The short version
If you want a new, supported instrument, start with the Suzuki Omnichord OM-108. If you want vintage character, the OM-27, OM-84, OM-300 and Qchord are all wonderful in different ways, but they are now old electronic instruments and some parts are scarce or unavailable.
This guide is based on the Omnichord Heaven archive and repair bench. It is not meant to put you off buying a vintage Omnichord; it is meant to help you buy the right one with your eyes open. Every model has something to love, and the best choice is often the one whose strengths match the way you want to play.
OM-108
Best if you want a new Suzuki Omnichord with 108 chords, superb MIDI functionality, dual voices, official accessories and fewer vintage repair worries.
OM-108 shop pageOM-27 and OM-84
The OM-27 is the recognisable original, while the OM-84 is, for many players, the classic expanded Omnichord. Buy carefully, but do not overlook their charm.
Compare modelsOmnichord Online
If you are not sure whether the chord-and-strum idea is for you, try the online instruments before buying hardware.
Play onlineAt a glance
| Model | Best for | Check before buying | Be cautious if... |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC-27 Tronichord | Collectors and early Omnichord history. | Overall operation, battery area, speaker, power input and basic controls. | You want a main performance instrument. Parts are extremely limited beyond general components. |
| OM-27 | The original recognisable Omnichord: simple, snappy, warm through an amp and usually the easiest vintage model to find. | Strumplate type, power socket, chord buttons, battery leakage, correct power supply and printed panel condition. | It has a weak strumplate, wrong adapter history, damaged DC socket or evidence of harsh cleaning. |
| OM-84 | The classic expanded Omnichord: dual strumplate voices, 84 chords, chord computer and keyboard mode. | Dry solder joint symptoms, all pots, all chord buttons, strumplate response and power socket. | The strumplate is dead or the dual voice / chord pots do not work. |
| OM-100 / OM-200M | Improved ergonomics, extra voices and unmistakable vibrato; OM-200M adds MIDI OUT. | Which technology platform it uses, strumplate, chord buttons, noise level and MIDI on the OM-200M. | You are buying for parts. The two platforms are not fully interchangeable. |
| OM-150 / OM-250M and OM-300 | Cleanest-sounding classic OM series instruments; OM-250M and OM-300 are good MIDI choices. | Strumplate response, chord buttons, battery compartment, MIDI OUT on MIDI models and general panel operation. | The strumplate is damaged. Replacement strumplates and chord buttons are no longer available. |
| QC-1 Qchord | Warm chord pads, rich strings, QCard features, MIDI IN / OUT and a voice quality unique to the Qchord. | Chord buttons, strumplate notes, panel buttons, DC socket and battery leakage. | It needs board-level repair. Qchords can be difficult to repair without exchanging boards. |
| OM-108 | New Suzuki Omnichord, 108 chords, dual voices, strong MIDI, warranty route and current support. | Stock, accessory bundle, correct adapter and whether the modern feature set suits your needs. | You specifically want the exact quirks, limitations and sound behaviour of a particular vintage model. |
Model-by-model pros and cautions
PC-27 Tronichord / Portachord
The PC-27 is extremely rare and should be approached mainly as a collector's item. It is historically important, but it is generally not the best investment if your main goal is a practical performance instrument. Its musical features are limited compared with later Omnichords, and parts are not available other than general electronic components.
OM-27
The OM-27 is the original and probably the most easily obtainable classic Omnichord. It is very simple to use, with a single recognisable strumplate voice, but that simplicity is part of its charm. Recorded or played through an amplifier, it has a warm, deep bass tone. There are only six rhythms, but pressing two rhythm buttons together creates a pleasing little mash-up. The tact switch chord buttons also make the instrument feel very snappy to play. It was available in brown, ivory and, if you are extremely lucky, very rare red.
The OM-27 is one of the most desirable early models, but it also needs the greatest care. Early strumplates can be difficult to play with dry hands and often require the conductive plectrum. A small brown plastic strip to the right of the strumplate indicates the early capacitive touch version.
Chord button switches are soldered into the instrument. Omnichord Heaven has managed to source some original switches, but they should still be treated as specialist parts. DC sockets are prone to damage, and a weak or poorly functioning strumplate often means the instrument needs new capacitors.
Important: using the wrong power supply with an OM-27 can cause irreparable damage, because hard-to-find ICs may be destroyed. Do not use alcohol-based cleaning products on an OM-27, as they can remove the print from the panel.
OM-84
For many players, the OM-84 represents everything required in an Omnichord. The dual strumplate voice keeps playing interesting, and the expanded chord palette means many more songs are within reach. The chord computer makes performances much easier, and when it is used with keyboard mode it can be great fun for retro, game-style music.
It is a brilliant model, but Omnichord Heaven has repaired at least 200 of them and the common theme is dry solder joints. Buying a faulty OM-84 usually means soldering work will be needed.
Dual voice and chord pots are no longer available. Omnichord Heaven can modify some faults, but it is generally wise to avoid an OM-84 with a dead strumplate or non-working pots. The chord buttons use conductive pads and, due to age, cleaning is often no longer enough when they are worn. Omnichord Heaven is looking into possible replacement solutions.
As with the OM-27, the DC socket is prone to damage. A faulty but still partly working strumplate often means the instrument needs a full capacitor service.
OM-100 and OM-200M
With additional voices and the wonderfully out-of-this-world vibrato, the OM-100 and OM-200M are among the most recognisable sounding Omnichords in the series. The OM-200M adds MIDI OUT, making it especially interesting for external sound modules or sequencing. One thing to know is that this series lacks a true original-style "Omnichord" preset sound, and the OM-100 case is prone to yellowing with age.
The OM-100 and OM-200M are generally reliable, but there are two technology platforms and parts are not interchangeable, so take care when buying one for repair or as a parts donor. Early examples can be somewhat noisy, even when running on batteries.
Chord buttons and strumplates are no longer available for this series, so avoid examples with faulty strumplates unless you are buying them with full knowledge of the repair risk.
OM-150, OM-250M and OM-300
The OM-150, OM-250M and OM-300 are closely related and are the cleanest sounding instruments in the classic OM series. The OM-300 adds an original Omnichord mode, complete with chord drone and Omnichord voice. Drum fill-in is a fun performance feature on the models that include a chord computer, and the OM-250M and OM-300 are especially attractive if you want MIDI OUT from a vintage Omnichord.
These are very well-made instruments and generally do not suffer from major common faults.
The main caution is parts availability. Chord buttons and strumplates are no longer available, and the strumplate on this series can be damaged. Test the full playing area before buying.
Qchord QC-1
The Qchord has incredibly warm pad strings for the chord palette and beautiful, rich strings on the strumplate. For many years it was viewed as the Omnichord underdog, but it is finding a second life among younger players looking for the particular playability and voice quality only found on this model.
The Qchord is powerful and much loved, but it can be difficult to repair without exchanging boards. Omnichord Heaven has all parts in stock at the time of writing, but some are limited.
Watch out for poorly working chord buttons, missing notes on the strumplate, non-functioning panel buttons and DC socket damage. As with all previous models, check carefully for battery leakage. Battery corrosion can write off any model in the series.
OM-108
The OM-108 takes many of the most loved features from earlier models and combines them into a new instrument that is simple to use and built to keep being played for years to come. It has superb MIDI functionality and a beautiful range of dual voices, including analogue and modern voicing. If you want an Omnichord you can buy new, use immediately and support with current accessories, the OM-108 is the natural starting point.
Questions to ask before buying
- Does the instrument work from the correct power supply and from batteries, if applicable?
- Is there any battery leakage, green corrosion, rust or staining in the battery compartment?
- Does every chord button respond reliably without needing heavy pressure?
- Does the strumplate play across the full length, with no missing areas or dead notes?
- Do all knobs and sliders work without cutting out, crackling badly or failing completely?
- Is the DC socket loose, intermittent or visibly damaged?
- Has the instrument ever been used with a non-original or unknown power supply?
- For MIDI models, has MIDI OUT been tested with an external device?
- For Qchord, do the panel buttons, QCard controls and strumplate notes all work correctly?
Repair bench rule: a cheap non-working Omnichord is not always a bargain. If the fault involves unavailable parts, the repair may be difficult or impossible even when the instrument looks tidy.
Still unsure?
If you are choosing between models, use the Omnichord model comparison first. If you are looking at a specific faulty instrument, read the repairs page or contact Omnichord Heaven before you commit.