Sorry in advance if this question is a cliche. But I am asking this to try to avert my GAS for it and also a question in general whether Omnichord is worth getting today.
- Considering there are lots of great instruments available these days
(harmonica, banjo, tamborine, etc.), what makes Omnichord special?
- Is it the huge number of high-quality accompaniments or the possibilities with its ribbon strip?
- What (genres) is it actually best for?
- Can it replace all these instruments in terms of sound creation possibilities and number and type of sounds/presets?
I am sure Omnichord owners and fans will be slightly biased towards it, but I am looking for an unbiased opinion. If I own the above instruments, does it make sense to get Omnichord- of course from your point of view.
Summary of the topic: It is worth it.
I feel universal happiness might just be ONE more purchase away...I leave you this...
Is Omnichord still worth it?
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- KVRAF
- 16842 posts since 13 Oct, 2009
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Constructed Identity Constructed Identity https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=288890 - KVRian
- 1354 posts since 29 Sep, 2012 from Minnesota
I would only get one if I felt that I would immediately start making a track with it. It may be cool/retro/unique whatever, but if it's not your style, it won't get used long.
On the other hand...
If you have a bunch of money burning a hole in your pocket - go for it! there is always Reverb
On the other hand...
If you have a bunch of money burning a hole in your pocket - go for it! there is always Reverb
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- KVRAF
- 8144 posts since 13 Jan, 2003 from Darkest Kent, UK
I don't own one, only played on one occasionally and, yeah, like the video shows, a fun bit of kit that can inspire you if that's the sound you're into. I think of knowing retro, lofi, 'hauntology' kind of musics, people like Stereolab or Pram using them to tap into some old weird vibe. I wouldn't compare it to eg. a banjo, mastering that would be more satisfying imo.
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- KVRAF
- Topic Starter
- 16842 posts since 13 Oct, 2009
Thanks for the help. I really like the Omichord in this...
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- KVRAF
- Topic Starter
- 16842 posts since 13 Oct, 2009
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- KVRAF
- Topic Starter
- 16842 posts since 13 Oct, 2009
Some might say that this instrument is limited, perhaps even overpriced, but I feel like there's a depth there that shines through many genres and styles.
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- KVRAF
- Topic Starter
- 16842 posts since 13 Oct, 2009
I seriously cannot believe that this has fewer than 200 views. Can you really improve on this? Now I'm feeling like I can't just ignore the idea of having a banjo though. I do have a guitanjo, or a banjotar, I dunno, maybe that's close enough?
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- KVRer
- 10 posts since 6 Apr, 2023
In the world of oddballs that I dont have, I think I'd spend my money on a theramin instead. I know, totally different thing. But, I have the Omnichord plugin from Puremagnetik that satisfies my need for strumming. Sorta. They even have a plugin of the Tronichord.
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- KVRAF
- Topic Starter
- 16842 posts since 13 Oct, 2009
That's at the opposite end of the virtuoso demands though. It has to be one of the most challenging instruments to play just because you have no physical surface.30ipsisit wrote: Sun Apr 16, 2023 4:12 am In the world of oddballs that I dont have, I think I'd spend my money on a theramin instead. I know, totally different thing. But, I have the Omnichord plugin from Puremagnetik that satisfies my need for strumming. Sorta. They even have a plugin of the Tronichord.
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- KVRer
- 10 posts since 6 Apr, 2023
Agreed. But that just means I can suck at it and not feel bad, lol.ghettosynth wrote: Sun Apr 16, 2023 4:28 am
That's at the opposite end of the virtuoso demands though. It has to be one of the most challenging instruments to play just because you have no physical surface.
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- addled muppet weed
- 111329 posts since 26 Jan, 2003 from through the looking glass
ive got a theremin.
haven't touched it in years...
haven't touched it in years...
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- KVRAF
- 3038 posts since 12 Mar, 2002 from Central NY
Well....part of the reason that the Omnichord was created in the first place was to make it very easy for non and/or beginner musicians to actually make recognizable music. While, it's easy to make weird sci-fi sounds with a thermin....mastering the technique to play actual melodies is REALLY hard. I had a Moog Etherwave.....it was fun but I sold it. The theremin is so hard to play that the Beach Boys had a special instrument made in order easily play the "theremin" lines in Good Vibrations.
The "Tannerin" was invented by Paul Tanner. It was a sort of a slide theremin>
Tanner had been a trombone player and was an engineer so the design came
relatively easy to create.
When I want thermin like sounds I have several VSTi thermin emulations
that are, fortunately, easily playable.
Using an Omnichord in the way it was intended is little boring. The trick is to color outside the lines. I would never by a straight up Omnichord. The real fun starts with the models that have MIDI out like the OM200M & OM300M. But, they're going for such silly money these days I won't be going there anytime soon. I have the modern version...the Q-Chord. It was also made for the same reason as the Omni's but can be had for less. The Q-Chord has plugin song cartridges, (useless IMHO), but it also has MIDI out. But it's mapped strangely. It takes some fiddling about to get usable results but it's worth the effort, for me anyway.
The "Tannerin" was invented by Paul Tanner. It was a sort of a slide theremin>
Tanner had been a trombone player and was an engineer so the design came
relatively easy to create.
When I want thermin like sounds I have several VSTi thermin emulations
that are, fortunately, easily playable.
Using an Omnichord in the way it was intended is little boring. The trick is to color outside the lines. I would never by a straight up Omnichord. The real fun starts with the models that have MIDI out like the OM200M & OM300M. But, they're going for such silly money these days I won't be going there anytime soon. I have the modern version...the Q-Chord. It was also made for the same reason as the Omni's but can be had for less. The Q-Chord has plugin song cartridges, (useless IMHO), but it also has MIDI out. But it's mapped strangely. It takes some fiddling about to get usable results but it's worth the effort, for me anyway.
the secrets to old age: Faster horses, Richer Women, Bigger CPU's
https://soundcloud.com/cristofe-chabot/sets/main
https://soundcloud.com/cristofe-chabot/sets/main
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- KVRAF
- Topic Starter
- 16842 posts since 13 Oct, 2009
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- KVRAF
- Topic Starter
- 16842 posts since 13 Oct, 2009
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- KVRAF
- 20933 posts since 22 Nov, 2000 from Southern California
Mapped, as in CC assignments? How did you fix that?CapnLockheed wrote: Sun Apr 16, 2023 10:21 pm But it's mapped strangely. It takes some fiddling about to get usable results but it's worth the effort, for me anyway.