At NAMM 2024, Suzuki officially introduced the Omnichord OM-108, a comeback of the classic strummable electronic instrument from 1981.
Usually, electronic instruments are associated with white/black keys, knobs, and sliders. There were also historical outliers like the Theremin or the Omnichord from Suzuki. An instrument that recently came into focus again when it became known that Damon Albarn (Gorillaz) used entire elements from it for the Clint Eastwood track.
And when Suzuki teased in 2023 that there would be a comeback in 2024, many people’s interest was aroused. At NAMM 2024, Suzuki showcased the new Omnichord OM-108 for the first time.
Suzuki Omnichord OM-108
The instrument with the “Gorillaz Clint Eastwood pattern” is returning. It’s official. It’s called Omnichord OM-108, bringing back the classic strummable electronic instrument from 1981 in a modern version.
Initially introduced in 1981, the Omnichord mixed the ideas of a guitar and a button accordion in a desktop instrument. Like the original, it offers an automatic accompaniment function (auto bass/chord) and a harp sensor.
The operation is dead simple. By pressing a chord button and sliding your finger on the harp sensor (strumplate), the unit generates an arpeggio corresponding to the chord.
According to Suzuki, they reproduced the classic OM-84 using analog circuits and ships with both retro and modern tones. They also updated the rhythm section with popular beats and added sus4 and add9 to generate 108 chords. Also onboard is a layer function that creates expression of sound, says Suzuki.
A new feature of the OM-108 is the MIDI output, allowing you to connect it to other MIDI gear. The OM-108 is battery-operated and has a built-in speaker. Alternatively, you can connect it to an external amplifier or headphones.
Click on the Sonicstate demo. For me, this is already the best demo of NAMM 2024. I have to laugh loud. Thank you, Yu!
First Impression
It’s nice that the Omnichord is returning. Certainly a big moment for fans. Maybe we will get a “Gorillaz” edition in the future, hehe.
Suzuki Omnichord OM-108 will be available in 2024 for around $800.
More information here: Suzuki
800 dollars is absolutely ridiculous, even the stupid second hand price don’t get near that price!
$800 is indeed absolutely ludicrous. There’s no justification in this price, whatsoever. I’d question the sanity of anyone who is prepared to shell out $800 for a damn omnichord… Fortunately I own an OM-27, which cost me pocket change by comparison. That’s all it’s worth, really.
Price is fine. You cheapskates. The fact you got accustomed to fleabay junk prices of dead peoples belongings is not an argument. MIDI improvements and instrumental expansion are worth it already. Youre getting a human sized song arranger, also fun instrument. Ive seen $650 “boutique” delay pedals, no one bats an eye, might shell out a bit more for a fully fleshed compositional companion, wouldnt you?
Omnichord is not a guitar that will be purchased by 10k people. It’s a super niche product so a super low price was not to be expected.
I paid 200 for my q-chord brand new in 2001.
Sorry, but 800 is exorbitant.
For 800 they… (admin removed)
I smell a Teenage Engineering smell.
Admin note: (If a device isn’t for you or you don’t want to afford it, that’s fine, check other devices or comment in friendly way. But you don’t have to be rude).
My local music store says $899. I used to own 2 older chords that didn’t have beats or any different sounds, then went to a 4-octave rhythm keyboard, but at 73, I no longer want to lug around a keyboard, so I am selling good jewelry so I can have this for the church functions.