Omnichord OM-108 Review: More than meets the eye!
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I’m someone who naturally steers away from the wide areas of the normal curve. I get bored quickly in common places. That’s why I create a very particular style of music (electronic music inspired by Japan) using electronic instruments that most people might consider obsolete.
That’s why, when I learned about the existence of the Omnichord, my heart lit up. How had I not discovered it before? What strange cloud had hidden it from me all these years?
Fortunately, the YouTube algorithm introduced me to this video:
And then I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Finally, on a Friday night in September, I decided to go for it and order it: the Omnichord OM-108, a modernized re-version of the Omnichord OM-84, launched in 2024 in celebration of Suzuki’s 70th anniversary.
After waiting almost a month for it to arrive at my house, I finally received it on a rainy Monday. I had to drive across half the city with my little girl in the truck to pick it up—there was no way I could wait another day! And there it was in my hands, no less than one of the first production units! Its serial number is 331!

On that first day, I practically couldn’t put it down. Twenty-four hours later, I was already sharing my first impressions in some user groups:
First 24 Hours with the Omnichord OM-108
- I had read some critiques about its price, calling it an “overpriced toy.” This is clearly not a toy. The craftsmanship and material quality are truly remarkable. The design, weight, and feel all harmonize to make the experience of playing this instrument beautiful.
- I make electronic and ambient music (thekyotoconnection.com). I’ve seen many Omnichord videos with tons of effects to “enhance its sound,” but I honestly feel it doesn’t need any. The instrument’s sound holds up on its own, and I plan to make a video to demonstrate that.
- MIDI IN? No, thanks. I love the idea of having to play everything myself, even controlling the volume and sound inputs and outputs. While it’s an electronic instrument, playing it feels very human.
- My daughter just turned two, and she won’t let go of it. She likes it much more than her other musical toys (which really are toys). This excites me because I imagine this instrument could be her great introduction to music!
- I had never played an Omnichord before, and I can understand why many consider it a niche oddity. But when I play it, I feel a special connection. Something tells me we’ll be together for a long time…
But as the days passed, my connection with the instrument deepened.
Here’s a very special device, with a very special tone, which at first glance seems quite simple—some might say “limited”—but with a bit of effort, it’s capable of evoking many musical emotions.

Although it’s mostly a digital instrument, there’s something about the resonance of the entire setup that makes it feel very analog when it plays. This is due to its analog circuitry for the main “Omni” sounds and the high-quality speaker with excellent power and a beautiful tone.

The Omnichord OM-108 has only 10 different sounds and 10 rhythms. But by playing around with the Sustain and Sub controls (a “support sound” assigned to each main sound), you can achieve some truly unique sound textures…

And then there’s the strum plate, which is quite a unique musical experience.

For those of us used to the effort of forming chords on the guitar or piano, having the option to play by sliding our fingers across different scales and octaves opens up a whole world of possibilities for musical exploration. I really love playing this instrument.
Now here’s how I see it as a super tool in my creative process: I’m a self-taught musician, and my knowledge of harmonies is quite limited. That’s why experimenting with the combinations of buttons (chords) helps me discover new musical paths that are already enriching my compositions.
As a fun note, it’s a very unique instrument, rarely seen. It’s incredibly portable (the case, sold separately, is practical and compact, and the batteries last… well, I don’t know how long because they haven’t run out yet!). Yesterday, I took it to a gathering with friends in a mall lounge, and everyone was amazed when they saw it. I played it for a few seconds, and before I knew it, I was surrounded by people filming me with their phones!
I noticed that there aren’t many photos of the OM-108, so I decided to take some that really express the quality and attention to detail that went into designing this instrument.



Some might say that It’s expensive, hard to get (especially in countries like mine), and it might have certain limitations that can be annoying in some situations, but for me, the positives far outweigh the negatives. I’m already using it in the production of my new ambient music album (Cuatro Estaciones en Kioto), and I feel it adds a unique texture to the soundscape of the record.
Finally, a photo of my 2 years old daughter who already says that the instrument is hers 🙂
