blast from the past: Suzuki Omnichord". MusicRadar. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
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