Otamatone Hatsune Miku: What It Is, How It Sounds and Where to Buy It
Quick answer: the Otamatone Hatsune Miku is the official special edition of Japan's viral otamatone instrument, dressed up in Hatsune Miku's iconic turquoise aesthetic. It comes in two versions: the Classic Miku (compact and affordable, ~€30–45) and the Otamatone Deluxe Hatsune Miku (larger, longer neck, better speaker, ~€65–90). If you actually want to nail Miku's melodies in tune, the Deluxe is the one to get.
What Is the Otamatone Hatsune Miku?
It is exactly the same instrument as the standard otamatone — a synthesiser toy shaped like a musical note, played by sliding a finger along the neck to change pitch and squeezing the mouth to add expression and vibrato — but with Hatsune Miku's visual identity: her signature teal colours, character details and, in the Deluxe version, a head printed with the vocaloid diva herself.
The pairing makes intuitive sense: Miku's voice is famously high, nasal and electronic, and so is the otamatone's. Maywa Denki released the official collaboration and it became one of the most sought-after editions, particularly among vocaloid fans and collectors.
Key fact: the Miku design does not change the sound. A Classic Miku otamatone sounds identical to a regular Classic otamatone. What changes the sound is the model size (Classic vs Deluxe), not the artwork. So the real question is not "Miku or plain?" but "Classic or Deluxe?".
How It Sounds (Video)
The otamatone's high, vocal timbre fits the vocaloid universe like a glove. This unboxing and review of the Deluxe Hatsune Miku gives a clear idea of the real sound:
Classic Miku vs Deluxe Miku: Which to Choose
| Otamatone Miku Classic | Otamatone Deluxe Hatsune Miku | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | ~27 cm | ~43 cm (much larger) |
| Neck (tuning) | Short — hard to hit notes precisely | Long — accurate intonation |
| Speaker / volume | Basic | Improved, fuller sound |
| Headphone jack | No | Yes |
| Approx. price | €30–45 | €65–90 |
| Best for | Gift, casual fan, children | Actually playing Miku songs in tune |
Honest recommendation: as a gift or collector's item, the Classic Miku delivers and looks great. If you plan to play songs and want them to sound right, the Deluxe Hatsune Miku is well worth the extra cost — the longer neck is the difference between "sounds funny" and "sounds like actual music".
Hatsune Miku Songs to Play on the Otamatone
The otamatone is played by ear: slide your finger up and down the neck until you find the right note. These songs are perfect starting points for the Miku edition:
| Song | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Tell Your World | Clear, catchy melody — ideal for playing by ear |
| World is Mine | Quintessential Miku theme, very recognisable motifs |
| Senbonzakura | Fast but the main melody is instantly identifiable |
| Melt | Mid-tempo, easy to follow note by note |
If you are just starting out, read our guide on how to play the otamatone: posture, how to slide for tuning and the most common beginner mistakes.
Other Character Editions: Kirby and Melody
Hatsune Miku is not the only themed edition. If you enjoy character collaborations, also look at the Otamatone Melody or find out which instrument appears in the Kirby universe. And if you are torn between all the models, our best otamatone for beginners comparison puts them side by side.
Where to Buy the Otamatone Hatsune Miku
The Hatsune Miku edition is a limited release: it appears and disappears from stock, and when it sells out it tends to reappear at inflated prices from resellers. Amazon carries both the Classic and the Deluxe. Tip: if you see it at the regular price and you want it, buy it — these character editions tend to appreciate in value.
See availability and price on Amazon →
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Otamatone Hatsune Miku?
A special edition of the Japanese otamatone decorated with Hatsune Miku's design. It works exactly like any otamatone: slide your finger along the neck to choose the note and squeeze the mouth to add expression.
Does it sound different from a regular otamatone?
Not because of the Miku design. The Deluxe version sounds better (longer neck, better speaker) because it is Deluxe — not because of the artwork.
Is there a Classic and a Deluxe Miku?
Yes. The Classic Miku is smaller and cheaper; the Deluxe Hatsune Miku has a longer neck and better speaker. For playing in tune, choose the Deluxe.
Can I play Hatsune Miku songs on it?
Yes: Senbonzakura, World is Mine and Tell Your World all work well. Slide your finger to find the notes — the otamatone's high voice fits vocaloid style perfectly.
How much does it cost?
Classic Miku: ~€30–45. Deluxe Hatsune Miku: ~€65–90 depending on stock.
Where to buy it?
Amazon is the safest bet for both versions. Buy when it is in stock at regular price — it tends to sell out fast.