Often regarded as an electronic version of an autoharp, the Omnichord features a strum plate that allows users to play 27 preset major, minor and seventh chords spanning four octaves in guitar fashion. Early models featured six drum patterns and a walking bass line. Features for transposing, a chord memory interface and a footswitch hookup are included, as are features imitating piano, guitar, drums, organ and bass.
The first Omnichord model, the OM-27, featured buttons for playing up to nine major and minor chords, including sevenths. The model produced 12 keys via the chord generator chip. The next model was the OM-36, also known as System One. Ten rhythms were included in the model, as well as major and minor seventh, augmented and diminished chords.
The OM-84, System Two, model debuted featuring two sounds, as well as chromatic functionality and the chord memory interface. Later models underwent body redesign, such as the Model 100. Model 150 was upgraded to expand to 10 strum plate effects. The last Omnichord model was the Model 200, which featured MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) functionality.
With the demise of the Omnichord came the introduction of the more technologically advanced Q Chord, which is still in manufacture today. The Q Chord features both MIDI and ROM (read-only memory), including a song cartridge feature. The strum plate, rhythm section and chord buttons remain.
Both the Omnichord and Q Chord are used for educational purposes in schools and churches, and continue to be played by amateur and professional musicians alike. The instrument was originally marketed as something of a high-tech toy and succeeded the Tronichord, also manufactured by Suzuki.