Omnichord
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.
Suzuki Omnichord
1981-1996, 1999, 2024
Full polyphony
OM-27/36/84 - Analog, OM-100/150/300 - Sample based
None
No
Strum plate, chord buttons
OM-200M/250M/300 - MIDI out Qchord - MIDI in & out
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]
Omnichords feature preset rhythm patterns with tempo and volume control, as well as an auto-bass line feature, which the player can combine to use as a musical accompaniment. The Omnichord's most unique feature is the Sonic Strings strum plate, that allows the player to 'strum' arpeggios like a guitar.[13] Several later models of the Omnichord added MIDI compatibility, a greater selection of sounds for the Sonic Strings, vibrato, and chord memory, called Chord Computer.
The Omnichord was primarily designed as an accompaniment instrument instead of a melody instrument,[13] an ideal way to accompany a singer with basic rhythms and the ability to easily play chords[14] with little music theory knowledge.
The most basic method of playing the instrument is to press the chord buttons and swipe the strum plate with a finger in imitation of strumming a stringed instrument. The strum plate may also be touched in one place to create a single note, or touched rhythmically to produce rhythmic patterns.
The Omnichord has three main sound generators:[15]
Later models feature a chord sequencer in a Chord Memory section that would allow the user to record up to 51 chords in sequence and play them back automatically or via a footswitch.[13]