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  OM36 & OM84

Omnichord Spoken HereFollowing the success of the OM27 two new Omnichords landed on Planet Earth in 1984, possibly delivered to 'Mork' in person by a Vulcan Princess named T''Pau? These new versions; System One (OM36) and System Two (OM84) were released simultaneously (err...that means together).

Like the OM27 with its 27 chords, the original Suzuki technical bulletin revealed the name of the OM36 and OM84 directly related to the amount of chord variations available to the Omnichordist. Three rows of newly designed rubber chord buttons provided 36 major, minor and seventh chords for the OM36 and 84 major, minor, seventh (M & m), augmented and diminished chords for the OM84. As it happened, the production release of the OM-36 increased the playable chord number to 84. The new chord button layout has remained with us on almost all proceeding models including the latest version (QC1)

  OM36 (System One).

This model was finished in Beige with matching chord buttons, and panel controls. In addition to the extra chord buttons, 10 new rhythm styles were included with auto accompaniment, alternatively the chords could be played in manual mode. Like the OM27, the OM36 had one strumplate voice with sustain.

  OM84 (System Two).

Suzuki OM84 in IvoryAvailable in Ivory or Grey with colour coded controls, strumplate and chord buttons, the OM84 was a giant step forward. In addition to all the features found on the OM36 the System Two includes twin strumplate voices with variable sustain. The two sounds could be mixed via a double rotary control giving many new possibilities for the SonicStrings. The Chord buttons had an interesting new feature; two colours were used to mimic the layout of 19 piano keys. (C-G). The biggest new addition was the on board Chord Computer allowing the user to record a sequence of chords which could be started and stopped via panel buttons or optional footswitch.

Both models packed a whopping 2 Watts which is surprisingly loud!

  Specifications

Suzuki Omnichord OM-84 

  OM-84  OM-36 
SonicStrings Strumplate  2x Harp Sound, 4 Octaves  Harp Sound, 4 Octaves  
Chord Buttons  84 chords (Major, Minor, 7th, Major 7th, Minor 7th, Aug., Dim.  <-
Keyboards  C-g (19 keys) 
Chord Transpose  Select x 12 
Rhythms  Rock 1, Rock 2, Blues, Tango, Latin, March, Swing, Disco, Country, Waltz <- 
Controls  Master volume, Coaxial volume for keyboards and chords, Sustain, Coaxial volume for Voice 1 and 2, Rhythm volume & tempo Master volume, Sustain,  Chord volume, Rhythm volume & tempo
Switch Buttons  Power switch (with pilot lamp), rhythm select & 5 rhythm switches, Auto-Bass Sync switch, Chord memory ON/OFF switch (with pilot lamp), Playback/Record switch, Repeat/Delete switch & Playback/Enter switch.  Power switch (with pilot lamp), rhythm select & 5 rhythm switches, Auto-Bass/Manual chord switch, Chord hold switch. 
Auxiliary Jacks  AC adapter jack, Output jack, Foot pedal jack AC adapter jack, Output jack 
Speaker  Built in 9.2cm speaker  <- 
Body Colour  Grey/Ivory  Beige 
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  520 x 280 x 48 mm  <- 
 

 

  Accessories

  • OCA Mains Adapter
  • OMC-2: Hard Shell Plastic case that was advertised as indestructible...they are still with us some 30 years later so maybe the claim was true!
  • OFS-2: Footswitch for starting and stopping the Chord Sequencer
  • OSH-84 Songbook (Omnichord Spoken Here)

  Gallery

Family Camping with Omnichord OM 84 with Musician Suzuki OM36 & OM84
     

  Media

..Next Models: OM-100 & OM-200M