OM27
The
OM27 was released in 1981 and became an international overnight
success as a truly portable electronic musical instrument. Released
in three colours, brown, ivory and red (allegedly), the Omnichord has 27 chords grouped
into three rows: major, minor and seventh. The ergonomics are much improved over the Tronichord/Portachord with the 27
tactile chord buttons located centrally.
The Sonic Strings are located just to the right and turned by 90 degrees. This made for a far more comfortable playing experience. The "Instant Off" touch pad is located at the top right hand side of the strumplate which silenced the Omnichord.
OMNIFACT:
A senior staff member at Suzuki confirmed
the mythological Red OM27 Omnichords were in fact real! But dont get
too excited...only a handful were made for advertising and
promotional purposes (1980 Tokyo Music Fair). We asked him to check in the broom cupboard
and under the stairs at Suzuki HQ in case one is hiding away.
The built in speaker is located on the right of the Strumplate whilst the new control panel is on the left of the chord buttons. Like the Tronichord, only one sound is provided for the Stumplate (Harp) however, a new adjustable sustain means the instrument can be played percussively or like a stringed instrument.
The 6 new styles (rhythms) with automatic bass and chords completely opened up the Omnichord and gave Suzuki the much required extra features the Tronichord lacked and a complete marketing program was put into place that has lasted to the present day.
The OM-27 was big news and to celebrate in the United Kingdom, Sir Ian Botham became the face of the initial launch. (See Omnimedia)
Losing its pluck
Although the metal touch sensitive plate could be played by hand,
the early version OM-27 (left) was also supplied with a special conductive Rubber
Plectrum. It became apparent those with dry hands struggled to
create a sound and a new touch responsive membrane strumplate design
was adopted which could be played more easily. As a result the
Plectrum was no longer required. One could retro fit the OM27 with
the newly designed plate (right) and these models can easily be recognized
by the lack of the 1" plastic moulding directly under the 'instant
off' touch plate. This new design has been retained through every
model since, including the QC1.
Specifications
| SonicStrings Strumplate | Harp Sound. 4 Octaves |
| Chord Buttons | 27 (Major, Minor, 7th) |
| Rhythms | Rock, Waltz, Slow Rock, Latin, Fox Trot, Swing |
| Controls | Master Volume, Harp Volume, Harp Sustain, Chord Volume Rhythm Tempo, Rhythm Volume, Tuning |
| Switch Buttons | Power switch (with Pilot Lamp), 6 Rhythm switches, Syncro Start/ Rhythm Start switch, Auto Bass/Manual Chord switch, Memory switch |
| Auxiliary Jacks | AC Adapter jack, Output jack |
| Speaker | Built in 9,2cm speaker |
| Body Colour | Brown, Ivory, Red |
| Power | 12V D.C. 1.5V battery x 8pcs (SIZE C, R-14) or use Suzuki Adapter (DC12V, 400mA) |
| Output | 2W |
| Net Weight | 1.4Kg |
| Dimensions | 520x280x50 |
Accessories
- OCA Mains Adapter.
- OCC1 Silver Padded vinyl gig bag with strap and Omnichord Logo. A zipped compartment on the outside for storage of small items (such as the Plectrum)
- OCC2 A very fine locking hard carry case finished in brown leatherette and gold Omnichord Logo with a plush lined interior and a storage compartment for accessories such as plectrum, adapter and batteries.
- OCS-7 Amplified Speaker
- OCM-3 Microphone
Gallery
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