Japan’s ‘Omnichord’ electronic instrument to see 1st new model since 1996

HAMAMATSU, Shizuoka — A musical instrument company based in this central Japan city is bringing back a fan favorite from the 80s and 90s this July.

Suzuki Musical Instrument Mfg. Co.’s Omnichord is an electronic instrument that produces sounds as users drag fingers on a touch-sensitive panel while holding down chord selection buttons. Originally released in 1981 as an electronic version of the autoharp, the instrument proved popular in the U.S. and Europe due in part to its portability and the fact that users can jam just by knowing which chords they want to play without any experience on a musical instrument. Its unique electronic sounds have been backed even by professional musicians.

Fans have called for the instrument’s return since the release of its last model in 1996. The latest model features 10 sounds, including guitar, piano and harp. It has 38 individual chord buttons, enabling a total of 108 chord combinations. The suggested retail price is 77,800 yen (approx. $525).

(Japanese original by Hideyuki Yamada, Hamamatsu Bureau)