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Description

The Suzuki QC-1 QChord is your gateway to musical exploration, offering a versatile and engaging experience for musicians of all levels. This digital marvel combines the simplicity of a guitar with the intricate melodies of a keyboard, effortlessly bridging the gap between novice and expert. With its intuitive interface, even those new to music can strum harmonious chords and explore melodies with ease. The QChord is equipped with over 100 MIDI voices and rhythms, ensuring a wide range of sounds to suit any style or mood.

Perfect for both solo practice and group performances, the QC-1's versatility extends beyond its built-in capabilities. The instrument supports expandable song cartridges, known as QCards, allowing you to continually refresh and expand your musical library. It’s designed for seamless growth, adapting to your skill level with multiple modes that offer increasing complexity as you progress.

Whether you're crafting a new composition or simply enjoying the therapeutic act of playing, the Suzuki QC-1 QChord promises a satisfying experience. Its compact design makes it easy to transport, so your musical journey can accompany you wherever you go. Embrace the joy of music with an instrument that grows with you, making every note a step in your evolving narrative.

Key Features:

  • Strums like a guitar, plays melody like a keyboard
  • Over 100 MIDI voices and rhythms onboard
  • Multiple skill levels for progressive learning
  • Expandable sound library with QCards
  • Portable and easy to use design

Product specs

Brand Suzuki
Model QC-1 QChord
Finish Red
Year 1999
Made In Japan
Categories Desktop Synths, Digital Synthesizers
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output
Polyphony 2 Voices

FAQs

How does the Suzuki QC-1 QChord differ from the original Omnichord?

The QC-1 QChord features modern enhancements over the original Omnichord, including PCM sampled sounds, additional rhythms, and both MIDI input and output ports, offering more versatility and connectivity options.

What power options are available for the Suzuki QC-1 QChord?

The QC-1 QChord can be powered using 8 "C" batteries or an AC adapter, providing flexibility for both portable and stationary use.

What types of sounds and rhythms does the Suzuki QC-1 QChord offer?

The QChord offers 109 General MIDI voices and a variety of rhythms such as rock, country, dance, and more. Optional rhythm style cartridges can expand these options further.

Can the Suzuki QC-1 QChord be used with external MIDI devices?

Yes, the QC-1 QChord has MIDI input and output ports, allowing it to be connected to external MIDI devices for enhanced performance and recording capabilities.

What are the key features of the Suzuki QC-1 QChord's sound effects?

The QC-1 QChord includes adjustable effects like reverb, chorus, vibrato, and a pitch bend wheel, enabling users to customize their sound with depth control for each effect.

dave145sanders

dave145sanders

QChord Demo Movie

Video thumbnail for QChord Demo Movie by dave145sanders

QChord Demo Movie

dave145sanders

dave145sanders

Video thumbnail for Introduction to the Suzuki Q Chord (Part 1) by Ian J Cole

Introduction to the Suzuki Q Chord (Part 1)

Ian J Cole

Ian J Cole

Video thumbnail for Omnichord Q-Chord Suzuki Improvisation by David Ramos

Omnichord Q-Chord Suzuki Improvisation

David Ramos

David Ramos

Video thumbnail for 3377 - Red Suzuki Q-Chord Digital Sound Guitar $199 by Liberty Bellows

3377 - Red Suzuki Q-Chord Digital Sound Guitar $199

Liberty Bellows

Liberty Bellows

Video thumbnail for Can a Suzuki QChord play shoegaze? by Daniel Kastner

Can a Suzuki QChord play shoegaze?

Daniel Kastner

Daniel Kastner

Video thumbnail for Suzuki Q-Chord - All Sounds by Zecchou

Suzuki Q-Chord - All Sounds

Zecchou

Zecchou

Video thumbnail for SUZUKI Q-CHORD QC1 DIGITAL SOUND GUITAR by RS GUITAR OFFICIAL

SUZUKI Q-CHORD QC1 DIGITAL SOUND GUITAR

RS GUITAR OFFICIAL

RS GUITAR OFFICIAL

Reviews

PROS

  • Accessible for all skill levels, no musical knowledge required

  • Versatile, with 100 sounds and expandable with cartridges

  • MIDI in/out for broader music production possibilities

  • Unique chord access simplifies complex music composition

  • High-quality sound comparable to major brands

  • Built-in speaker delivers clear, loud audio

  • Portable, can be played on a table or lap

  • Encourages creative exploration with a diverse range of tones

CONS

  • Appearance may be off-putting or comical to some

  • Limited direct access to the full range of voices without diving into settings

  • Not all 99 voices may be useful for everyone's needs

Critic Reviews

Q-Chord Review- A Classic Revisited - iDesignSound

idesignsound.com

The Suzuki QC-1 QChord is an intriguing instrument billed as a "digital song-card guitar," but it feels more like an electronic Autoharp. It's fun and simple, making it a good tool for beginners or for casual play. However, its potential as a MIDI controller is limited due to awkward ergonomics and a quirky selection of MIDI data. The sound quality is decent for a home instrument, and it offers some entertaining features, such as the Strumplate and various rhythm styles. In the end, while it promises a lot of fun for home use, its impractical design makes it less appealing for serious musicians seeking a versatile MIDI solution.

Suzuki QChord QC-1 | Vintage Synth Explorer

vintagesynth.com

The Suzuki QC-1 QChord shines as a user-friendly, versatile strumming instrument, perfect for both beginners and seasoned musicians. Its unique combination of a keyboard and electric guitar offers simplicity and portability, with intuitive controls like the strum plate and chord buttons that make music creation accessible. The QChord's ability to always stay in tune and provide soothing melodies makes it a delightful accompaniment tool. While it may resemble a toy, its sound quality and ease of use surpass typical budget instruments, making it an addictive choice for newcomers eager to learn. However, users with a deeper understanding of music theory and chord progressions can extract more value from this gadget. Despite its standalone charm, connecting to a speaker is advisable for those seeking greater volume. Overall, the QChord is a positive addition to any musician's collection, offering a fresh, engaging way to explore music.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
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1 star
elothesource

Crazy instrument

so much fun and creative openness I love this bad boy i may get the old school one also so may cool sound syou can make with it and it has MIDi

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Phoebe Bridgers uses Suzuki QC-1 QChord

Phoebe Bridgers

Singer, Guitarist

boygenius

...
Verified via YouTube

Featured in this June 21, 2020 video at 0:00.

See how The Residents uses Suzuki QC-1 QChord

The Residents

Guitarist, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

Mentioned in a May 2002 Keyboard magazine article by Hardy Fox.

The Icky Flix tour, in 2001, included Don Buchla's remarkable Marimba Lumina, a Suzuki Q-Chord, E4X, and a T.C. Electronic Voice Prism.

See how Eric Cannata uses Suzuki QC-1 QChord

Eric Cannata

Guitarist

Young the Giant

...
Verified via Photo

Featured in this May 6, 2014 Instagram post.

New toy. Suzuki Q chord. The omnichords older sister. With a pitch bender an all. Weee

See how Oh Land uses Suzuki QC-1 QChord

Oh Land

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

She's playing the QChord in this video

See how Samantha Crain uses Suzuki QC-1 QChord

Samantha Crain

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post from 2016 Crain showed her QChord synthesizer.

See how Ryan Miller uses Suzuki QC-1 QChord

Ryan Miller

Singer, Guitarist

Guster

...
Verified via Tumblr

"Last week I wanted to snap a photo of Ryan playing the Omnichord on a song (working title: Cars/Love) (Shut it! Working title are always lame). But I couldn’t find my camera. It’s an old keyboard that plays chords and beats and generally has an awesome harpsichord-like tone, and we’ve tried to use it on records before without much success. This time I think it’s going to stick.

In lieu of Ryan performing the Omnichord, I found a photo of some woman playing it online. And she’s hot, to boot."

-Brian Rosenworcel, bandmate

The Omnichord in the photo is a QC-1, leading one to infer that that is the instrument Miller used.

Album Usage

The Suzuki QC-1 QChord has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Suzuki QC-1 QChord, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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Avid Pro Tools DAW Software
1
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1
Opcode Studio Vision
Opcode Studio Vision Music Software
1
Roland D-50
Roland D-50 Synthesizers
1

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