Omnichord

The Omnichord is an electronic musical instrument introduced in 1981 by the Suzuki Musical Instrument Corporation.[1] It typically features a touch plate known as "SonicStrings", preset rhythms, auto-bass line functionality, and buttons for major, minor, and 7th chords. The most basic method of playing the instrument is to press the chord buttons and swipe the SonicStrings with a finger in imitation of strumming a stringed instrument. The SonicStrings may also be touched in one place to create a single note. Originally designed as an electronic Autoharp, the Omnichord has become popular, due to its unique, chiming, harplike timbre and its value as a kitsch object.

Omnichord
Suzuki Omnichord OM-150
Other namesQ-chord
Classification Electronic musical instrument, Synthesizer
Inventor(s)Suzuki Musical Instrument Corporation
Developed1981
Related instruments
Tronichord, Autoharp, Keytar
Suzuki Omnichord OM-27
Suzuki Omnichord OM-200m

The Omnichord and its prototypes, the Tronichord and Portachord (the latter two never reached full production) share many technical and functional similarities. Omnichords feature preset rhythms with a tempo and volume control, as well as an auto-bass line feature, actuated by a button, which the player may use as accompaniment. Several models of the Omnichord were produced that added MIDI compatibility, a selection of voices for the SonicStrings, vibrato, and chord memory. Some Omnichord musicians will play the instrument as a keytar, by strapping the instrument on both ends and playing it as if it were a Keytar.

The Omnichord is still produced by Suzuki, but rebadged as the Q-chord. It features more modern versions of the original Omnichord's features such as PCM sampled sounds, and more rhythms.[2]

Omnichord Players

See also

References
  1. Hills, Bruce (2 June 1982). "Device converts the musically illiterate into instant maestros". The Deseret News.
  2. Orensten, Evan (20 December 2007). "Suzuki Omnichord". Cool Hunting. Archived from the original on 7 September 2011. Retrieved 3 June 2011.
  3. "Daniel Lanois on 'The Making Of' Brian Eno's 'Apollo'".
  4. "Long Stories liner notes". Nomark.
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