OM-36 Operation Manual

The all new OMNICHORD SYSTEM ONE by Suzuki makes it possible for you to sound like a pro, even if you've never played before. This electronic musicomputor provides you with the ultimate combination of musical instruments in a lightweight, portable and dynamic sounding package never before available.

Advanced microtechnology allows you to program all the background chords, rhythms, bass and drums to your favorite songs without knowing one note from another. The new Omnichord System One can even be strummed like a guitar to add depth and expression to your music with the amazing SonicStrings Strumplate.

Your pre-selected chord is electronically matched to the 4 octave strumplate so you can actually strum any song's correct chord progression - just like a guitar! All of Omnichord's functions can be used individually or in exciting combinations. There's no end to the music you can make!

This operation manual contains easy-to-follow, step-by-step explanations to all of your Omnichord System One functions. Read them carefully in order to fully utilize the potential of this exciting new instrument. In just a few minutes, you'll be playing guitar, organ, piano, bass and drums all at the same time - imagine the music!

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Omnichord System One is a unique musical instrument that allows anyone to make music instantly. This is accomplished by the use of a microprocessor which translates your commands into the language of music. All solid state components have been used in the electronic section of your Omnichord, which is protected by an unbreakable ABS plastic case. With a minimum of care, this product will provide years of dependable operation. Completely portable and always perfectly in tune, Omnichord goes anywhere the fun is. But no matter where you take Omnichord, always observe these important precautions:

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This section explains simple one finger chord play. By using only one finger, you can play major, minor or seventh chords in any key.

Begin by placing all the control buttons in the UP position. Now set up the Omnichord by following these steps:

1. Depress the POWER button to turn on the instrument. The red indicator light will glow.
2. Depress the CHORD HOLD button.
3. Depress the MANUAL CHORD/AUTO-BASS CHORD button.
4. Set the MASTER VOLUME at about 12 o'clock or as desired.
5. Set the CHORD VOLUME at about 3 o'clock or as desired.
6. Set the RHYTHM VOLUME all the way to the left or off.
7. Using your left hand, depress any of the 36 softouch chord buttons and your selected chord will play.
8. Omnichord is equipped with an INSTANT OFF control. If you wish to stop the chord sound, touch the INSTANT OFF area. This feature becomes necessary during a pause or at the end of a song. It will immediately shut off the chord sound without having to turn off the instrument. To reactivate the sound, simply push any chord button again.

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The chord section of the Omnichord System One is capable of playing more complex chord progressions, including Major 7th, Minor 7th, Augmented and Diminished chords. To play these chords, you will push two or three chord buttons simultaneously. The Omnichord controls are set up exactly the same as described on the previous page. Do not change the settings.

1. To play a Major 7th chord, select a key (Db, Ab, Eb, Bb, F, C, G, D, A, E, B or F#). Press the MAJOR and 7th chord buttons together (top and bottom rows). This will produce a Major 7th chord. For example, if your music calls for a Bb Major 7th chord, press the chord buttons shown in the illustration.
2. To play a Minor 7th chord, select a key. Press the MINOR and 7th chord buttons together (middle and bottom rows). This will produce a Minor 7th chord. The illustration shows F# Minor 7th.
3. To play an augmented chord, select a key. Press the MAJOR, MINOR and 7th chord buttons together (top, middle and bottom rows). This will produce an augmented chord. The illustration shows A augmented.
4. To play a diminished chord, select a key. Press the MAJOR and MINOR chord buttons together (top and middle rows). This will produce a diminished chord. The illustration shows G diminished.

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The Omnichord System One is equipped with a unique feature called a SonicStrings Strumplate. The SonicStrings are electronically charged and therefore respond instantly to the touch of your fingers. The SonicStrings let you actually strum four octaves of your pre-selected chord in perfect pitch without the use of any strings to tune or break! Now you can add depth and true musical expression to every song you play.

To play the Omnichord just like a guitar using the SonicStrings Strumplate, set all the controls as described in the Organ section. Now follow these simple steps:

1. Turn the CHORD VOLUME knob all the way to the left or off.
2. Set the SONICSTRINGS VOLUME to 3 o'clock or as desired.
3. Set the SONICSTRINGS SUSTAIN knob to about 3 o'clock or as desired.
4. Press any chord button with your left hand, then strum the SonicStrings Strumplate gently, starting from bottom to top with your right finger or thumb.
5. The SUSTAIN control will produce various degrees of lasting resonance or decay of the SonicStrings Strumplate. You can set this control as desired depending on the song you select. Try turning the SUSTAIN control all the way to the left or off. Push a chord button and strum the SonicStrings. A banjo-like sound is now in effect.

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The SonicStrings Strumplate is automatically set up to play the correct chord progression of your pre-selected chord. But just like a guitar, there are many different ways to strum your chord. There is no correct way because you determine what method of play sounds best for each individual song. Here are some interesting effects to try:

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To play the following demonstration song, set up the Omnichord by following these simple steps:

1. Depress the POWER button in the Master Control section.
2. Set the VOLUME in the Master Control section at 3 o'clock.
3. Set the SONICSTRINGS VOLUME at 12 o'clock.
4. Set the SONICSTRINGS SUSTAIN at 3 o'clock.
5. Set the CHORD VOLUME at 3 o'clock.
6. Depress the BLUE button and the MARCH button in the Rhythm section.
7. Place the AUTO BASS CHORD button in the UP position.
8. Depress the CHORD HOLD button.
9. Set the RHYTHM TEMPO knob at about 3 o'clock. Increase the speed as desired after you have played the song a few times.
10. Set the RHYTHM VOLUME knob at 12 o'clock.

Now you are ready to begin the song. The first chord is C. Push the C chord button in the major or top row. The chord symbol for a major chord is not printed as C MAJOR; it is printed just C. Any time you see a chord without any further designation after it, play a Major chord.

When you push the C chord button, all the background instruments will begin to play. Sing the words to the song as you change chords and strum the SonicStrings Strumplate every time a new chord symbol is written. Every time you press another chord button, the bass pattern and SonicStrings will automatically be programmed to play your selected chord. When the song is over, push the INSTANT OFF area to stop all the sound.

C    D7   G        G  Gm   C7       F   F
Climb ev'ry mountain, search high and low.
Fm   Fm   C        C  Dm   G7       C   C
Follow ev'ry byway, ev'ry path you know.
C    D7   G        G  Gm   C   F    F
Climb ev'ry mountain, ford ev'ry stream,
Fm   Fm   C        C  Dm   G7       C   C7
Follow ev'ry rainbow, 'til you find your dream!
F                 F  Dm        G7       C   C  Am  D7
A dream that will need all the love you can give.
G                 G  Em        A7       D   D  D7  D7
Ev'ry day of your life for as long as you live.
C    A7   D        D  Dm   G7   C       C
Climb ev'ry mountain, ford ev'ry stream.
Am   Am   Dm       Dm C    C    F   G7  C       Dm  C
Follow ev'ry rainbow 'til you find your dream!

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The accessories listed below were specially designed to enhance the enjoyment of your new Omnichord System One. The historical ordering information is reproduced from the original manual.

Power Adapters

OCD-12 D/C Adapter; OCA-1 A/C Adapter

Use these power adapters to prolong battery life or for extended periods of play. Model OCA-1 converts standard 110V home current to operate your Omnichord at home, and Model OCD-12 converts standard 12V car battery power to operate your Omnichord from the cigarette lighter in your car.

Modular Carrying Case

OMC-2

This carrying case is constructed of unbreakable plastic with enough storage for the A/C adapter and batteries. Fully padded, it is the perfect transport or storage case.

Vinyl Carrying Bag/Shoulder Strap

OVP-2

For the musician on the go, this padded carrying bag is the ideal way to transport your Omnichord.

Dual Input Power Amplifiers

OMA-10; OMA-20; OMM-2 microphone

Turn your Omnichord into the center of attention at concert time. Both Omnichord amps produce rich and full sound quality. Plug two Omnichords and a microphone into either of these powerful amps for dual playing and singing performances.

Headphones

SOP-20

Practice or play in silence with these quality stereo headphones. Plug into the Omnichord and all sound is transmitted through the headphones only.

Songbooks

JFK Just For Kids; EF Enduring Faith; OSH Omnichord Spoken Here

Just For Kids (96 pages) contains children's songs with chord notation, words and melody lines. Enduring Faith (96 pages) collects inspirational, religious and gospel songs arranged for Omnichord. Omnichord Spoken Here (200 pages) contains more than 150 hit songs with words, chord notation and melody lines for easy, intermediate and advanced players.

Concert Performance Stand

MPS-100

Holds your Omnichord at just the right height and angle for practice or performance. Includes a music rack.

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This product, except the exterior cosmetic parts, is warranted by the Suzuki Corporation to the original purchaser to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use, as follows:

1. For a period of 90 days from the date of purchase, the Suzuki Corporation will pay the labor charges to repair the defective product. After this 90 day period, you must pay all labor charges.
2. In addition, the Suzuki Corporation will supply, at no charge, new or rebuilt replacements for defective parts for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase.

In the event repairs are needed, the original purchaser will return the product to an Authorized Suzuki Retail Center with proof of purchase. The dealer will then repair the product or return it to the Suzuki distribution center in San Diego, California for repairs. Upon completion of the repair, the unit will be returned to the dealer freight pre-paid. This warranty will not apply to this product if it has been misused, abused or altered. This warranty is void if the product is opened. Without limiting the foregoing, bending, dropping of unit, or visible cracks and/or scratches are presumed to be defects resulting from misuse or abuse.

Neither this warranty nor any other warranty expressed or implied, including implied warranties of merchantability, shall extend beyond the warranty period. No responsibility is assumed for any incidental or consequential damages.

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Suzuki Musical Instrument Manufacturing Company, Ltd.

Hamamatsu, Japan

Printed in Japan

Copyright 1987 Suzuki Musical Instrument Corporation