The Japanese company Suzuki will release a limited re-release of the Suzuki Omnichord synthesizer. The company made this decision against the backdrop of growing popularity of the tool in recent months.
The first version of the Suzuki Omnichord synthesizer was released by Suzuki Musical Instrument Manufacturing in 1980. The original design idea was to create an electronic instrument that could be played while sitting or standing.
The Omnichord featured a “Sonic Strings” touchpad. Swiping across the panel starts playing chords determined by the buttons held down. The instrument was also equipped with a set of presets, built-in rhythm patterns and a bass line generator.
The synthesizer was actively used in the music industry. For example, at different times Brian Eno, David Bowie, Eurythmics and other groups talked about using Omnichord. The current rise in popularity stems from Damon Albarn’s recent interview with Apple Music, in which he showed off the synthesizer and explained how he used it to write the main keyboard part for the Gorillaz track “Clint Eastwood.”
Omnichord was discontinued in 1999. Over the following years, there were rumors about a possible re-release of the tool, but Suzuki did not comment on this information. The current reissue of the synthesizer will be timed to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the musical direction of the Japanese company.
In March 2023, the Japanese manufacturer promised to start selling the tool in the fall, but then postponed the start of sales to the beginning of 2024. The reason for the delay was not specified. It is expected that the exact launch date and price of the synthesizer will be announced during the NAMM 2024 exhibition, which will be held from January 25 to 28, 2024 in Anaheim.
According to Suzuki , the new edition of the tool will be called Suzuki Omnichord OM-108. It is not specified which modification of the synthesizer – the original OM-27 or the updated OM-300 – will be taken as the basis for the reissue.
