Autoharp with a difference

Press, 30 June 1982, Page 17

Autoharp with a difference

Making music has been a popular pastime for centuries for people of all ages. What is new is the vast range of instruments now available for people to play.

While pianos, piano accordions. flutes and clarinets, tor example, have been played for many years, advanced technology has led to many innovative developments in new instruments. ■

Among these is the Suzuki omnichord, a new accompanying instrument which can' reproduce the sounds of a guitar, piano, organ and bass.

The -omnichord was built by Suzuki after requests for autoharps from the company's dealers in the United Slates — it is based on an autoharp design but has electronic features including percussion facilities.

The instrument is portable and can be strummed as a guitar or played as a chord organ by using any of its 27 major, minor or seventh chords.

It was launched at the Ideal Home Exhibition in Britain last year and was among top products awarded blue ribbons bv the "Daily Mail." Alan Irvine of Beggs, one of the Christchurch suppliers, says the omnichord has proved "overwhelmingly popular" since its introduction to the city late last year. Omnichords have been used for accompaniment in churches and schools and by professional musicians, and they can be played by people who do not know how to read music.

With a deluxe carrying case, mains adaptor and song book, the omnichord retails for about $2BO.