whats an Omnichord - is it a junk instrument

Subject: RE: whats an Omnichord - is it a junk instrument
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 31 Jan 09 - 08:49 AM

Earplugs might be another useful accessory...

Subject: RE: whats an Omnichord - is it a junk instrument
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 31 Jan 09 - 02:24 AM

I'm with Will. That thing would suck all my time away.

I think they could be very therapeutic though.

Add earphones so individuals could play without disturbing others and provide them to nursing homes, prisons and such.

INSTIMUSIC = instant or institutional

Subject: RE: whats an Omnichord - is it a junk instrument
From: Ebbie
Date: 30 Jan 09 - 02:27 PM

I know a trio that plays for retirement homes, business openings, fairs, churches and such like. Their instrument lineup: guitar, harmonica and omnichord. Good sound.

Subject: RE: whats an Omnichord - is it a junk instrument
From: Will Fly
Date: 30 Jan 09 - 07:24 AM

Well, I'd never heard of it, so checked out this. What fun! I could waste hours of time on one of these - so I'd better not...

Subject: RE: whats an Omnichord - is it a junk instrument
From: Mr Happy
Date: 30 Jan 09 - 06:29 AM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omnichord

At a session we attend monthly in Middlewich (UK), there's a lady plays one & sings while hubby plays dobro - all sounds great!

Subject: RE: whats an Omnichord - is it a junk instrument
From: The Sandman
Date: 30 Jan 09 - 06:10 AM

how about the chordelia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVlucTG1YO8 .personally I hateit,but it may be useful to you.the other possibility is either an anglo concertina or a duet concertina,both of which a melody can be played with one hand.

Subject: RE: whats an Omnichord - is it a junk instrument
From: GRANBEE
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 09:06 PM

Hope someone can give me some help.I think Musicman can but dont know until i ask.I have an omnichord that i would like to play.My problem is that i am right handed and have limited use of my left hand because of a stroke from a brain anyursm at age 22.I havent figured out how to select and hold the notes down.If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate it.I have never played anything more than a radio But have always wanted to play an instrument Im hoping at 48 " old dog can learn new tricks".I guess well see lol thanks GRANBEE

Subject: RE: whats an Omnichord - is it a junk instrument
From: GUEST,grandpa k
Date: 12 Jan 09 - 12:18 PM

I've had an 84 since they came out.took me a while to learn how to use it, but found out that if you can hum a tune, you can play it. used it at many singalongs at campgrounds.

Subject: RE: whats an Omnichord - is it a junk instrument
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 07 Apr 99 - 03:48 PM

Hmmm, whole orchestra eh? Well it sounds better than a tipple orchestra...I think.

Subject: RE: whats an Omnichord - is it a junk instrument
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Apr 99 - 03:15 PM

Hi, thanks Rick, bet you must've thought I'd forgotten I had a search engine!

I found a great site for these at

www.joesvirtual.com/omni.htm#Prices

and, at the same address a great letter from a long-time user with really valuable info at

www.joesvirtual.com.omnitips.htm

Sorry, I haven't learned to do direct linking, yet. They are charging (US)$242.20 for new one at that site. I think I've found a dream instrument, heck, maybe even a whole "orchestra" ***BG***!

Thanks,

katlaughing

Subject: RE: whats an Omnichord - is it a junk instrument
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 06 Apr 99 - 07:46 PM

I am familiar with the version as originally released, and played by Billy Connelly in concert. I was tempted to buy one in Singapore (duty free) for about $US120 in the mid 80's, but didn't. I see them occasionally in the classifieds here for about $US60.

Regards
John

Subject: RE: whats an Omnichord - is it a junk instrument
From: DennisM
Date: 06 Apr 99 - 07:28 PM

I used the metacrawler search engine and found suzukimusic.com and about 3 others. the price range was 240 - 265 depending on options. I would like to find a super-music store in the orlando/tampa area that has them. I would like to see, touch and play around b4 buying. Thanks for all the input.

Subject: RE: whats an Omnichord - is it a junk instrument
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 05 Apr 99 - 07:00 PM

Hi Kat, Why not try dialing up Suzuki on your search engine, maybe they'll let you know the nearest distributor. They really are fun. I bought one about 20 years ago and today's model is much improved.

Subject: RE: whats an Omnichord - is it a junk instrument
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Apr 99 - 01:19 PM

So...do they still make them? Where can we find them? Thanks,

katl

Subject: RE: whats an Omnichord - is it a junk instrument
From: Willie-O
Date: 05 Apr 99 - 09:51 AM

I've heard one in action...best of all it stays in tune!

Bill

Subject: RE: whats an Omnichord - is it a junk instrument
From: Musicman
Date: 05 Apr 99 - 03:49 AM

A great instrument! I use it extensivly in my work as a music therapist. Great for two people, especially if one is handicapped. You, (the musician)plays the chords while the instrument plays cool rhythms, and the client/patient uses the strum plate to make cool sounds. Can't go wrong. I have seen even small (2-3yr olds) make movement that parents have never seen them do, just so they could hear the sound of the instrument! Great for someone with minimal movement, because it takes so little to make the strumplate sound. The instrument also has a memory for chords, midi capability, and other options. Chord buttons are laid out nicely, and straight forward for someone who is musical illiterate to be able to use. If your working with special needs adults or children, a must have on any instrument list!

Subject: RE: whats an Omnichord - is it a junk instrument
From: catspaw49
Date: 05 Apr 99 - 12:14 AM

Hey...Far out... How'd I miss this?????

Inherited one ---No,Rick, not in a deer hunting accident --- and at first thought, whoopee. Then I got to fooling around and it's really a fun little gizmo. Rick described some other uses, but the bells and whistles part is fun. Got some rhythm and bass auto stuff that works really well including a Carter scratch kind of thing. Cool little "strummer" bar too.

And it's a hearty little sucker that stands up well to small kids...and they love it.

catspaw

Subject: RE: whats an Omnichord - is it a junk instrument
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 04 Apr 99 - 07:02 PM

Very much for real! One of the great electronic wonders of the age. (and I'm not joking) Sort of an electronic autoharp with many bells and whistles. Daniel Lanois brought it into respectability in the last couple of years with his own Grammy award album and his work with Robbie Robertson. If it's under 300, grab it! If for nothing else as a conversation piece.

Subject: whats an Omnichord - is it a junk instrument
From: DennisM
Date: 04 Apr 99 - 06:11 PM

Suzuki omnichord - some kind of keyboard?? is it for real?