The Best Otamatones
This strange-looking device has taken the world by storm. Originating from Japan, the otamatone is a tiny synthesizer, with touch controls and a "mouth" that alters the sound. It resembles an eighth note and can be played by anyone — although hitting precise pitches might be a different story if you're looking to seriously develop some chops on this instrument. It's a fun musical toy, and can always be made into something more with the magic of digital audio processing and resampling. We've discovered the best otamatones on the market, so read on to learn more about them.
What to Look For
To find the best otamatones, we looked at size, sound quality, features, and style. For instance, if you’re looking to collect cute instruments, the official Otamatone Manekineko or Gudetama models are a great place to start. They work just as well as the regular models but are designed after famous characters. If you want the best otamatone to play with all of the bells and whistles, the Techno from Otamatone is the way to go. It’s perfect for aspiring musicians looking to add a new sound to their arsenal. Below, we’ll discuss these great synthesizers in more detail. Keep reading if you’d like to learn more.
Otamatone Techno Touch-Sensitive Musical Instrument
Play your heart out
If you’re looking for a proper otamatone to learn, you’ve come to the right place. This full-sized instrument is the official Otmatone Techno, their largest model. It’s easier to play and hit notes precisely, thanks to the larger touchpad stem. This cute synthesizer makes a great gift for musicians. Kids also love playing on this, although you might want them to use headphones — which they can, thanks to the built-in headphone jack.
Pros:
- The smartphone app lets you play different sounds, a unique feature not seen on most otamatones.
- The low and middle octaves have unique timbres, almost like between a cello and a violin.
- The touch controls let you add vibrato to notes easily. You can also glide between notes easily.
Cons:
- The high-pitched octave is a bit too high for most music playing, but kids might love messing around with it.
Hamee Crystal Otamatone Synthesizer
Great things come in small packages
A full-scale otamatone can be a bit pricey, which is why you might want to check out this one. At 10 inches tall, it’s a bit smaller but just as fun. This unique model uses clear plastic for a distinctive look. It plays the same as a larger otamatone, with three different octaves, volume control, and an aux port for hooking up to speakers or headphones.
Pros:
- This smaller, more budget-friendly option is perfect for kids or those with smaller hands.
- This plays just as well as a full-sized otamatone with plenty of room for musical expression.
Cons:
- The instructions are only in Japanese, although everything on the instrument is laid out intuitively.
Otamatone Manekineko Lucky Cat Portable Synthesizer
Cute as a button
The iconic feline, Manekineko, is now an otamatone. This simple instrument looks cute and sounds just as cute. It might not have all the bells and whistles as its larger counterparts, but it can still sing just as proudly. This is the perfect gift for fans of Manekineko and cute Japanese music toys.
Pros:
- It has a quiet setting for practicing without disturbing others.
- It’s easy to pick up and play, and the instructions even include a song to learn.
Cons:
- This version does not include a headphone jack.
Otamatone Deluxe Gudetama Musical Instrument
A loveable legend
This little guy is all the rage across the globe, and it’s easy to see why: he’s absolutely adorable. Now, he comes in otamatone form. This model is full-sized, so it’s easier to play and has a bigger sound. And if you want to practice without disturbing people around you, there’s a handy headphone jack to plug into.
Pros:
- The build quality is excellent on this model, and it feels sturdy and durable.
- The neck strap is well-balanced and positions the instrument perfectly for easy playing.
Cons:
- It can be a bit difficult to learn, but the same is true of a violin or a theremin, for instance.
Otamatone Deluxe Kirby Edition
Create your own soundtrack
It looks like Kirby’s swallowed an otamatone. Now, you can play your favorite video game tunes with him. This full-sized otamatone has everything you’d expect: touch controls, a volume knob, a headphone jack, and multiple octaves. It might take some practice to learn melodies, but with time you can get there. Just think of it as leveling up every time you practice.
Pros:
- Since it’s the larger size of otamatone, it’s easier to hit notes accurately.
- It’s loud enough on its own, but if you want to perform with it, you can actually hook it up to speakers via the 3.5mm jack.
Cons:
- This unit doesn’t include batteries, unfortunately, although thankfully, it only needs three.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all otamatones sound the same?
Almost all otamatones will have a similar timbre. Different sizes might have different sounding tones depending on the speaker. Some otamatones can connect to smartphones to play different sounds.
How do I get better at the otamatone?
If you want to do more than play a few wacky sounds and irritate your neighbors, it will take some practice and skill. Like you would with a violin or clarinet, we recommend practicing scales using another instrument, like a piano, to match the pitches. Learn the C major and A minor scales first — and remember that the slower you go in the beginning, the quicker you’ll learn the hand and finger positions.
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