Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $430

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Meet the Suzuki Omnichord OM-27, a distinct blend of tradition and innovation from the early 80s. This pocket-sized powerhouse, often likened to an autoharp, revolutionized electronic music with its portability and unique features. Its appealing aesthetics, available in brown, ivory, and red, are complemented by a layout of 27 chords categorized into major, minor, and seventh. The Omnichord's signature feature, the Strumplate, offers the ability to modulate synthesized tones, giving musicians a wide range of expressive capabilities. Despite its toy-like appearance, this instrument houses a highly simplistic, yet captivating drum machine, setting it apart as a synth with a character of its own.

Key Features:

  • Compact and portable design for on-the-go music creation
  • 27 chords divided into three categories: major, minor, and seventh
  • Strumplate for modulating synthesized tones
  • Simple drum machine presets for rhythmic accompaniment
  • Available in three eye-catching colors: brown, ivory, and red

Product specs

Brand Suzuki
Model OM-27 Omnichord
Finish Brown, Ivory, Red
Year 1981
Made In Japan
Categories Analog Synths, Desktop Synths
Analog / Digital Analog

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Suzuki Omnichord OM-27?

The Suzuki Omnichord OM-27 produces unique, electronic tones with its analog sound engine, characterized by its auto-bass/chord accompaniment and harp-like strumming capabilities.

Is the Suzuki Omnichord OM-27 easy for beginners to play?

Yes, the Omnichord OM-27 is beginner-friendly, featuring simple chord buttons and a touch-sensitive strum plate that make it accessible for musicians of all levels.

Does the Suzuki Omnichord OM-27 have MIDI capabilities?

No, the Suzuki Omnichord OM-27 does not have MIDI capabilities, as it was designed in 1981, prior to the widespread adoption of MIDI technology.

What is the primary function of the Suzuki Omnichord OM-27?

The primary function of the Suzuki Omnichord OM-27 is to serve as an electronic instrument that combines chord accompaniment with a strum plate, allowing for easy chord progression and melody creation.

Is the Suzuki Omnichord OM-27 suitable for live performances?

While it can be used for live performances, the Omnichord OM-27 is best suited for intimate settings due to its unique sound and limited volume output.

Patrick Hunter

Patrick Hunter

Suzuki Omnichord OM-27 [Demo]

Video thumbnail for Suzuki Omnichord OM-27 [Demo] by Patrick Hunter

Suzuki Omnichord OM-27 [Demo]

Patrick Hunter

Patrick Hunter

Video thumbnail for Suzuki Omnichord OM-27 with Boss RV-6 by Speak Seldom Sounds

Suzuki Omnichord OM-27 with Boss RV-6

Speak Seldom Sounds

Speak Seldom Sounds

Video thumbnail for Omnichord OM-27 Review (1981) by OmniCave

Omnichord OM-27 Review (1981)

OmniCave

OmniCave

Video thumbnail for Omnichord Session - 01 (OM-27) by Kali Ker

Omnichord Session - 01 (OM-27)

Kali Ker

Kali Ker

Video thumbnail for Most Dreamy Instrument I Own | Suzuki Omnichord OM-27 - Demo & Review by Tiger Arcade

Most Dreamy Instrument I Own | Suzuki Omnichord OM-27 - Demo & Review

Tiger Arcade

Tiger Arcade

Video thumbnail for Suzuki Omnichord OM-27 by Ronnie Flyvbjerg Olesen

Suzuki Omnichord OM-27

Ronnie Flyvbjerg Olesen

Ronnie Flyvbjerg Olesen

Reviews

PROS

  • Easy to create or learn songs with auto chord function

  • Can be connected to an amp for enhanced sound

  • Balances organic and non-organic sounds beautifully

  • Unique strumplate function mimics an auto-harp with smooth tone

  • Offers a range of tonal capabilities with reverb and EQ

  • Features a drum machine with analog drum sounds

  • Auto-bass follows rhythm for cohesive sound production

  • Notably shimmery and pleasant lo-fi strumplate sounds

CONS

  • Limited to 27 chords, less than later models

  • Early models require a rubber plectrum for optimal strumplate use

  • Some may find it challenging to find uses for its unique sound

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Suzuki Omnichord OM-27.

Features and functionality

  • The OM-27 is limited in versatility, feeling archaic compared to newer models. It cannot play more than one chord simultaneously, unlike some later models.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • $400 is considered too high for an OM-27 unless it's a rare red model. In the US, prices can drop to $300 or less with negotiation.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Virtual Omnichord apps exist for Android and Windows, offering a cost-effective way to explore the instrument's features before purchase.

    Source
  • GarageBand on Mac is a recommended DAW for recording Omnichord sessions; ensure your audio interface is Apple-compatible.

    Source
  • Focusrite interfaces like the Solo model are praised for compatibility, but ensure two combo inputs for flexibility.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners enjoy integrating the OM-27 with pedalboards, enhancing its sound despite its basic functionality.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • When using the 3.5mm output, a 3.5mm to dual 1/4" mono jack adapter is necessary for stereo interface connections.

    Source
  • A common workaround for the Focusrite Solo's single 1/4" input is using an XLR male to 1/4" female adapter, though this setup can be cumbersome.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Omnichord OM-27 typically uses a 1/4" mono guitar cable or a 3.5mm headphone jack for output.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Suzuki Omnichord OM27 Vintage Gear Review – Synthtopia

synthtopia.com

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 15 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tom Ogden uses Suzuki Omnichord OM-27

Tom Ogden

Singer, Composer

Blossoms

...
Verified via YouTube

At the 7:00 Tom Ogden says he used the Omnichord on Blossoms second album

See how Dntel uses Suzuki Omnichord OM-27

Dntel

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Postal Service

...
Verified via YouTube

In the bookshelf that he has in his studio, Dntel shows an Omnichord.

See how Amelia Murray uses Suzuki Omnichord OM-27

Amelia Murray

Singer, Guitarist

Fazerdaze

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo posted on Instagram on July 19, 2023, we can see an Omnichord made by Suzuki.

See how RAC uses Suzuki Omnichord OM-27

RAC

Music Producer

RAC

...
Verified via Facebook

RAC in this video show his gears for everybody: 2:39

See how David A. Stewart uses Suzuki Omnichord OM-27

David A. Stewart

Singer, Guitarist

Eurythmics

...
Verified via Photo

Taken from his book, Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This: A Life In Music, Dave Stewart discusses buying the Suzuki Omnichord and using it on the song, Love Is A Stranger.

See how Pomme uses Suzuki Omnichord OM-27

Pomme

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Pomme's album Les Failles was accompanied by the 'Dans ma tête' series of short YouTube videos providing some background on each track. In #6 she mentions her use of the Omnichord to record the song "Pourquoi la mort te fait peur".

Shown very briefly in the studio with her and Albin de la Simone (source picture is a screenshot taken at 00:52 in the video), it looks like an OM-27 model based on the graphics around the chord buttons. Her explanation in French translates as:

I absolutely wanted Omnichord on there. It's like an autoharp but electronic, and it has a toy sound. I imagined it like a rain of flowers on the chorus. It's very corny but it works well.

See how Stephin Merritt uses Suzuki Omnichord OM-27

Stephin Merritt

Singer, Guitarist

The Magnetic Fields

...
Verified via Discogs

Stephin is credited using this equipment in the liner notes for 69 Love Songs.

See how Glenn McClelland uses Suzuki Omnichord OM-27

Glenn McClelland

Keyboardist

Ween

...
Verified via YouTube

At the 10:58 mark of the video titled "Ween 2003-07-25 Pittsburgh PA Club Laga" on YouTube, Glenn McClelland can be seen using a Suzuki Omnichord OM-27, which is positioned next to his keyboards. This video was filmed by Carl Sylvester and edited by Brain Dowling.

See how sleep party people uses Suzuki Omnichord OM-27

sleep party people

...
Verified via DrownedInSound

"One of the most interesting instruments ever is the Omnichord. I love using its harp sound while adding reverb and delay"

See how Oh Land uses Suzuki Omnichord OM-27

Oh Land

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

Band mate playing the Omnichord on her left

See how Jane Weaver uses Suzuki Omnichord OM-27

Jane Weaver

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Yorkshireeveningpost

I attended this solo Jane Weaver gig on October 30th 2018 at Leeds City Varieties. I noticed that she had a Suzuki Omnichord on stage with her. It seems to be an old model, albeit in black.

See how Anonymous Animal uses Suzuki Omnichord OM-27

Anonymous Animal

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Barney from Anonymous Animal reviews the Omnichord in this video.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Suzuki Omnichord OM-27, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Roland TR-505
Roland TR-505 Drum Machines
2
Roland Juno-60
Roland Juno-60 Synthesizers
2
Yamaha DX7
Yamaha DX7 Synthesizers
2
Roland S-50
Roland S-50 Synthesizers
1
Roland Juno-106
Roland Juno-106 Synthesizers
1
API 512c
API 512c Preamps & Channel Strips
1
Kurzweil K2000
Kurzweil K2000 Synthesizers
1
Yamaha Reface CS
Yamaha Reface CS Synthesizers
1
Aston Origin Microphone
Aston Origin Microphone Condenser Microphones
1

More Suzuki Synthesizers

Sequential Prophet-6

$3,283.92 - $3,499.99

# 1

Rank

Kevin Parker Thom Yorke Mike Shinoda
168 artists using
Moog Grandmother

$999.00 - $1,084.00

# 4

Rank

Deadmau5 Dominic Fike Martin Garrix
52 artists using
Korg Minilogue

$411.00 - $699.99

# 12

Rank

Aphex Twin King Krule Misha Mansoor
133 artists using
Moog Subsequent 37

$1,470.85 - $1,899.00

# 14

Rank

Neil Halstead Skrillex Charlie Puth
68 artists using
Arturia MicroBrute

$299.29 - $652.00

# 15

Rank

John Dwyer Adrian Utley Jordan Rudess
64 artists using
Korg MicroKORG

$379.00 - $530.00

# 16

Rank

Kevin Parker Joe Duplantier Frank Iero
324 artists using
Korg MS-20 Mini

$493.48 - $899.99

# 19

Rank

Kevin Parker Mike Shinoda Deadmau5
93 artists using
Yamaha Reface DX

$279.00 - $449.99

# 20

Rank

Mac DeMarco Aphex Twin Taylor Swift
34 artists using
Roland AIRA SYSTEM-1

$289.66 - $1,763.18

# 21

Rank

Porter Robinson Nick Reinhart The Prodigy
53 artists using
Yamaha Reface CS

$57.95 - $495.44

# 22

Rank

Mac DeMarco Fred again.. Justin Vernon
48 artists using
Moog Matriarch

$1,709.10 - $1,899.00

# 24

Rank

Thom Yorke Fred again.. Kurt Vile
39 artists using
Roland AIRA TB-3

$309.99 - $915.00

# 27

Rank

David Guetta Jean Michel Jarre Richie Hawtin
52 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    jeromy
    jeromy

    Gear IQ 238