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.

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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 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]

See also

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Omnichord.

• Official website
• Q-chord users
• Q-chord website