Don't Be Frightened...It's The Friendly Omnichord

A vintage Omnichord in all its ultra beige glory.


At a James Taylor concert I attended about 20 years ago, there was a quiet moment between songs. He leaned over to a big case and pulled out a glimmering accordion that briefly blinded us in the bright lights and then you could have heard a pin drop. He grinned and very calmly said, "don't be frightened". Well, I have a new friend that evokes the same response in those who aren't familiar with its fun and beauty... the ultimate Kitsch factor instrument, the Omnichord. In spite of it's frightening autoharp demeanor it is beautiful to listen to if played by a master. It is, in fact, more popular than most people suspect and featured on some good music...you just didn't know that was what you were listening to.
This beauty was introduced in 1981 by the Suzuki Cooperation as sort of an electronic substitute for the autoharp. It is a player friendly combo of press cord buttons and a swipe touch plate (sometimes called the sonic stings) and comes with preset rhythms. The color was intended to be gray but an order mistake at the factory resulted in a very industrial tone which is referred to by Omniphiles as "ultra beige". The shape is supposed to mimic the wing of the Greek God, Hermes. Well, take to the wing, Omnichord...you are my new favorite thing.

Yim Yames of My Morning Jacket playing the Omni. Listen to the MMJ song, Touch Me I'm Going to Scream, Part 2, to hear the beautiful Omnichord in action. You will not laugh.

"Step away from the Omnichord" ...David Bowie

Jermaine Clement playing the Omnichord. By the way, it is reported that he owns the largest collection of Omnichords in the world.