Suzuki OM-108 Omnichord

Released in 1981, the Suzuki Omnichord quickly became a groundbreaking electronic musical instrument, thanks to its ease of use and innovative design. The instrument featured an automatic accompaniment function that combined a bass and chord progression with a harp sensor. By simply pressing a chord button and sliding one's finger across the strumplate, users could produce an arpeggio that corresponded to the chosen chord.

Cult Status and Modern Revival

Its signature electronic tones became a staple in various musical genres and helped the Omnichord gain cult status worldwide. Musicians and producers alike appreciated its nostalgic yet futuristic sound. The Omnichord began appearing in recordings, on album covers, and even lent its name to song titles. Now, over 40 years since its original release, the Omnichord has been revived with the OM-108, retaining its charm while adding new features for modern musicians.

Enhanced Features of the OM-108

The Omnichord OM-108 brings several upgrades that expand the instrument's versatility. Among the standout features is "REAL-TIME CONTROL," allowing users to switch how they play chords and rhythms during performances. The new model also introduces the ability to monitor sound through the built-in speaker, offering greater control for live performances. The OM-108 also allows for keyboard-style play and integrates 10 classic strumplate tones, including the iconic "omni1" and "omni2," alongside new additions, such as electric piano and FM piano sounds. These tones have been carefully curated to appeal to both vintage enthusiasts and modern musicians.

A Rhythm Machine With Modern Beats

The OM-108 is equipped with 10 rhythm patterns that cater to a variety of musical styles, from classic rock to bossanova. For the first time, the Omnichord includes a trap beat, recognizing the popularity of modern hip-hop in contemporary music. Despite some rhythm names echoing previous models, many of the patterns have been updated to feel current and relevant to today's music scene. The ability to play up to 108 different chords by pressing combinations of one to three chord buttons, including more advanced chord variations like suspended fourths (sus4) and added ninths (add9), makes the OM-108 a comprehensive tool for modern musical exploration.