Quick answer
The Otamatone NEO is the redesigned version of the classic otamatone: same tactile neck, same singing mouth, same mechanism as always. What changes is the more modern design, a new colour palette and a slightly improved speaker. If you already know the Classic, the NEO is basically the same experience with an aesthetic refresh. Approximate price: 40–60 €. If you want extra electronic features, look at the Techno; for the easiest to tune, go for the Deluxe.
What is the Otamatone NEO?
The otamatone is the Japanese electronic instrument created by the collective Maywa Denki: a musical note with a face and moving mouth that generates a unique synthesised sound when you slide your finger along its tactile neck. The NEO model is the contemporary update of the classic: same guts, new outfit.
Specifically, the NEO brings:
- Modernised design with cleaner lines and updated finishes.
- New colour palette: the NEO introduced variants that the original Classic didn’t have, including more vibrant tones and pastel colours.
- Slightly improved speaker: the internal sound is marginally more powerful than in the basic Classic model.
- Same mechanism: tactile neck for pitch + articulated mouth for vibrato. No functional changes.
In short: if the Classic is the original, the NEO is its aesthetic successor without changing what makes the otamatone special.
Comparison: Otamatone NEO vs the full range
To choose well, it helps to see where the NEO sits against the other main models:
| Model | Size | Key difference | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melody | ~15–20 cm | Most compact and affordable | 20–45 € | Budget gift, portability |
| Classic | ~27–30 cm | The original | 30–45 € | First classic experience |
| NEO | ~27–30 cm | Redesigned look + new colours | 40–60 € | Those wanting modern style without extra cost |
| Techno | ~27–30 cm | Effects, rhythms, mixer | 45–85 € | Experimenting with electronics |
| Deluxe | ~45 cm | Long neck, 3.5mm jack, louder | 70–110 € | Playing songs with more precision |
The NEO sits between the Classic and the Techno: better aesthetics than the former, without the extra features of the latter. It’s the logical choice if design matters but you don’t need additional effects.
How to play the Otamatone NEO
Since it uses the same mechanism as the Classic, the technique is identical. Here’s the basic process:
- Install 3 AAA batteries in the rear compartment.
- Switch on the side power switch.
- Hold the body with your non-dominant hand, neck pointing up.
- Slide a finger of your dominant hand along the tactile neck: up = high notes, down = low notes.
- Squeeze the head (the mouth) to add vibrato and modulate expressiveness.
- Practise slow glissandos first, then try simple melodies.
Check our list of songs for otamatone to practise easy melodies from day one.
Available Otamatone NEO colours
The NEO’s big novelty is its colour palette. Maywa Denki designed the NEO to appeal to a wider audience with new finishes and colour combinations that the Classic didn’t have:
- White: the classic look, now with a more modern finish.
- Black: elegant and minimalist; one of the most popular.
- Yellow: vibrant and eye-catching; perfect as a gift.
- Pink: favourite for collectible editions and kawaii fans.
- Blue / Green / Orange: seasonal variants depending on availability.
Note that not all colours are always in stock; check current availability on Amazon.
| Colour | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White | High | Most common |
| Black | High | Popular with adults |
| Yellow | Medium | Very eye-catching |
| Pink | Medium | Kawaii favourite |
| Other colours | Variable | Seasonal |
Who is the Otamatone NEO for?
| Profile | Is the NEO right for you? |
|---|---|
| First-time otamatone player | Yes — just as easy as the Classic |
| Want the most modern design | Yes — that’s exactly it |
| Need the easiest model to tune | Better the Deluxe (longer neck) |
| Looking for extra effects and rhythms | Better the Techno |
| Want the cheapest option | Better the Melody |
| Maywa Denki model collector | Yes — the NEO is a well-differentiated edition |
| Nice gift with lots of colour options | Yes — the colour variety makes it ideal |
Otamatone NEO price and where to buy
The Otamatone NEO costs between 40 and 60 euros depending on the retailer and colour. Amazon is the most convenient option, though some colours may have limited stock as a Japanese import.
Before buying, check:
- It is the official Maywa Denki model (not cheap imitations).
- The specific colour available at that moment.
- The voltage: Japanese models work in Europe without issue (batteries, no mains power).
As an affiliate, Otamatone.club may receive a small commission on qualifying purchases. No extra cost to you.
The NEO within the evolution of the otamatone
Since Maywa Denki launched the original otamatone in the late 1990s, the instrument has gone through several generations. The NEO represents the updated aesthetic line: same nonsense machine philosophy, same brilliant mechanism, more contemporary presentation.
Other Japanese instruments with a similar philosophy you might enjoy: the kazoo (perhaps the world’s easiest instrument) or the Stylophone (pocket analogue synthesiser used by David Bowie).
Frequently asked questions about the Otamatone NEO
What is the Otamatone NEO?
The Otamatone NEO is the redesigned version of the classic otamatone by Maywa Denki: same tactile neck and singing mouth, with updated design, new colours and a slightly improved speaker.
What distinguishes the NEO from the Classic?
Functionally they are nearly identical. The difference is in design: the NEO has more modern finishes, a new colour palette and a slight improvement in the internal speaker.
How much does the Otamatone NEO cost?
The price is between 40 and 60 euros. It’s somewhat more expensive than the basic Classic but more affordable than the Deluxe.
Is the Otamatone NEO easy to play?
Yes. Like the Classic, you slide a finger along the neck to change pitch and squeeze the mouth for vibrato. No musical knowledge required.
What colours does the Otamatone NEO come in?
The main colours are White, Black, Yellow and Pink. Seasonal variants (Blue, Green, Orange) exist depending on availability.