Suzuki Musical Instrument Manufacturing Company (Suzuki Music for short) is relaunching its fan-beloved and pop culture-ingrained electronic product from the 80s, "Omnichord," with a new model and a revamped system to be released after just about three decades.
Omnichord's 'Imprint' in Today's Popular Music
Suzuki Music first launched the quirky electric instrument back in 1981. A synth that was playable through strumming, it had a unique charm that was destined for success. Just not in the following decade of its release, when its production ceased.
However, about 30 years later, the company announced its return during an exhibition at the Winter National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) show this year, which started on Jan. 25.
The product's revamping may have come late but its reputation has been ingrained in pop culture since its release, with its easily identifiable sounds utilized by a myriad of legendary musical acts, including Bjork, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and most notably, Damon Albarn for Gorillaz's "Clint Eastwood" track.
Albarn has even demonstrated in an interview with Apple Music that he directly incorporated the instrument's "Rock 1 Preset" as the song's iconic looping beat along with the transitionary drum fill. "Wholesale," exclaimed the interviewer.
Capabilities of the New 'Omnichord' Model, 'OM-104'
Suzuki Music's upcoming release has been dubbed "OM-108," which is made in reference to its 108-chord capability from just a press of one to three buttons. This easily accessible multi-chord ability includes major, minor augmented, diminished, sus4, and even add9 variants.
The strum plate, which is arguably the most important feature that gave the original release its identity, is also returning "wholesale" with a revamped sensitivity to accentuate the feeling of playing the chords. Not dissimilar to a harp, it is also capable of moving across four octaves.
The new OM-108 has also included 10 strum plate voicings, two of which were lifted directly from the original 1984 model.
These voicings include an electric piano, a guitar, and a harp, among others, alongside a combining capability that makes it possible to add a second backing tone or sub-voice.
Additionally, 10 rhythm patterns are incorporated into the new model, while also allowing for drum pads to be assigned to the strum plate and auto-off pad. Lastly, an auto bass accompaniment has also been added to the instrument.
