Otamatone Classic Black
Electronic Musical Toy / Synthesiser
- Operated by pressing the sound surface on the neck and opening and closing the mouth
- Different note pitches can be set
- Battery operated (3 AAA)
- Length: 26.5 cm
- Colour: Black
- includes batteries
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Available since March 2018
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Item number 428802
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Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
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Bass Pedal No
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Breath Controller No
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MIDI Controller No
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Filter No
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Effects No
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Sequencer No
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Product Specific Expansion No
The classic Otamatone
The Otamatone combines the shape of an eighth note with a face to create a small synthesizer that looks almost like a singing tadpole when played, making it arguably one of the most entertaining musical instruments to have emerged from Japan. Its amusing appearance and distinctive squeaky sound have helped make it a familiar presence on social media, while the Classic version offers an accessible entry point for budding "Otamatonists". It is well suited to anyone who simply wants to play without the need for additional outputs or smartphone connectivity. In this model, power comes from three AAA batteries.
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Play via ribbon controller
Sounds are produced on the Otamatone simply by touching the full-length ribbon controller on its neck, with higher notes generated the further up the neck the finger is placed. At the same time, squeezing the soft silicone head creates the characteristic lip movements while also controlling a wah-wah effect that gives the sound a quality vaguely reminiscent of the human voice. Unlike a keyboard or guitar, the Otamatone has neither keys nor frets, and although the ribbon controller features subtle grooves to help guide the player, it does not provide fixed pitches. As a result, the instrument can often sound slightly out of tune, but this free-pitch character is very much part of its appeal.
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Some practice required
The Otamatone sits somewhere between a playful novelty and a genuine musical instrument, as it is certainly not limited to children and requires some practice to play with accuracy. Finding the right intonation on the ribbon controller can be particularly challenging, while coordinating the movements of both hands takes time to master. With experience, "Otamatone players" can even incorporate techniques such as vibrato and glissando, while an octave switch on the neck provides access to a three-octave range. Like a wind instrument, however, the Otamatone remains monophonic, so only one note can be played at a time, and the volume can be adjusted continuously in much the same way as on the Otamatone Deluxe.
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About Otamatone
The Japanese brand Otamatone, a part of toy manufacturer CUBE, is renowned for its unique blend of musical and playful creations. Alongside quirky gadgets like vibrating USB hubs and fishbone-designed USB cables, Otamatone’s flagship product is a synthesiser shaped like a quaver with a smiling face. Developed in 1998 in collaboration with design firm Maywa Denki, the Otamatone is a whimsical musical instrument available in multiple versions. Other fun creations include the Chihuahua Whistle, which mimics a barking dog, and innovative gadgets such as a one-handed clapping device. CUBE continues to blend fun with functionality in its range of offerings.
Perfect for beginners, fun and creative experimentation
The Otamatone Classic Black is a compact way to explore the distinctive character of this unusual instrument, whether as a creative gadget, a gift, or an addition to musical performances. Its small size makes it convenient for spontaneous jams, mobile setups, or social media videos, while its intuitive controls allow both children and adults to experiment with melodies and intonation. Despite its playful character, the Classic model also leaves room for more experimental applications, including the use of effects or microphones in creative music projects. Whether used for a light-hearted performance, as a musical toy, or simply to explore the possibilities of an unconventional synthesizer, the Otamatone Classic Black brings a playful element to making music.