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. 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.
We put a great deal of effort into the design of the Omnichord so that it accurately reproduces the sound of the OM-84, a model that is hailed as a masterpiece for its tone and versatility. To achieve this in the OM-108, we decided to apply the same method for sound creation as the OM-84, incorporating real analogue circuitry into the new model. In total, the OM-108 is equipped with 10 types of strumplate tones, whilst “omni1” and “omni2” reproduce the classic sound of the OM-84, revived for future generations to enjoy.
The OM-108 includes a selection of timeless instrument tones that are both retro and
current. The “celeste”, “harp”, and “piano” featured in previous models. The “FM piano”
tone is new, this is an electric piano sound that helped define 1980s music. The OM-108
is equipped with “omni1” and “omni2” which use real analog circuitry. Other tones are
reproduced using PCM sound generation.
There are 10 tones…omni1/omni2/harp/celeste/A.piano/guitar/FM piano/organ/vibes/banjo(omni1 and omni2 have the same Main Voice but different Sub Voices).
The model OM-84 was equipped with two electronic harp tones, allowing the tones to be layered and played. OM-108 reproduces this function. A tone that sounds beautiful when layered with the Main Voice has been assigned as a Sub Voice. To control each layer, simply turn the appropriate Volume knob. This enables real time control changes adding expression to your sound.
Even though many rhythms included in the OM-108 share the same names as previous models,
they have been updated to incorporate rhythm patterns that are current. Also, for the
first time on Omnichord, a trap beat (Hip Hop) has been included. We have selected
“usable” rhythms that will allow you to play a wider variety of songs.
There are 10 kinds of rhythm…rock1/rock2/slow rock/country/swing/disco/hip hop/funk/bossanova/waltz
In addition to the melody keyboard, the OM-108 is equipped with drum pad mode for the first time as a function (when the "KEYBOARD" button is pressed). Owners of the OM-108 will be pleased to note the drum pad is assigned not only to the chord button, but also to the strumplate. This allows for the creation of interesting beats using the OM-108 retro drum kits.
The OM-108 not only sends chords and strumplate data, but also drum performance information from MIDI OUT. Strumplate information can be sent on two MIDI channels, allowing you to layer tones with external MIDI sound sources, or to layer the OM-108 internal sounds with external sound sources. The OM-108 has evolved into an instrument that invites you to explore more creative sounds using MIDI.
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, such as in the studio, performing at a live venue, or just playing in your bedroom!
*Powered by 8, AA batteries or dedicated AC adapter (both sold separately).
Using “REAL TIME CONTROL”, the OM-108 integrates multiple functions for switching the way chords and rhythms are played. Whether you want to add bass accompaniment or start with a drum prelude, you can easily switch in real time even during a performance.
When connecting to an external speaker etc., you can turn on/off the sound produced by the speaker of the instrument. This is useful when you want to monitor your own sound during live performances. This is a new feature included on the OM-108 in direct response to user’s requests.
An electronic musical instrument that was the predecessor of the OM-27. Commonly known as Portachord or Tronichord (market dependent)
[Strumplate] | 4 octave, tone/harp |
---|---|
[Chord] | 45 chords |
[Body color] | Ivory |
OM-36 OM-84
(System One/System Two)Simultaneous release of two models
in 1984.
[Strumplate] | 4 octave tones / OM-36 (harp) OM-84 (harp x 2) *Only OM-84 has 2 harp patterns. |
---|---|
[Chord] | 84 chords |
[Rhythm] | Rock 1, Rock 2, Disco, Latin, Country, March, Tango, Blues, Swing, Waltz |
[Body color] | OM-36 (beige) OM-84 (gray, ivory) |
[Remarks] | Only OM-84 is equipped with functions such as keyboard, transpose, and
chord memory. *The image is OM-84 |
OM-150 OM-250MSimultaneous release of two models in 1993
[Strumplate] | 4 octaves Tone / Omnichord, Guitar, Harp, Banjo, Strings, Piano, Organ, Bossa Nova, Celeste, Marimba, Steel Drum |
---|---|
[Chord] | 84 chords |
[Rhythm] | Rock 1, Rock 2, Rock 3, March, Jazz, Country, Bluegrass, Samba, Waltz |
[Body color] | OM-150 (beige) OM-250M (gray) |
[Remarks] | OM-250M included additional functions such as keyboard, transpose, MIDI
OUT, and chord memory. *The image is OM-250M |
Qchord QC-1Released in 1999 and advertised as the Digital Song Card Guitar
[Strumplate] | 4 octaves 100GM tone |
---|---|
[Chord] | 36 soft touch buttons, 84 chords |
[Rhythm] | Bossa Nova, Country, Dance, Jazz, New Age, March, Waltz, Ballad, Rock, Blues Shuffle |
[Remarks] | Song data can be played back with song and rhythm cartridges. |
OM-27Released in 1981
[Strumplate] | 4 octave, tone/harp |
---|---|
[Chord] | 27 chords |
[Rhythm] | Rock, Waltz, Slow Rock, Latin Foxtrot, Swing |
[Body Color] | Brown, Ivory, Red |
OM-100 OM-200MIn 1989, Two models released simultaneously
[Strumplate] | 4 octaves Tone/Guitar, Piano, Banjo, Jazz Organ, Flute, Organ, Chime, Brass, Vibe, Synth |
---|---|
[Chord] | 84 chords |
[Rhythm] | Rock 1, Rock 2, Disco, Blues, March, Country, Latin, Bossa Nova, Swing, Waltz |
[Body color] | OM-100 (beige) OM-200M (gray) |
[Remarks] | OM-200M includes additional functions such as keyboard, transpose, MIDI
OUT, and chord memory. *The image is OM-200M |
OM-300Released in 1996
[Strumplate] | 4 octaves Tones/Omnichord, Guitar, Harp, Banjo, Strings, Piano, Organ, Celeste, Marimba, Steel drum |
---|---|
[Chord] | 84 chords |
[Rhythm] | Rock 1, Rock 2, Rock 3, March, Jazz, Country, Bluegrass, Bossa Nova, Samba, Waltz |
[Body color] | beige |
An electronic musical instrument that was the predecessor of the OM-27. Commonly known as Portachord or Tronichord (market dependent)
[Strumplate] | 4 octave, tone/harp |
---|---|
[Chord] | 45 chords |
[Body color] | Ivory |
OM-27Released in 1981
[Strumplate] | 4 octave, tone/harp |
---|---|
[Chord] | 27 chords |
[Rhythm] | Rock, Waltz, Slow Rock, Latin Foxtrot, Swing |
[Body Color] | Brown, Ivory, Red |
OM-36 OM-84 (System One/System Two)Simultaneous release of two models in 1984.
[Strumplate] | 4 octave tones / OM-36 (harp) OM-84 (harp x 2) *Only OM-84 has 2 harp patterns. |
---|---|
[Chord] | 84 chords |
[Rhythm] | Rock 1, Rock 2, Disco, Latin, Country, March, Tango, Blues, Swing, Waltz |
[Body color] | OM-36 (beige) OM-84 (gray, ivory) |
[Remarks] | Only OM-84 is equipped with functions such as keyboard, transpose, and chord
memory. *The image is OM-84 |
OM-100 OM-200MIn 1989, Two models released simultaneously
[Strumplate] | 4 octaves Tone/Guitar, Piano, Banjo, Jazz Organ, Flute, Organ, Chime, Brass, Vibe, Synth |
---|---|
[Chord] | 84 chords |
[Rhythm] | Rock 1, Rock 2, Disco, Blues, March, Country, Latin, Bossa Nova, Swing, Waltz |
[Body color] | OM-100 (beige) OM-200M (gray) |
[Remarks] | OM-200M includes additional functions such as keyboard, transpose, MIDI OUT,
and chord memory. *The image is OM-200M |
OM-150 OM-250MSimultaneous release of two models in 1993
[Strumplate] | 4 octaves Tone / Omnichord, Guitar, Harp, Banjo, Strings, Piano, Organ, Bossa Nova, Celeste, Marimba, Steel Drum |
---|---|
[Chord] | 84 chords |
[Rhythm] | Rock 1, Rock 2, Rock 3, March, Jazz, Country, Bluegrass, Samba, Waltz |
[Body color] | OM-150 (beige) OM-250M (gray) |
[Remarks] | OM-250M included additional functions such as keyboard, transpose, MIDI OUT,
and chord memory. *The image is OM-250M |
OM-300Released in 1996
[Strumplate] | 4 octaves Tones/Omnichord, Guitar, Harp, Banjo, Strings, Piano, Organ, Celeste, Marimba, Steel drum |
---|---|
[Chord] | 84 chords |
[Rhythm] | Rock 1, Rock 2, Rock 3, March, Jazz, Country, Bluegrass, Bossa Nova, Samba, Waltz |
[Body color] | beige |
Qchord QC-1Released in 1999 and advertised as the Digital Song Card Guitar
[Strumplate] | 4 octaves 100GM tone |
---|---|
[Chord] | 36 soft touch buttons, 84 chords |
[Rhythm] | Bossa Nova, Country, Dance, Jazz, New Age, March, Waltz, Ballad, Rock, Blues Shuffle |
[Remarks] | Song data can be played back with song and rhythm cartridges. |