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

You should use only the specially designed power (A/C) and cigarette lighter (D/C) adapters, or risk possible damage to your QChord. 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.

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

This is not recommended, or you risk damage. See preceding question.

Why does my QCard cartridge sound strange sometimes?

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

Does the QChord come in different colors?

No.

My QRC-1 Rhythm QCard cartridge doesn't work!

This QCard Rhythm Cartridge is a "style" cartridge.  You need to press the Stop/Play buttons simultaneously to switch off the on board rhythms, and select the rhythms from the cartridge instead.  (Page 38, Instruction Manual)

How is the QChord different from the Omnichord?

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

What do I need to get started?

Since the QChord is self-contained, all you must have to get started is the QChord itself and either an A/C adapter or batteries! 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.

The QChord Songbooks show the chords to play for your favorite songs, while QChord automatically plays a built-in rhythm for you. Or, 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 Cartridge adds thirty additional rhythms to those 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.

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 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.

You can also connect QChord directly to self powered amplified stereo speakers available in our QChord Store.

How long do the batteries last?

The life of the batteries depends on the drain on the instrument - primarily, the volume level. When replacing batteries, we highly recommend alkaline batteries (such as Duracell) which will last a long time.

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

All new QChords come with a thin protective plastic sheet on the strumplate. Please remove this plastic cover. You may also find a clear plastic cover on top of the display window, and on top of the keyboard overlay. These are just meant to protect the instrument during manufacturing and packing process, and are meant to be removed.

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 twenty years later!

What songs are on the QCard cartridges?

Click here for details

What songs are in the songbooks?

Go to the Songbook category in our QChord store. Click on the Songbook title of interest for a complete list of songs in that songbook. Also, if you're looking for a particular tune, try the Search feature.

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

The QChord has 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 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.

Where do I get support?

We're here to support you! Click over to our Support Page for all the details.