Omnichord
 Suzuki Omnichord OM-150 | |
| Other names | Q-chord |
|---|---|
| Classification | Electronic musical instrument, Synthesizer |
| Inventor(s) | Suzuki Musical Instrument Corporation |
| Developed | 1981 |
| Related instruments | |
| Tronichord, Autoharp, Keytar | |
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.
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.[citation needed]
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[]
- Damon Albarn
- David Bowie
- Brian Eno
- Scott Doonican
- Jim James
- Daniel Lanois[3]
- Cyndi Lauper
- Natalie Maines
- Ali McGregor
- Mark Mothersbaugh
- [4]
- Amanda Palmer
- Rebecca Sugar
- Taylor Swift
- Amon Tobin[5]
- Jane Weaver
See also[]
References[]
- ^ Hills, Bruce (2 June 1982). "Device converts the musically illiterate into instant maestros". The Deseret News.
- ^ Orensten, Evan (20 December 2007). "Suzuki Omnichord". Cool Hunting. Archived from the original on 7 September 2011. Retrieved 3 June 2011.
- ^ "Daniel Lanois on 'The Making Of' Brian Eno's 'Apollo'".
- ^ https://laelneale.bandcamp.com/album/acquainted-with-night
- ^ "Long Stories liner notes". Nomark.
External links[]
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Omnichord. |
Authority control  |
|
|---|
- 1981 musical instruments
- Electronic musical instruments
- 1981 introductions