Omnichord Explained

Synth Name:Suzuki Omnichord
Synth Manufacturer:Suzuki Musical Instrument Corporation
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 outQchord - MIDI in & out

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.

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.

History

The development of the Omnichord started with a request from an overseas sales company to make an electronic musical instrument like an auto-harp. Suzuki started with the Tronichord 'PC-27', renamed the Portachord on some units, followed by the first Omnichord 'OM-27', which featured improvements to the interface, such as the chord buttons. The OM-27 and PC-27 and were both released in 1981, but the latter never reached full production.

The OM-27 was capable of playing 27 chords, and early models required a rubber plectrum to play, though later models featured an updated strum plate. The OM-27 was a commercial failure,[5] so Suzuki released the OM-36 and OM-84 in 1984, also called the System One and System Two, respectively. The naming convention was originally meant to convey the number of chord types the model can produce, with OM-36 prototypes only able to play 36 chords, however the OM-36 and OM-84 production models can both play 84 chord types. The OM-84 was the first model to feature an onboard Chord Computer, a feature that allowed the user to record a sequence of chords, which could then be played back as accompaniment.[6]

In 1989, Suzuki released the OM-100 and OM-200M, which replaced the OM-36 and OM-84, adding updated sounds, an angled strum plate for more comfortable playing, and an optional strap for standing performances. The OM-200M additionally introduced a MIDI output port, allowing the user to control other MIDI-equipped devices using the Omnichord. The OM-150 and OM-250M offered refreshed sounds, and the OM-300 released in 1995 offered the features of the OM-250M but with further updated sounds.

Suzuki released the Qchord QC1 in 1999; it features more modern versions of the original Omnichord's features such as PCM sampled sounds, and more rhythms.[7] The Qchord additionally features both MIDI input and MIDI output ports. In February 2023, Suzuki announced a new Omnichord model to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the company,[8] called the OM-108 available for preorder, shipping sometime in summer 2024.[9]

Sound and features

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.[10] 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, an ideal way to accompany a singer with basic rhythms and the ability to easily play chords[11] 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:[12]

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.

Notable uses

Eurythmics used chords and Sonic Strings from an Omnichord OM-27 on "Love Is a Stranger" from their 1983 album Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).[14]

Canadian producer Daniel Lanois has used Omnichords throughout his career; he used one on "Deep Blue Day", from the 1983 album by Lanois, Brian Eno and Roger Eno, saying "It mimics strings and has a little built-in bass element: almost one-stop instrument that provides a whole sound of an entire band. We found that by recording this thing and slowing it down, we were able to get this very beautiful, deep, jukebox sound."[15]

Lanois later used an Omnichord on U2's "Trip Through Your Wires" from their 1987 album The Joshua Tree,[16] which was also co-produced with Brian Eno. It was plugged it into The Edge's echo effects amplifiers to create the organ chords and "jangling" sound in the background. Lanois referred to the Omnichord as a "toy instrument" with a "beautiful bell-like sound".[17] He has also used Omnichord's in his solo work, such as on his 1989 debut album Acadie. Eno played an Omnichord in a live performance of "Miss Sarajevo" with U2 and Luciano Pavarotti in 1995.[18]

Joni Mitchell played an Omnichord on "The Only Joy in Town" from the 1991 album Night Ride Home,[19] and David Bowie played an Omnichord in his live cover of Simon & Garfunkel's "America" for The Concert for New York City in 2001.[20] Damon Albarn of Gorillaz used the Omnichord OM-300's "Rock 1" preset for the drum beat of "Clint Eastwood", which was included on the 2001 album Gorillaz.[21] [22]

Meshell Ndegeocello's 2023 album The Omnichord Real Book became the first recipient of the newly created Grammy Award for Best Alternative Jazz Album at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.[23] Ndegeocello explains "The Omnichord gave me a way to work out melodies and ideas without having to look at a screen."[24]

Omnichord models

!Model!Released!Notes
OM-271981Original model with 27 chord types.[25]
OM-361984also called System One. Can play 84 different chord types.
OM-841984also called System Two. Can play 84 chord types and first to feature onboard Chord Computer.
OM-1001989Entry model replacing OM-36.
OM-200M1989Premium model replacing OM-84. Adds MIDI Out (denoted by the 'M').[26]
OM-1501993Replaces OM-100 with an updated sound engine.
OM-250M1993Replaces OM-200M with an updated sound engine.[27]
OM-3001996Replaces OM-250M with updated sounds.[28]
Qchord QC11999Contained new digital sounds and featured MIDI In and MIDI Out.
OM-108[29] 2024 (upcoming)70th anniversary rerelease of the Omnichord with a new model.[30]

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Hills. Bruce. Device converts the musically illiterate into instant maestros. The Deseret News. 2 June 1982.
  2. Web site: Suzuki products Suzuki Musical Inst. MFG. . 2024-02-19 . suzukimusic-global.com.
  3. Web site: Make Your Own Kind of Music OMNI CHORD OM-108 | SUZUKI MUSICAL INST .MFG. CO.,LTD . 2024-02-19 . Make Your Own Kind of MusicOMNI CHORD OM-108 | SUZUKI MUSICAL INST .MFG. CO.,LTD . ja.
  4. Web site: Maymind . Leo . 2023-04-11 . Blast from the past: Suzuki Omnichord . 2024-02-19 . MusicRadar . en.
  5. Web site: 2022-02-13 . Exploring the toylike world of the Suzuki Omnichord . 2022-10-03 . faroutmagazine.co.uk . en-US.
  6. Web site: Suzuki Omnichord OM36 and OM84 . 2022-10-03 . suzukimusic.co.uk.
  7. News: Orensten. Evan. Suzuki Omnichord. Cool Hunting. 20 December 2007. 3 June 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110907052416/http://www.coolhunting.com/tech/suzuki-omnichor.php. 7 September 2011. dead.
  8. Web site: Suzuki products Suzuki Musical Inst. MFG. . 2023-02-11 . suzukimusic-global.com.
  9. Web site: Rogersonpublished . Ben . 2024-01-29 . NAMM 2024: The new Omnichord has finally broken cover with retro and modern sounds, keyboard/drum pad modes and MIDI Out . 2024-02-09 . MusicRadar . en.
  10. Renwick . Chris Jenkins writing as John . December 1989 . Omnichord (MIC Dec 1989) . Micro Music . Dec 1989 . 48–49.
  11. Web site: 2021-10-23 . What is an Omnichord? . 2022-10-14 . ABC Hobart . en-AU.
  12. Ellis . David . May 1982 . Suzuki Omnichord (EMM May 1982) . Electronics & Music Maker . May 1982 . 18.
  13. Web site: 2014-12-16 . Toy Gear that We Love: the Suzuki Omnichord and Casio SK-1 . 2022-10-14 . reverb.com . en.
  14. Web site: Vintage Rewind: Suzuki Omnichord . 2022-10-14 . MusicTech . en-GB.
  15. Web site: Interview: Daniel Lanois . 2024-02-23 . daily.redbullmusicacademy.com . en.
  16. Web site: The Joshua Tree . 2024-02-19 . albumlinernotes.
  17. Prendergast . Mark . Sep 1987 . The Magic of Daniel Lanois . 2024-02-19 . Sound On Sound . SOS Publications Ltd. . United Kingdom . 42.
  18. Web site: Suzuki Europe Ltd . 2022-10-03 . suzukimusic.co.uk.
  19. Web site: Joni Mitchell – Night Ride Home . 2022-10-03 . jonimitchell.com.
  20. Web site: 2022-03-13 . When David Bowie took on a Simon & Garfunkel classic . 2022-10-03 . faroutmagazine.co.uk . en-US.
  21. Web site: Gerber . Brady . 2020-10-20 . The Best, Worst, and Weirdest of Gorillaz, According to Damon Albarn . 2022-10-03 . Vulture . en-us.
  22. Web site: Yopko . Nick . 2023-02-27 . Damon Albarn of Gorillaz Reveals "Clint Eastwood" Instrumental Is an Omnichord Preset . 2024-02-19 . EDM.com - The Latest Electronic Dance Music News, Reviews & Artists . en.
  23. Web site: 2024-02-04 . Meshell Ndegeocello Wins Inaugural Best Alternative Jazz Album Award at 2024 Grammys . 2024-02-09 . Pitchfork . en-US.
  24. Web site: Album of the Week: The Omnichord Real Book by Meshell Ndegeocello .
  25. Web site: Suzuki Omnichord OM27 . 2024-02-09 . www.suzukimusic.co.uk.
  26. Web site: Suzuki Omnichord OM100 and 200m . 2024-02-09 . www.suzukimusic.co.uk.
  27. Web site: Suzuki Omnichord OM-150 and 250M . 2024-02-09 . www.suzukimusic.co.uk.
  28. Web site: Suzuki Omnichord OM-300 . 2024-02-09 . www.suzukimusic.co.uk.
  29. Web site: Suzuki products Suzuki Musical Inst. MFG. . 2023-07-30 . suzukimusic-global.com.
  30. Web site: The Omnichord will be re-produced to commemorate the 70th anniversary of our company..