The Official Omnichord Heaven F.A.Q.

Are Omnichords still being made?

Short answer: yes. Suzuki revived the Omnichord name with the OM-108.

Classic Omnichords such as the OM-27, OM-84, OM-300 and Qchord models are vintage instruments, but the Suzuki Omnichord OM-108 is the current modern model. It keeps the familiar chord buttons and strumplate layout while adding more chords, original and updated voices, rhythms, controls and excellent MIDI output.

Can you still buy an Omnichord?

Short answer: yes, either as a new OM-108 or as a used vintage instrument.

You can purchase a brand new Suzuki Omnichord OM-108 right here in Omnichord Heaven. Occasionally we supply classic models on the website, plus Qchord accessories, adapters and useful parts. Older models also appear through the used market, but condition matters: always check the strumplate, speaker, power socket, battery compartment and any signs of corrosion.

Start with the Omnichord Heaven shop hub for current stock and buying guidance.

Why is an Omnichord so expensive?

Short answer: scarcity, demand and condition have pushed prices up.

Vintage Omnichords were made in limited numbers compared with mainstream keyboards, and many surviving examples now need specialist repair. Their second life in songwriting, online videos and artist collections also raised demand as younger people discovered the immense satisfaction of making music simply, singing and composing. A fully working instrument with a responsive strumplate is simply harder to find than it used to be.

Be careful: if an online marketplace listing seems unusually cheap, assume it may need work and budget accordingly. We repair all models of Omnichord if you do need help.

Is there a cheaper version of an Omnichord?

Short answer: for trying the idea, yes; for original hardware, be careful.

The quickest free route is OH-27 Lite, our browser-based Omnichord-style demo for phone, tablet and desktop computer. The fuller OH-27 Android app is also a lower-cost way to explore the chord-and-strum concept and includes MIDI, customisations and a chord sequencer. Used Qchords or older Omnichords offer different and unique features and can sometimes cost less than the OM-108, but condition and repair needs can change the real price very quickly.

Is there a modern Omnichord?

Short answer: yes, the Suzuki OM-108.

The OM-108 is the modern Omnichord. It brings back the classic layout in a new instrument with original analogue and modern updated sounds, 108 chord options, a fresh strumplate area, improved battery operation and MIDI output. You can read the Omnichord Heaven OM-108 review for a more detailed hands-on look.

Is the Omnichord 108 worth it?

Short answer: if you want a new, supported Omnichord, the OM-108 is the sensible choice.

The OM-108 is designed to include the most loved features from past models and incorporates real analogue circuitry for vintage Omnichord sounds, plus modern digital electronics for newer sounds. It is for players who already own a vintage Omnichord and for those who want a new instrument with current support, official accessories, cleaner reliability, expanded features and modern connections. If you specifically want the exact quirks of an OM-27 or OM-84, these are wonderful instruments to own, but some are over 40 years of age, parts are scarce and they do require maintenance. We can help though.

What is an Omnichord?

Short answer: an Omnichord is often compared to an autoharp. It is an instrument that emulates electronic strings and chords. Omnichords are made by Suzuki and have been in almost constant production since 1981.

One hand selects chords, while the other brushes a touch-sensitive strumplate. Early models called this area SonicStrings. The instrument then plays notes that fit the chord you selected. Many models also include rhythm accompaniment, bass and chord backing.

For the friendliest first explanation, visit What is an Omnichord?

Is the Omnichord easy to play?

Short answer: yes, that is one of its great strengths.

You do not need traditional keyboard or guitar technique to make pleasing sounds. If you can choose a chord and brush the strumplate, you can begin. That makes the Omnichord useful for beginners, songwriters, singers, schools, music therapy and experienced musicians looking for a different texture.

What is a strumplate?

Short answer: it is the touch-sensitive playing surface used like electronic strings.

On most Omnichords, the strumplate is brushed, tapped or stroked to play notes that match the selected chord. Suzuki also called this area SonicStrings on earlier models.

The owners guides include original playing advice, including the SonicStrings guide.

Do you need to read music to play an Omnichord?

Short answer: no.

If you can follow chord names such as C, F, G, Am or D7, you can begin experimenting. Many people use Omnichords because they sit somewhere between an instrument, a songwriting tool and a friendly musical sketchpad. If you would like to play and sing a song, but do not know which chords to use, visit one of the many online guitar-chord websites. Then simply follow the chords and strum.

Is an Omnichord like an autoharp?

Short answer: yes, in spirit.

An autoharp lets you choose chords and strum strings. The Omnichord turns that broad idea into an electronic instrument with buttons, sounds, rhythm accompaniment and a touch-sensitive strumplate. It is why people often call it an electronic autoharp, even though its character is very much its own.

What artists use the Omnichord?

Short answer: a wonderfully mixed group of songwriters, performers and experimental musicians.

Omnichord Heaven keeps an Omnichordists artist archive with some of our friends. However, you will hear the Omnichord in many recordings. Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois, David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, Rebecca Sugar, Gorillaz, Natasha Khan of Bat for Lashes and many more wonderful artists have used an Omnichord. The instrument has a habit of appearing wherever musicians want something warm, strange, immediate and slightly otherworldly.

What is the difference between an Omnichord and a Qchord?

Short answer: Qchord is an Omnichord. The name was designed to broaden appeal, primarily in the USA and then the UK.

The idea of the Qchord QC-1 was to expand the concept with a more modern digital design, cartridge support and a different personality. It is still very much part of the same family, but it feels and sounds distinct from the earlier OM models. The Qchord QC-1 Omnipedia page explains the model in more detail.

Which Omnichord model do I have?

Short answer: check the commission plate on the underside. If it is missing, compare the button layout, model number and case shape.

Most models have their model number printed on the front panel or rear label. The Omnipedia model guide is the best place to identify a Suzuki PC-27, OM-27, OM-36, OM-84, OM-100, OM-200M, OM-150, OM-250M, OM-300, OM-108 or Qchord QC-1.

What is the best Omnichord for beginners?

Short answer: the easiest choice is usually the model that works reliably.

A vintage OM-27 or OM-84 can be charming, and each model brings something unique. Here at Omnichord Heaven we love every model. However, when starting to play, a fault-free example matters more than the model name. In addition, early versions of the OM-27 can be difficult to strum as they need a special conductive plectrum. The OM-108 is the practical new option, while OH-27 Lite is a free way to understand the layout before buying anything.

Why did Suzuki bring back the Omnichord?

Short answer: the instrument never really stopped being loved.

For their 70th anniversary, Suzuki wanted to release a handful of their most popular instruments as a limited-edition production run. Following Omnichord Heaven's successful online event Omni-Fest 20, coupled with renewed interest and social media activity by younger players, the Omnichord was selected. Initially the intention was to release a small number of reprinted OM-27s. However, after an extremely enthusiastic and positive product meeting between Suzuki R&D and our tech guru, Darren Brown, Suzuki embarked on a two-year R&D mission led by Yu Horiuchi to produce an Omnichord unlike any other: a blend of old and new. During those two years, many features were thought up literally day to day. We think Suzuki did a truly amazing job.

Where can I download Omnichord manuals?

Short answer: from the Omnichord Heaven owners guides page.

The Owners Guides page includes free manuals for multiple Omnichord and Qchord models. It also includes Jackie McBride's Qchord manual for visually impaired players, available in HTML, Word, RTF and Braille-ready BRF formats.

Can old Omnichords be repaired?

Short answer: many can, depending on the fault and parts availability.

Common issues include power problems, battery corrosion, tired switches, output faults, rhythm faults and strumplate problems. The repairs section explains how Omnichord Heaven approaches service work, and the schematics page gathers useful technical references.

What power supply does an Omnichord need?

Short answer: use the correct adapter for your exact model.

Do not guess. The wrong power supply can cause major damage to earlier models, cause noise or create poor operation. Here at Omnichord Heaven, the most common repairs undertaken are due to accidental use of the wrong power supply. We supply suitable adapters where possible, and the parts page is the safest starting point if you are unsure.

Can I use batteries in an Omnichord?

Short answer: yes, all Omnichord models have a battery compartment.

The OM-108 and PC-27 take AA batteries or Ni-MH rechargeables. Other models use C cells. Only use alkaline batteries and always remove them after use. Battery compartments are a common source of trouble on vintage instruments, especially where old batteries have leaked. If you see corrosion, avoid powering the instrument until it has been checked.

Are the Omnichord Heaven archive downloads free?

Short answer: yes, the manuals and archive references are free to download and share.

Omnichord Heaven asks only that people point others back to this website so the archive remains attached to its source, context and updates.

Is Omnicord free to use?

Short answer: if you mean Omnichord Heaven's online resources, many are free.

"Omnicord" is a common misspelling of Omnichord. The physical Suzuki Omnichord is a real hardware instrument and is not free, but Omnichord Heaven offers free manuals, archive material and the browser-based OH-27 Lite demo so you can try the basic chord-and-strum idea online.

Is there an online Omnichord?

Short answer: yes, OH-27 Lite runs in a web browser.

OH-27 Lite is not a replacement for owning a real Omnichord, but it gives new players a quick way to understand and enjoy chord buttons and strumming. It is linked from the Omnichord Online page.

Is Omnichord Heaven official?

Short answer: Omnichord Heaven is the officially endorsed Suzuki Omnichord and Qchord resource library.

The site combines the long-running archive, model history, manuals, repair notes, shop pages and newer online projects in one place. It moved from its long-standing Suzuki Music web home to its own domain at www.omnichord-heaven.com.

Why use this FAQ instead of a copied answer page?

Short answer: because this page links back to the archive, manuals and repair notes behind the answers.

Omnichord information has been copied, shortened and rearranged across the web. This FAQ is designed to keep the answers attached to the original Omnichord Heaven material, where they can be corrected, expanded and backed up with real resources.