A Japanese musical instrument company is reviving its fan favourite from the 80s and 90s, releasing the first new model of the 'Omnichord' in nearly 30 years.
Suzuki Musical Instrument Mfg. Co's Omnichord is a much-loved electronic instrument that produces sounds as users drag fingers up and down a touch-sensitive panel while selecting chords using the buttons next to it. This new model is being released to celebrate the company's 70th anniversary, having 'received requests to resurrect the Omnichord for a long time'. The initial launch was supposed to be in late 2023, but was delayed. Instead, it will be exhibited at the 2024 Winter NAMM Show, a trade show in the US organised by the National Association of Music Merchants.
What is an Omnichord?
The Omnichord was first released in 1981 as the electronic answer to the autoharp. It has been admired and used by musicians the world over thanks to its unique electronic sounds. It might be more familiar to you than you'd think. In fact, Damon Albarn revealed that he created the groove from Gorillaz's 'Clint Eastwood' using the Rock 1 preset on the Omnichord.
With its chord buttons and touch-sensitive strum plate, it's really easy to play. The instrument has gone though various iterations over the years. The company hasn't released a new version since 1996 – until now.
The new model features ten sounds, with 38 individual chord buttons. This means there are a total of 108 chord combinations. Fans can buy the new instrument for ¥77,800 (£415).
'The Omnichord is characterised by its streamlined body,' says Suzuki Musical Instrument Mfg. Co. They reference the 'Omnichord Communication Paper No. 1', published in Japan in 1982, which refers to the fact that the 'shape seems to express the thinking of a more futuristic musical instrument, symbolising the form of an overflowing happy tear.'
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