This is the instrument that the Grizzly Bear man was using in Jed's resent post. Its called the Omnichord and was introduced in the early 80's by Suzuki. One uses the omnichord by strumming the touch plate and holding down chord buttons as demonstrated in the video.
Jed, if you like the idea that Bjork is in the sound booth helping the Grizzly man, don't watch the video. To some, the video might cause some disenchantment due to the simplicity of the action. I, however, think that using a musical machine like this, in any capacity, is brilliance. It is a perfect example of what happens when you mix music, magic, and technology.
The fun stuff is about a minute in.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
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Sweet.
ReplyDeleteFrom the Wikipedia article on the omnichord:
"Jemaine Clement of the band Flight of the Conchords uses an Omnichord during live performances and reportedly has 'the largest collection of Omnichords in the world'."
The modern version is the Qchord, if anyone is interested in actually buying one.
i need to get me one of those!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info, Mikey.
ReplyDeleteIt makes perfect sense that an instrument like this should exist. I've always wondered why I should have to learn the fingering for guitar chords, why there couldn't be simple buttons instead.
I am slightly disappointed at how closely this instrument resembles those lame electronic keyboards that were so popular in the eighties.
But, the omnichord really sounds great in some of those songs, doesn't it?