Suzuki Omnichord Model OM-108

Released in 1981, the Omnichord is an electronic musical instrument with an automatic accompaniment function (auto bass/chord) and equipped with a harp sensor. By pressing a chord button and sliding your finger on the harp sensor (strumplate), an arpeggio corresponding to the chord is heard, allowing anyone to easily accompany a song. Omnichord does not require any previous musical experience with an instrument, or even knowledge of staff notation. All that is needed are the chord names required to play a song which is a method commonly known as ‘tab’. Combined with its portability, Omnichord became extremely popular, especially in Europe and America as a new musical instrument that anyone can enjoy anywhere. In addition, due to the unique electronic sounds that are reminiscent of the 80's, and the tactile way musical expressions are achieved, Omnichord has developed cult status around the world. It not only appears in recorded music, but also publicity photos, and has featured in the titles of songs and albums. The Omnichord name was discontinued after the OM-300 (released in 1996), but its popularity as a unique musical instrument has endured the test of time, and now, over 40 years later the Omnichord returns with the OM-108.

SUZUKI OMNICHORD OM-108

The Omnichord OM-108 is a freshly updated and faithfully reissued version of perhaps the most fun and approachable instrument in all of electronic music history, the Omnichord OM-84. The Omnichord is an autoharp-inspired electronic instrument that makes playing chords and rhythms effortless no matter your musical experience level. Having inspired countless songwriters and synth explorers with its intuitive "strumplate" interface and shimmering synthesized tones, the most famous Omnichord has returned to the modern era with an expanded sound and feature set that closely maintains the crowd-pleasing charm of the original.

Suzuki has dutifully recreated the original sounds of the OM-84 with all-analog circuits, so you can relive the 80's in all its juicy synthesizer glory. In addition to these classics, new modernized PCM sounds have been added, delivering 10 total timbres for your plate-strumming pleasure. With the addition of new chord types sus4 and add9, harmonic options have increased from 84 to 108. The refreshed rhythm section has been updated with modernized genre-oriented patterns, as well as new performative drum pads and a note-repeater/arpeggiator that can be activated by the strumplate.

Strumplate superusers will rejoice at the added MIDI output functionality, giving you control of any MIDI capable device from its bespoke and beloved controls. A new layer mode has been added, giving you even more expressive potential via stacked timbres. With all the wonderfully effortless fun of the original and enough fresh additions to send your strumplate workflow into overdrive, the Omnichord OM-108 is ready to inspire a new generation of musicians at all experience levels.

OMNICHORD OM-108 FEATURES

Reissued Omnichord OM-84 with additional sounds and updates

Easily play chords and rhythms to perform songs with no musical experience necessary

Intuitive yet unconventional interface perfect for experimental exploration

10 synth timbres featuring original all-analog recreations and new PCM sounds

Layer mode for stacking multiple timbres

108 chord options including new sus4 and add9 types

Updated rhythm section with modern patterns

Perform drum sounds with the chord buttons or strumplate

Switch between new drum kit or classic OM-84 kit

MIDI out for controlling other devices

Improved strumplate sensitivity for soft-touch playing

On-board speaker and battery power for playing anywhere