There are several versions of Otamatone available. The most popular models being the original release and the deluxe version, but which one is better? Let’s take a look.
| Otamatone | Otamatone Deluxe | |
| Preview |   |
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| Size | Approx. 10 inches | Approx. 17 inches |
| 3.5mm Output | ✖ | ✔ |
| Volume Controls | ✖ | ✔ |
| Price | see on Amazon | see on Amazon |
The Otamatone Deluxe (DX)
The deluxe version is described by the company as “bigger, louder and better” in fact, it is one and a half times bigger than the normal one and referred to as man size.
The deluxe version for many is a lot easier to play than the normal version mainly because of the large slide.
Added 3.5mm Headphone Jack
As well as being easier to play it also comes with a headphone jack. For a lot of buyers, the headphone jack will be a deal breaker, mainly because you connect the instrument to speakers or recording devices like your computer. This feature is also greatly appreciated by parents – especially if your kids are just learning.
Another advantage to owning the deluxe version is that you can connect it to an amp. After many weeks or months of practice, if you’re ready to hit the big time and play to a crowd, the amp connection will certainly be a welcome addition.
Extra Features – Volume Control
In addition, the deluxe version also comes with volume controls. Again, this is a feature that the original Otamatone doesn’t have. Controlling the volume has obvious advantages.
Carry Strap
A handy carry strap is also included with the deluxe model. Using a carry strap gives the instrument a little added security for traveling and make it easy to hang.
As well as the extra features mentioned the deluxe plays just like the normal version. To change the pitch hold it with both hands and slide along the neck. For vibrato, all you need to do is shake just like the normal version.
Check out the cool video below – Thomas the Tank Engine theme on the Otamatone Deluxe:
Otamatone Original
Described by many as part puppet, part guitar, and part Theremin. Japanese and cute is not something you hear very often when describing a musical instrument. However, for the original Otamatone, those seem to be the most appropriate words to describe this sometimes-confusing masterpiece.
The original model is noticeably smaller than the deluxe version, making it a little harder to master notes when playing.
The Otamatone is essentially an art project that has been going on since 1993 and you can see a video online of its founder Novumichi Tosa playing a rendition of the star-spangled banner on it, much like a guitar.
Tosa himself is a performer and performs many stage shows using the Otamatone as well as producing music. He wanted to create a new type of battery-powered instrument that sounded like a tadpole and the Otamatone was born.
What is Otamatone?
Otamatone is a musical instrument synthesizer developed by the CUBE toy company and Maya Denki in Japan in 1998. You will notice that the Otamatone is distinctly shaped like a musical note, an eight note to be precise as well as resembling a tadpole, with the music coming out of the mouth of the tadpole.
To play the Otamatone two hands are needed. While one hand squeezes the head of the note or the mouth of the tadpole, the other controls the pitch using a ribbon controller which is somewhat like a guitar.
By applying varying amounts of pressure to the head a different type of effect or sound is created. The neck can also be shaken and there are controls on the back of the Otamatone to change the volume and octave.
The sound produced by the Otamatone is said to resemble a Theremin, an electronic musical instrument.
Currently, there are around 12 versions of the Otamatone available including normal, digital, and deluxe which we will delve into later in the article.
Types of Otamatone
There is the smallest one known as the Otamatone Melody which can fit in your palm, the regular or normal one which we are discussing now and the Otamatone DX which is almost twice the size of the regular complete with a headphone jack and the ability to connect it to an amp.
The Otamatone DX is the preferred model for live and recorded performances which we will discuss later in more detail. Following on from the Otamatone DX there is also a newer version that contains a digital circuit. According to Tosa, the reason for the digital circuit is that so everybody can hit the same exact note with their finger in the same position.
There is another version of the Otamatone that has gone out of production and that is the very much loved Otamatone jumbo. This is an instrument which Otamatone fans are eagerly awaiting the return of.
If you have decided that you definitely want in on the Otamatone party you may not be fully decided on which model. Something which potential buyers are constantly discussing is should they get the Otamatone Deluxe vs Normal or as we mentioned earlier Otamatone DX.
How Does the Otamatone Work?
Although very similar to a guitar and something which it is compared to a lot, the tone can be changed by opening the mouth of the tadpole. It is something which has become a big hit with music teachers, being that it is a fun way to learn about music.
Inside the mouth of the tadpole or the head of the note, is a speaker which is essentially what the Otamatone is, a speaker. Therefore, every time you open the mouth that surrounds the speaker, the tone will adjust and also get louder. Coming in a range of colors many say it is basically a synthesizer.
Since the project began in 1993 over 120,000 variations of the Otamatone have been sold, with the biggest market obviously being Japan.
What Can Be Played on the Otamatone?
You can also see plenty of famous songs being played on the Otamatone on a number of video sharing websites. Some of these include Gangnam Style, Over the Rainbow and even the soundtrack to Game of Thrones.
Alicia Keys has even joined in on the fun, which is the whole point of the Otamatone, it is a fun instrument which brings out the fun side of music.
Another interesting thing about the Otamatone is that it does not have to be played solo. It can very easily be played as part of a group as there are a number of different instruments to choose from, in fact, there are 12 in total.
Conclusion
While the Otamatone normal is a fun instrument and a great introduction to music theory, it is somewhat lacking when put up against the Otamatone Deluxe. There are some new very welcome features on the deluxe model that are certainly worth paying the extra for.
If you just have a passing interest in the Otamatone then you may be better to opt for the normal version. For those that are musical and want the best version, the deluxe is definitely the best choice.
The headphone jack on many of the models still allows the sound to be heard through the internal speaker – No way to for the instrument to be ignored by others in the same room even with headphones plugged in.
[Note: this may be a requirement since the “waw” effect is caused by the sounds being mechanically moved through the “mouth” – in other words a “post-speaker” effect ]