General Questions

What does it cost?  Where can I buy a QChord?

We also have a Shopping Tips page that tells about our policies and how to shop online in our store,

What do I need to get started?

Since the QChord is self-contained, batteries included, all you must have to get started is the QChord itself! It has built-in rhythms, and even a demonstration song built in. So, you can start right away, strumming and playing along.

But you'll soon find out how the accessories add to the convenience and fun. For instance, use the A/C adapter when a power source is nearby, to prolong battery life. (Note: Please use only the special QChord A/C adapter, see below for further information.)

The QChord Songbooks show the chords to play for your favorite songs, while QChord automatically plays a built-in rhythm for you. 

With a QCard Song Cartridge, your strumming and singing will be accompanied by what sounds like a full orchestra in the background tailored to the tune you're playing.

The QCard Rhythm Cartridges add additional rhythms to the 10 already built-in.

Take your QChord on the road in a handy molded carrying case, with space for accessories, and don't forget the DC adapter, so you can power it from your car or RV cigarette lighter outlet. The adjustable strap makes mobile playing easy.

The sound quality QChord delivers through its built-in mono speaker and bass port system is impressive. But you'll be truly amazed when you hear it in stereo!

You can practice in privacy with the stereo headphones. When you're ready, fill the room with concert hall sound by connecting to your stereo using the stereo connector cables.

Visit our QChord Store to learn more about all the accessories and shop online.

How big is it?

QChord is lightweight and portable, about the size and weight of a small 12-chord autoharp. The dimensions are 11 1/2" x 21 1/2"; it weighs 3 1/2 lbs. without batteries, or, 5 lbs. with the batteries installed.

What does it sound like?

Try our QChord sounds page for some sound samples.

How is the QChord different from the Omnichord?

We have a special page devoted to just that subject, see our Omnichord page.

How does QChord compare to the autoharp?

We have another special page devoted to just that subject, see our autoharp page.

How hard is it to tune?

The QChord is always in perfect pitch - never needs tuning! (A440 - standard tuning.)

However, if you are playing with another instrument that is not tuned to perfect pitch, say for example an autoharp that has lots of strings, you can tune the QChord UP or DOWN to match the pitch of the other instrument. See Tuning Buttons in the QChord manual (page 30) for instructions.

What is the life expectancy of the QChord instrument itself?

QChord, like most other electronics, can be expected to last a very long time, provided it is not abused (dropped, left in extreme heat, etc.). The QChord's predecessor was an instrument called the Omnichord first released in 1981. We still play that original brown instrument almost thirty years later!

What songs are in the songbooks and/or on the cartridges?

Go to our QChord Store, and select the Songbook or Song Cartridge category. Then, click on the Songbook or Song Card title of interest for a complete list of songs.

Where do I get more songbooks?

After you get started and get familiar with the QChord using the specially designed songbooks, you'll want to expand your repertoire!

Time to try a "Fake Book" from Amazon.com, or another bookseller. A Fake Book contains chord changes, lyrics, and melody lines for a variety of songs, leaving the rest up to your improvising skills. Fake Books are very popular with QChord enthusiasts.

Can I get custom QCard song cartridges?

Burning the cartridges is an involved process. There is minimum set up, masking, burning the PROMS, etc., so it would not be cost-effective to produce custom cartridges at this time.

However, we do release new cartridges periodically. You can join our QClub and be among the first to know when new cartridges become available, or, if custom cartridges should become feasible.

Does the QChord come in different colors?

No, just one color.

Do you have a demonstration video?

The original introductory "demo" video you may have heard about, we no longer have in stock.

However, a new demonstration video is in the planning stage. We will be be notifying Q-Club members when it is available. Join our Q-Club!

What's the warranty?

QChord carries a 90 day labor and 1 year parts factory warranty. Keep your original receipt to show proof of purchase. View the warranty.

Where do I get support?

Check our Troubleshooting section to look for the answer to your question. If not, we're here to support you! Click over to our Support Page for all the details.

How do I shop online?

For all online shopping related questions, for example, how to pay, shipping charges, etc., check out our Shopping Tips page!

Batteries and Adapters

Can I use one of those generic A/C or D/C power adapters with my QChord?

No. You should use only the specially designed power (A/C) and cigarette lighter (D/C) adapters, or risk possible damage to your QChord. (See the specifications below.)

This is because the QChord uses reverse polarity adapters; that is, the center pole is negative and the outer sleeve is positive. The correct adapters are available on our accessory page in our QChord Store.

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QCHORD A/C ADAPTER SPECIFICATIONS

The AC adapter designed for the QChord has the following specifications. Any substitute adapter should follow the same specifications.

12 Volts DC
500 ma
REVERSE POLARITY (center pole negative, outer sleeve positive)

The QChord will function with a little lower voltage and/or current than specified. But since the polarity of the QChord adapter is opposite to that used on most adapters, it is VERY IMPORTANT to make sure that any substitute adapter meets the polarity requirement. Otherwise the QChord will not function, and there is the possibility of damage as well.
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Can I use my Omnichord adapters with the QChord?

Yes, you can. And vice versa as well. They are interchangeable.

Can I use the QChord A/C or D/C power adapter with any other appliances or instruments?

You may use it for the Omnichord. Otherwise, this is definitely not recommended, or you risk damage. See preceding two questions.

How many batteries does it take to run the QChord?

It takes 8 "C" cell batteries. We highly recommend that you use alkaline batteries (such as Duracell™) for extended life.

How long do the batteries that come with QChord last?

The batteries included with the instrument are just meant to get you started immediately. The life of the batteries depends on the drain on the instrument, primarily the volume level.

When you replace the batteries, we highly recommend alkaline batteries (such as Duracell™) which will last a long time.

Low battery symptoms.

Do I have to leave the batteries in when using the A/C or D/C adapters?

No.

Cables, Connections, and Midi

How do I connect QChord to stereo speakers?

The sound quality QChord delivers through its built-in mono speaker and bass port system is impressive. But you'll be truly amazed when you hear it in stereo.

To connect to your own stereo system, you need a QChord Stereo Cable. Note that you are supposed to connect to your stereo amplifier, not directly to the stereo speakers.

The 1/4 inch stereo plug on one end of the stereo cable fits the QChord's PHONE LINE OUT (headphones) jack on the panel located on the side of the instrument at the right upper corner. The two RCA plugs on the other end should be plugged into a pair of Left and Right INPUT jacks on your stereo system; usually a pair labeled AUX (for auxiliary input) is available. Use your stereo system's input selector to select AUX (or whatever the pair you ended up using was marked; make sure they're identified as INPUT). Be prepared to be blown away by the breathtaking quality of QChord's true stereo sound.

Where can I find the MIDI cables to connect the QChord to the computer?

The QChord includes MIDI in and MIDI out ports. Please refer to the instruction manual about how MIDI works, and how you can use the QChord MIDI capabilities.

To connect the QChord to the computer, you need to have a cable. To do some editing, you need MIDI software. There are many MIDI software packages on the market. Software and cables are available from electronics and software stores.  We also carry the appropriate  midi cable in our online QChord Store.

Can I use an ordinary guitar cable on the "line out"?

Yes, you can use an ordinary 1/4 inch guitar cable. The output will be a mono signal, and will sound great through an amplifier.
However, you're giving up the fantastic stereo sound output from the QChord. See connecting to stereo.

Tips for Playing

Can I play QChord like an autoharp, that is, without the rhythm and the chord accompaniment?

Yes, this is a very popular way to play the QChord. You can turn off the beats and the accompaniment chord, and just strum the notes on the Strumplate, very much like playing an Autoharp.

This is easy to set up:

• Press the Easy Play Button.
• Turn the volume all the way down in the Chord Mode section.
• Press the button for your desired Chord
• Strum the strumplate.

Now you will hear only the strumplate voice you have selected. You can choose from 100 different strumplate voices (sounds). Page 33 in the instruction manual explains how to access the additional voices. View the list of 100 voices online; they are also listed on page 43 of the instruction manual.

(More info: QChord / autoharp comparison.)

Troubleshooting

My strumplate is starting to bubble up and fall apart ! ! !

Don't worry! It's not a problem with the strumplate, it's just the protective plastic sheet.

All new QChords come with a thin protective plastic sheet on the strumplate. It is this plastic sheet which is bubbling up. Please, just remove it by gently peeling it off.

You may also find similar protective sheets on top of the display window and the keyboard overlay. These may also be removed, or, just leave them on as protection.

The plastic sheets are meant to protect parts of the instrument during the manufacturing and packing process. You'll find this manufacturing technique used on many products, especially electronics; for example, the LED windows on stereo components.

My strumplate is cutting out, or I'm getting no sound at all, or I'm getting static and crackling sounds.

For battery operation: These symptoms indicate low batteries. If you're playing with batteries, does it do the same thing when you use the A/C adapter? If so, try replacing the batteries.

For A/C or D/C adapter operation: Are you using the specially designed adapter for QChord? More info.

Why do my QCard QSC "Song" cartridges sound strange sometimes?

To avoid this, remember to power off the QChord, insert the QCard QSC cartridge, then power on.

My QCard QRC-1 /QRC-2 "Rhythm" style cartridge doesn't work!

The QCard Rhythm Cartridges (QRC's) are "style" cartridges, so they work a little differently than the other cartridges (QSC's), which are "song" cartridges. 

• Turn the power off as you normally would when inserting a song cartridge.
• Insert the QRC Rhythm cartridge.
• Turn the power back on.
• Press the Stop and Play/Pause buttons simultaneously to switch off the on board rhythms. (The Rhythm Style LED for the on board rhythms will turn off.)
• Select a rhythm from the cartridge, using the search button, as you would with a song cartridge.  (You may also use the Rhythm Select up/down buttons to select a rhythm.)
• Press any chord button, for example, C major, to start the rhythm.

For more details on using the Rhythm style cartridges, see Page 38 in the Instruction Manual.

Visit our QChord Store to view the lists of rhythms available on the optional QRC Rhythm cartridges.

I lost my Instruction Manual.

See our Downloads Page.

Another question?

Please go to our Support Page.