Details of the new Suzuki Omnichord OM-108

What is Omnichord?

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.

• You can play accompaniment straight away,
  
  even if you
  have never played a musical instrument before.

  

  Simply press a chord button and slide your finger on the strumplate. In this way, you can
  play accompaniment to almost any song on the very same day you first try the Omnichord!

  
  
  

• The sound of the classic OM-84 is
  
  reproduced with analogue circuits.

  

  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.

  
  
  

• Equipped with both retro and new tones.

  

  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).

  
  
  

• Layer function that creates expression of sound.

  

  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.

  
  
  

• Updated rhythm selection with popular drum beats.

  

  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

  
  
  

• Adding sus4 and add9
  
  allows OM-108 to play 108 chords
  

  

  The “sus4”’ and “add9” chords, often used in popular music, have been added. It is now
  possible to play a total of 108 chord types, hence the model number ‘OM-108’. The
  Omnichord has developed into an instrument that can be played more intuitively without
  having to substitute other chords.

  
  
  

• Sensitive strumplate that
  
  fully expresses light touch playing.
  

  

  Equipped with a wide type strumplate similar to models OM-100 onwards. Every corner of
  the plate responds sensitively to light touch, so you can concentrate on playing without
  stress.

  
  
  

• Possible to play a melody
  
  using the chord buttons.
  

  

  When you press the “KEYBOARD” button, the chord buttons can be played as a 20-key melody
  keyboard(octave shift up and down is possible)*, and you can also layer tones.

  *When the tone “omin1” is selected, the sound is monophonic, and when other selections
  are selected, the sound is polyphonic.

  
  
  

• Drum pad on both chord
  
  buttons and strumplate.
  

  

  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.

  
  
  

• Expand sound with MIDI OUT

  

  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.

  
  
  

• Can be switched to
  
  OM-84 drum kit.
  

  

  The OM-108 includes rhythm voicing from the OM-84, which is extremely popular for its
  early 1980s retro sound. You can switch the rhythm tones between OM-108 and OM-84 by
  using a special ‘power-on’ operation.

  
  
  

Topics

• 2024.01.25

  Announced at NAMM show

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Omnichord History

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