Omnichord

Suzuki Omnichord
Omnichord OM-150 front panel
ManufacturerSuzuki Musical Instrument Corporation
Dates1981–1996, 1999, 2024
Technical specifications
PolyphonyFull polyphony
Synthesis typeOM-27/36/84 – Analog, OM-100/150/300 – Sample-based
FilterNone
Aftertouch expressionNo
Input/output
KeyboardStrum plate, chord buttons
External controlOM-200M/250M/300 – MIDI out Qchord – MIDI in & out

The Omnichord is an electronic musical instrument introduced in 1981 by the Suzuki Musical Instrument Corporation. It allows users to play distinctive harp-like arpeggios produced through an electronic strum plate, simulating the experience of playing a stringed instrument. Originally conceived as an electronic autoharp, the Omnichord found popularity due to its portability, unique timbre, and kitsch value.

The various Omnichord models feature a touch plate that the user strums, organ-like chords, preset drum rhythms and auto-bass line functionality. A grid of buttons allow the user to select major, minor, and 7th chords to be triggered by the strum plate, chord buttons and bass-line accompaniment.

Production ceased with the OM-300 model in 1996. In later years, it underwent a resurgence in popularity due to renewed interest in vintage electronic instruments. A new model, the OM-108, was released in 2024.