# Omnichord > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Omnichord > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Omnichord.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omnichord > Source revision: 1351710812 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|Electronic musical instrument}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2022}} {{Infobox synthesizer | synth_name = Suzuki Omnichord | synth_manufacturer = [Suzuki Musical Instrument Corporation](/source/Suzuki_Musical_Instrument_Corporation) | image = Omnichord.jpg | image_caption = Omnichord OM-150 front panel | dates = 1981–1996, 1999, 2024 | polyphony = Full polyphony | synthesis_type = OM-27/36/84 – Analog, OM-100/150/300 – Sample-based | filter = None | aftertouch = No | keyboard = Strum plate, chord buttons | ext_control = OM-200M/250M/300 – MIDI out Qchord – MIDI in & out }} The '''Omnichord''' is an [electronic musical instrument](/source/electronic_musical_instrument) introduced in 1981 by the [Suzuki Musical Instrument Corporation](/source/Suzuki_Musical_Instrument_Corporation). Conceived as an electronic [autoharp](/source/autoharp), it allows users to play harp-like [arpeggios](/source/Arpeggio) produced through an electronic strum plate, simulating the experience of playing a stringed instrument. The Omnichord found popularity due to its portability, unique [timbre](/source/timbre), and [kitsch](/source/kitsch) value. The various Omnichord models feature organ-like chords, preset drum rhythms and auto-bass line functionality. A grid of buttons allow the user to select [major](/source/Major_chord), [minor](/source/Minor_chord), and [7th chords](/source/Seventh_chord) to be triggered by the strum plate, chord buttons and bassline accompaniment. Production ceased with the OM-300 model in 1996. In later years, the Omnichord underwent a resurgence in popularity due to renewed interest in vintage electronic instruments. A new model, the OM-108, was released in 2024. == Production == thumb|Omnichord OM-27 The [Suzuki Musical Instrument Corporation](/source/Suzuki_Musical_Instrument_Corporation) released the first Omnichord, the OM-27, in 1981, alongside another instrument, the [Tronichord](/source/Tronichord) (also known as the Portachord).{{Cite web |last=Maymind |first=Leo |date=2023-04-11 |title=Blast from the past: Suzuki Omnichord |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/blast-from-past-suzuki-omnichord |access-date=2024-02-19 |website=[MusicRadar](/source/MusicRadar) |language=en}} It was aimed at people without musical experience who might be intimidated by traditional keyboard instruments. The OM-27 featured 27 chord buttons, a strum plate, preset [drum machine](/source/drum_machine) rhythms, controls for volume, [tempo](/source/tempo) and [sustain](/source/sustain). It featured only one sound, "harp". In 1984, Suzuki released the OM-36, with 36 chord shapes, and the OM-84, with 84 chord shapes, both with an improved strum plate. The next model, OM-100, repositioned the strum plate to make it more comfortable to play, and added guitar, piano, banjo, jazz organ, flute, chime, brass, vibraphone and synthesizer sounds. The OM-250, introduced in 1989, added a [MIDI](/source/MIDI) out port to enable connectivity with other electronic instruments. The OM-300, released in the early 1990s, added a MIDI in port, a [chord sequencer](/source/Music_sequencer), and different sounds. In 1999, the Suzuki rereleased the Omnichord as the Q-Chord, with a redesigned body, additional sounds, an improved speaker, and an expansion slot for song storage. Around the 2020s, interest in the Omnichord grew with the rise in experimental music genres and interest in older electronic instruments. In 2024, Suzuki announced a new model, the OM-108, with analogue circuitry, emulations of previous models, new sounds and drum presets, and the ability to play the chord buttons like a keyboard or drum pad.{{Cite web |last=Rogerson |first=Ben |date=2024-01-29 |title=NAMM 2024: The new Omnichord has finally broken cover with retro and modern sounds, keyboard/drum pad modes and MIDI Out |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/suzuki-omnichord-om108 |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=[MusicRadar](/source/MusicRadar) |language=en}} == Sound and features == {{Listen |pos=right |filename=Omnichord Strummed Sonic Strings.ogg |title=Strum plate arpeggios |description=The 'Sonic Strings' on the Omnichord OM36, played by holding down a chord button and strumming the touchplate |filename2=Omnichord Chords.ogg |title2=Chord button chords |description2=The chords from the Omnichord OM84 |filename3=Omnichord Rhythm Pattern Rock 1.ogg |title3=Rhythm and auto-bass |description3=The Rock 1 rhythm and auto bass patterns from the OM36 Omnichord }} Omnichords feature preset rhythm patterns with [tempo](/source/tempo) and [volume](/source/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.{{Cite journal |last=Renwick |first=Chris Jenkins writing as John |date=December 1989 |title=Omnichord |url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/omnichord/5275 |journal=Micro Music |issue=December 1989 |pages=48–49}} Several later models of the Omnichord added [MIDI](/source/MIDI) compatibility, a greater selection of sounds for the Sonic Strings, [vibrato](/source/vibrato), and chord memory, called Chord Computer. The Omnichord was primarily designed as an accompaniment instrument instead of a melody instrument, an ideal way to accompany a singer with basic rhythms and the ability to easily play chords{{Cite web |date=2021-10-23 |title=What is an Omnichord? |url=https://www.abc.net.au/hobart/programs/sundays/omnichord/13600986 |access-date=2022-10-14 |website=[ABC Radio Hobart](/source/ABC_Radio_Hobart) |language=en-AU}} with little [music theory](/source/music_theory) knowledge. The Omnichord has three main sound generators:{{Cite journal |last=Ellis |first=David |date=May 1982 |title=Suzuki Omnichord |url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/suzuki-omnichord/4271 |journal=Electronics & Music Maker |issue=May 1982 |pages=18}} * A percussion section that plays [rock](/source/Rock_music), [waltz](/source/Waltz_(music)), [slow rock](/source/Sentimental_ballad), [Latin](/source/Latin_music), foxtrot and [swing](/source/Swing_music) rhythms, with adjustable tempo and volume. * A chord generator providing different [triad](/source/Triad_(chord)) and [seventh chords](/source/Seventh_chord), either as organ-like chords or walking bass. The original OM-27 was only capable of playing 27 different chords, but later models allow 84 different chords. * A Sonic Strings section producing an arpeggio or isolated notes from a chosen chord over a 4-octave span, played using the touch strip. The notes played on the touch strip are always in tune with the chord button currently selected.{{Cite web |date=2014-12-16 |title=Toy Gear that We Love: the Suzuki Omnichord and Casio SK-1 |url=https://reverb.com/uk/news/a-little-something-on-the-side-the-suzuki-omnichord-and-casio-sk-1 |access-date=2022-10-14 |website=reverb.com |language=en}} Later models featured a selection of different voices for the Sonic Strings, including vibes, brass, organ, guitar and banjo. 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. In 2023, ''[Pitchfork](/source/Pitchfork_(website))'' wrote that the Omnichord "feels like a toy", with "cheap" sounds.{{Cite web |last=Ruiz |first=Matthew Ismael |date=22 June 2023 |title=Meshell Ndegeocello: ''The Omnichord Real Book'' |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/meshell-ndegeocello-the-omnichord-real-book/ |access-date=2025-09-23 |website=[Pitchfork](/source/Pitchfork_(website)) |language=en-US}} == Users == The Omnichord's ease of use regardless of musical ability or [music theory](/source/music_theory) knowledge of made it popular with a range of users. It was particularly popular in Japan, where it was used in pop and electronic music, advertisements for products such as [Coca-Cola](/source/Coca-Cola) and the [Walkman](/source/Walkman), and in music education to create backing tracks for students to play to. The Omnichord was used by 1980s and 1990s pop acts including [the Human League](/source/the_Human_League), [Talking Heads](/source/Talking_Heads) and [Devo](/source/Devo). [Eurythmics](/source/Eurythmics) used the Omnichord harp sound on their 1982 single "[Love Is a Stranger](/source/Love_Is_a_Stranger)".{{Cite web |last=Gale |first=Dave |date=20 February 2020 |title=Vintage rewind: Suzuki Omnichord |url=https://musictech.com/features/opinion-analysis/vintage-rewind-suzuki-omnichord/ |access-date=2022-10-14 |website=[MusicTech](/source/MusicTech) |language=en-GB}} [Brian Eno](/source/Brian_Eno) and [Daniel Lanois](/source/Daniel_Lanois) used a slowed-down recording of an Omnichord on "Deep Blue Day" from the 1983 album ''[Apollo: Atmospheres and Soundtracks](/source/Apollo%3A_Atmospheres_and_Soundtracks)'' to create a "beautiful, deep, jukebox sound".{{Cite web |date=14 October 2015 |title=Interview: Daniel Lanois |url=https://daily.redbullmusicacademy.com/2015/10/daniel-lanois-interview |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=[Red Bull Music Academy](/source/Red_Bull_Music_Academy) |language=en}} Lanois also used an Omnichord on the [U2](/source/U2) song "[Trip Through Your Wires](/source/Trip_Through_Your_Wires)" from the 1987 album ''[The Joshua Tree](/source/The_Joshua_Tree)'', processed with [delay effect](/source/delay_effect)s and guitar amplifiers.{{cite magazine |last=Prendergast |first=Mark |date=September 1987 |title=The magic of Daniel Lanois |url=https://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/the-magic-of-daniel-lanois/2506 |access-date=2024-02-19 |magazine=[Sound on Sound](/source/Sound_on_Sound) |publisher=SOS Publications Ltd. |location=United Kingdom |page=42}} [David Bowie](/source/David_Bowie) used an Omnichord in his performance of the 1968 [Simon & Garfunkel](/source/Simon_%26_Garfunkel) song "[America](/source/America_(Simon_%26_Garfunkel_song))" at the 2001 [Concert for New York City](/source/Concert_for_New_York_City). [Damon Albarn](/source/Damon_Albarn) used the Omnichord OM-300's "Rock 1" preset for the 2001 [Gorillaz](/source/Gorillaz) single "[Clint Eastwood](/source/Clint_Eastwood_(song))".{{cite web |last=Gerber |first=Brady |date=20 October 2020 |title=The best, worst, and weirdest of Gorillaz, according to Damon Albarn |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/gorillaz-best-worst-damon-albarn-interview.html |access-date=6 May 2021 |website=[Vulture](/source/Vulture_(website))}} [Meshell Ndegeocello](/source/Meshell_Ndegeocello) used an Omnichord to compose her 2023 album ''[The Omnichord Real Book](/source/The_Omnichord_Real_Book)''. At the [66th Annual Grammy Awards](/source/66th_Annual_Grammy_Awards), it became the first winner of the [Grammy Award for Best Alternative Jazz Album](/source/Grammy_Award_for_Best_Alternative_Jazz_Album).{{Cite web |last=Minsker |first=Evan |date=2024-02-04 |title=Meshell Ndegeocello wins inaugural best alternative jazz album award at 2024 Grammys |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/meshell-ndegeocello-wins-inaugural-best-alternative-jazz-album-award-at-2024-grammys/ |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=[Pitchfork](/source/Pitchfork_(website)) |language=en-US}} Other users include [Jim James](/source/Jim_James), [Nick Rhodes](/source/Nick_Rhodes) and [Joni Mitchell](/source/Joni_Mitchell). At the {{Date|2026-01-01}} inauguration of the New York City mayor [Zohran Mamdani](/source/Zohran_Mamdani), the singer [Lucy Dacus](/source/Lucy_Dacus) performed the political song "Bread and Roses" accompanied by Omnichord.{{Cite web |last=Roundtree |first=Cheyenne |date=2026-01-01 |title=Lucy Dacus Performs 'Bread and Roses' at NYC mayor Zohran Mamdani's inauguration |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/lucy-dacus-bread-and-roses-zohran-mamdani-inauguration-1235493211/ |access-date=2026-01-01 |website=[Rolling Stone](/source/Rolling_Stone) |language=en}} == See also == * {{Portal-inline|Music}} == References == {{Reflist}} == External links == {{Commons category}} * [http://www.suzukimusic.co.uk/omnichord/suzuki_omnichord.htm Official Suzuki site] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20110707043814/http://www.suzukimusic.co.uk/qchord/Q-chord_response.htm Omnichord and Qchord users] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20110724025612/http://www.qchord.net/docs/features_over.htm Qchord website] {{Authority control}} Category:1981 introductions Category:1981 musical instruments Category:Electronic musical instruments Category:Japanese musical instruments Category:Musical instruments invented in the 1980s --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Omnichord](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omnichord) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omnichord?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.