The Otamatone is an internet darling, used everywhere from meme covers of popular songs to elaborate original compositions. People from around the world are drawn to this quirky instrument’s charming smile. These noisy little fellows come in all sorts of colors and designs, from the classic monochrome duo to more exotic hues like transparent pink. However, like all highly collectible toys, therealgems are the special editions.
Want to add a bit of star power to that Otamatone collection? These themed Otamatones don’t necessarily sound different from their more humble brethren, but their unique design make them a must-have for the true Otama aficionado. Here are some of the most eyecatching themed Otamatones available, sure to squeak their way into the hearts of musicians and fans alike.
Otamatone Deluxe Hatsune Miku Portable Synthesizer
Waahrld is Mine
Everyone’s favorite virtual pop star is now in Otamatone form! This deluxe Otamatone includes plenty of fun details inspired by the world’s most famous Vocaloid, including a themed strap and removable plush wig.
This adorable Otamatone is inspired by everyone’s favorite digital diva,Hatsune Miku.It doesn’t necessarily share her distinctive synthesized voice, but itabsolutelyshares her style. The Hatsune Miku Otamatone is available in both Classic and Deluxe styles, but the deluxe edition shines thanks to its added features and exclusive plush wig. Leave the wig on as a display piece, or remove it to jam to Miku’s greatest hits. The included stereo jack and advanced volume controls elevate the device from toy to a genuine musical instrument.
One of the cutest elements of this Otamatone is how it blends the instrument’s classic design with Miku’s style. While most themed Otamatones feel like whatever character they represent has been molded into the shape of an eight note, this one feels like an Otamatone in cosplay. When it comes to charm, this Otamatone is hard to beat!
Otamatone Deluxe Kirby Portable Synthesizer
Poyo!
Kirby has used his Copy Ability to become an Otamatone! Become a Super Star with this adorable deluxe instrument, combining the Pink Puiffball’s iconic design with that distinctive Otamatone style.
First you draw a circle, then you dot the eyes. Add a great big smile and presto, it’s… an Otamatone? If there was any character that would map perfectly onto the iconic instrument, it’sKirby. This Kirby-inspired Otamatone first dropped in Japan back in 2019, and people have been using it to make covers of Gourmet Race ever since. Like the Hatsune Miku Otamatone above, this is the Deluxe model, which includes features aimed at professional musicians.
Otamatones can be difficult to play, thanks to the lack of marked frets. While experienced musicians can play it by ear, inexperienced players and young children might have difficulty using an Otamatone as anything other than a noise machine, which can make the $99 price tag hard to swallow. Fortunately for Kirby fans, there’s an alternative for the less musically inclined.
Otamatone Melody Kirby Toy Synthesizer
Now in Fun Size!
Play iconic Kirby tunes with this adorable mini-Otamatone. Designed to help children learn the basics of timing and rhythm, the Otamatone Melody will take care of hitting all the right notes, leaving the player free to experiment with pitch, rhythm, and vibrato.
Small enough to fit in a pocket, the Otamatone Melody is loaded with a set of classic melodies, including Happy Birthday and When the Saints Go Marching In. Unique to the Kirby edition, however, is a trio of iconic songs from the Kirby series, including Green Greens and Gourmet Race. Frets are no issue with the Melody, as it only has one button. Pressing the key will play the next note in the song, leaving rhythm and vibrato to the player.
Despite being limited in what it can play, the Otamatone Melody still captures the core Otamatone experience. Kirby’s face is just as squishy as the deluxe model and works just like it does on the regular Otamatone. For those who want Otamatone fun without cursing the ears of everyone around them, the Melody is a perfect, inexpensive pick.
Otamatone Aggretstuko Sweet + Rage 2-Piece Portable Synthesizer Set
One is sweet, one is FURIOUS.
Retsuko may look like an adorable Sanrio character on the surface, but beneath her cuddly facade is AN AVALANCHE OF DEATH METAL RAGE. Embrace the duality of Retsuko with this special edition two-pack.
The Otamatone is not the most aggressive instrument out there, but just like Retsuko herself, that cute exterior conceals some hidden depths. This Sanrio-themed two pack includes Retsuko in both her guises: the sweet face she shows most of the time, and her death metal singing alter ego. Both Otamatones play the same, though playing them together as part of a metal band justfeelsright.
These are classic Otamatones, meaning they’re smaller and lack the advanced features of the Otamatone deluxe. The smaller size can be difficult to handle for people with larger hands, and the lack of a stereo jack and limited volume control limits this pair to casual play.
Otamatone Deluxe Gudetama Portable Synthesizer
Gudetamatone
Everyone’s favorite existential egg is now an Otamatone. Featuring Gudetama’s drowsy face and tiny limbs, this deluxe Otamatone just wants to go with the flow. With features designed for professional musicians, playing this Otamatone definitely won’t be a drag.
Gudetamais one of Sanrio’s most relatable characters. This melancholy egg just goes with the flow, combining gloomy pessimism with undeniable cuteness. This deluxe Otamatone features Gudetama’s relaxed face and other eggcellent details. Like the other deluxe Otamatones, it also includes a larger stem for ease of play and other advanced features.
There is one issue with this design, however. Unlike most entries on this list, the “mouth” on this Otamatone isn’t actually aligned with the character’s mouth. It sits slightly below the drawn on mouth, making it look like Gudetama is being decapitated whenever you play. It’s a nitpick, but then it is in character for Gudetama to be too lazy to line up its mouth with the seam.
FAQ
How do I learn to play an Otamatone?
Playing an Otamatone is easier if you already have an ear for music, as the frets on most models aren’t marked. If you don’t have experience with music, it’ll be a bit harder. One solution is to attach a piece of masking tape to the side of the stem and then use a tuning app to find where the frets are. Don’t mark the Otamatone directly, as frets can change position slightly depending on battery life and ambient conditions.
Can you tune an Otamatone?
Otamatones cannot be tuned, unfortunately. If you notice the notes shifting, replacing the battery is usually enough to fix the problem. Many Otamatone enthusiasts find the slight unpredictability to be part of the instrument’s charm.
How do you clean an Otamatone?
The plastic parts of Otamatones can be cleaned the same way you would clean any electronics, using things like rubbing alcohol or dedicated wipes. The face of the Otamatone can be removed for cleaning, and should be treated more delicately: use alcohol free baby wipes to preserve the pigmentation. This also means that you can swap between Otamatone faces if you wish, though these aren’t available individually and cannot be swapped between Otamatones of different sizes.
