omnichord

File:Omnichord OM27 brown (2006-01-11 20.38.10 by tico 24).jpg

The development of the Omnichord started with a request from an overseas sales company{{Which|date=April 2024}} to make an electronic musical instrument like an auto-harp.{{Citation needed|date=April 2024}} 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,{{Cite web |date=2022-02-13 |title=Exploring the toylike world of the Suzuki Omnichord |url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/exploring-the-suzuki-omnichord/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=faroutmagazine.co.uk |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |title=Suzuki Omnichord OM36 and OM84 |url=http://www.suzukimusic.co.uk/omnichord-heaven/models/om36-84.html |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=suzukimusic.co.uk}}

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.{{cite news|last=Orensten|first=Evan|title=Suzuki Omnichord|url=http://www.coolhunting.com/tech/suzuki-omnichor.php|newspaper=Cool Hunting|date=20 December 2007|access-date=3 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907052416/http://www.coolhunting.com/tech/suzuki-omnichor.php|archive-date=7 September 2011|url-status=dead}} 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,{{Cite web |title=Suzuki products {{!}} Suzuki Musical Inst. MFG. |url=https://suzukimusic-global.com/products_single.php?parent_cate_cd=3&products_cate_cd=34&products_cd=315&fbclid=IwAR2anlrhQiQBQhG6ToNLWL1Ebhi_ofvPP6DbZcwPjPUCXIgK6xQJHA8rVJ4 |access-date=2023-02-11 |website=suzukimusic-global.com}} called the OM-108, available for pre-order and shipping sometime in mid-2024.{{Cite web |last=Rogersonpublished |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 |language=en}}

{{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 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.{{Cite journal |last=Renwick |first=Chris Jenkins writing as John |date=December 1989 |title=Omnichord (MIC Dec 1989) |url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/omnichord/5275 |journal=Micro Music |issue=Dec 1989 |pages=48–49}} 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{{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 Hobart |language=en-AU}} 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:{{Cite journal |last=Ellis |first=David |date=May 1982 |title=Suzuki Omnichord (EMM May 1982) |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, waltz, slow rock, Latin, foxtrot and swing rhythms, with adjustable tempo and volume.
• A chord generator providing different triad and seventh chords, 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.

File:Omnichord - Au Revoir Simone, Paris (Pont des Arts), 2012.jpg

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).{{Cite web |title=Vintage Rewind: Suzuki Omnichord |url=https://musictech.com/features/opinion-analysis/vintage-rewind-suzuki-omnichord/ |access-date=2022-10-14 |website=MusicTech |language=en-GB}}

Canadian producer Daniel Lanois has used Omnichords throughout his career; he used one on "Deep Blue Day", from the 1983 album Apollo: Atmospheres and Soundtracks 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."{{Cite web |title=Interview: Daniel Lanois |url=https://daily.redbullmusicacademy.com/2015/10/daniel-lanois-interview |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=daily.redbullmusicacademy.com |language=en}}

Lanois later used an Omnichord on U2's "Trip Through Your Wires" from their 1987 album The Joshua Tree,{{Cite web |title=The Joshua Tree |url=http://albumlinernotes.com/The_Joshua_Tree.html |access-date=2024-02-19 |website=albumlinernotes}} 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".{{cite magazine |last=Prendergast |first=Mark |date=Sep 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 |publisher=SOS Publications Ltd. |location=United Kingdom |page=42}} He has also used Omnichord's in his solo work, such as on his 1989 debut album Acadie.{{Citation |title=Daniel Lanois - Acadie Album Reviews, Songs & More {{!}} AllMusic |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/acadie-mw0000201491 |access-date=2024-02-23 |language=en}} Eno played an Omnichord in a live performance of "Miss Sarajevo" with U2 and Luciano Pavarotti in 1995.{{Cite web |title=Suzuki Europe Ltd |url=http://www.suzukimusic.co.uk/qchord/Q-chord_response.html |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=suzukimusic.co.uk}}

Joni Mitchell played an Omnichord on "The Only Joy in Town" from the 1991 album Night Ride Home,{{Cite web |title=Joni Mitchell – Night Ride Home |url=https://jonimitchell.com/music/album.cfm?id=17 |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=jonimitchell.com}} and David Bowie played an Omnichord in his live cover of Simon & Garfunkel's "America" for The Concert for New York City in 2001.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-13 |title=When David Bowie took on a Simon & Garfunkel classic |url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/david-bowie-simon-and-garfunkel-classic/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=faroutmagazine.co.uk |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Gerber |first=Brady |date=2020-10-20 |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=2022-10-03 |website=Vulture |language=en-us}}{{Cite web |last=Yopko |first=Nick |date=2023-02-27 |title=Damon Albarn of Gorillaz Reveals "Clint Eastwood" Instrumental Is an Omnichord Preset |url=https://edm.com/gear-tech/gorillaz-damon-albarn-clint-eastwood-omnichord-preset |access-date=2024-02-19 |website=EDM.com - The Latest Electronic Dance Music News, Reviews & Artists |language=en}}

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.{{Cite web |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 |language=en-US}} Ndegeocello explains "The Omnichord gave me a way to work out melodies and ideas without having to look at a screen."{{cite web | url=https://www.kaxe.org/show/new-music/2023-06-22/album-of-the-week-the-omnichord-real-book-by-meshell-ndegeocello | title=Album of the Week: The Omnichord Real Book by Meshell Ndegeocello }}

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{{Reflist}}

{{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]

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Category:1981 musical instruments

Category:Musical instruments invented in the 1980s

Category:Electronic musical instruments

Category:Japanese musical instruments

Category:1981 introductions