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The Omnichord name was discontinued after the OM-300 (released in 1996), but its popularity as a unique musical instrument has endured the test of time, and now, over 40 years later the Omnichord returns with the OM-108!
Released in 1981, the Omnichord is an electronic musical instrument with an automatic accompaniment function (auto bass/chord) and equipped with a harp sensor. By pressing a chord button and sliding your finger on the harp sensor (strumplate), an arpeggio corresponding to the chord is heard, allowing anyone to easily accompany a song. Omnichord does not require any previous musical experience with an instrument, or even knowledge of staff notation. All that is needed are the chord names required to play a song which is a method commonly known as ‘tab’. Combined with its portability, Omnichord became extremely popular, especially in Europe and America as a new musical instrument that anyone can enjoy anywhere. In addition, due to the unique electronic sounds that are reminiscent of the 80’s, and the tactile way musical expressions are achieved, Omnichord has developed cult status around the world. It not only appears in recorded music, but also publicity photos, and has featured in the titles of songs and albums.
Omnichord is an electronic musical instrument with an automatic accompaniment function (auto bass chord) and is equipped with a harp sensor (strumplate). Simply press the chord button and slide your finger on the strumplate. It’s as simple as that! With very little practice, you can play accompaniment to a song almost instantly. Immediate accompaniment possible with simple playing techniques.
Although it has a built-in speaker, the Omnichord is small, lightweight, and battery-powered*, making it easy to carry and play. Connect an external amplifier and headphones and you can perform anywhere! Perfect for when you’re practicing in the studio, performing at a live venue, or just playing a favorite song in your bedroom. *Powered by 8, AA batteries or dedicated AC adapter (both sold separately) Play anytime, anywhere.
The OM-108 does not have a display like many electronic musical instruments, and the settings made using the buttons and knobs will sound as they are. It is an interface that is intuitive and easy to understand for those with no experience with musical instruments. At the same time, these tactile controls allow professional musicians and song writers to perform and compose in real time, while creating sounds on the panel. It can be used like a keyboard or rhythm machine, and you can also expand the tones with MIDI OUT. The attractiveness of an Omnichord is that whatever your ability or interest, you can make your own kind of music!
Specifications
- Chord buttons: 38
- Chords: major, minor, 7th, major7th, minor7th, augmented, diminished, suspended4th, add9th
- Voices: 10 tones (main, sub tones) / 4 octaves
- Rhythm Pattern: 10 patterns
- Control: Master Volume, Chord Volume, Main Voice Volume, Sub Voice Volume, Sustain, Rhythm Volume, Tempo
- Button Controls: Power, Chord, KEYBOARD ON/OFF, Voice Select, Rhythm Select, Chord-Manual/Auto, Chord Hold, Rhythm-Start / Sync Start
- Other Functions: Instant OFF, Transpose, Octave Shift, ON/OFF SPEAKER, Master Tuning
- Speaker: 10cm
- Amplifier output: 4.3W
- Connections: DC inlet, LINE OUT (monaural standard), headphone output (Stereo mini), MIDI OUT
- Power Supply: AC adapter, 8 AA alkaline or Ni-MH batteries (all sold separately)
- Power consumption: 3.7W
- Continuous battery operation time: Approximately 8 hours
- Measurement: W45.7 x D25.0 x H5.18cm (17.99 x 9.84 x 2.04 in.)
- Weight: 1.2kg (2.65lb)
- Accessories: Melody keyboard overlayer