Otamatone Regular vs. Deluxe vs. Melody: Which One Should You Buy?
Otamatone Regular vs. Deluxe vs. Melody: Which One Should You Buy?
Thinking about buying an Otamatone but not sure which one to choose?
Whether you've seen an Otamatone playing your favorite song online, want to learn a new instrument, or are shopping for a gift, choosing the right model can make a big difference.
The three popular models, Otamatone Regular, Deluxe, and Melody, may look similar, but they offer different playing experiences.
The Regular is compact and easy to handle. The Deluxe offers more room for finger placement and greater control over your music. Meanwhile, the Melody is a miniature version with built-in songs, designed for simple musical fun.
Let's compare them so you can find the right Otamatone for you.
Otamatone Regular vs. Deluxe vs. Melody: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Regular | Deluxe | Melody |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height | 10.7 inches | 17.3 inches | 3.8 inches |
| Best for | Beginners and casual players | Musicians and dedicated learners | Young beginners and collectors |
| Playing style | Play your own notes | Play your own notes with more room for precision | Play 11 preset melodies |
| Fingerboard | Compact | Longer and wider | Button-operated |
| Volume | Two levels | Adjustable dial | Built-in sound |
| Pitch settings | Low, Mid, High | Low, Mid, High | Three settings for preset tunes |
| Headphone/audio output | No | Yes, 3.5mm jack | No |
| Power | 3 AAA batteries | 3 AA batteries or compatible DC power | 1 CR2032 battery |
| Portability | Easy to carry | Larger, includes carrying strap | Keychain-sized |
Our quick recommendation: Choose the Regular for your first full Otamatone, the Deluxe if you want more control for playing songs, or the Melody if you want a compact musical toy with ready-to-play tunes.
1. Otamatone Regular: The Best All-Around Choice for Beginners
The Otamatone Regular is the original model and a great starting point for anyone wanting to learn how to play their own music.
At approximately 10.7 inches tall, it's compact enough to bring along to a friend's house, pack for a trip, or keep on your desk.
Why choose the Regular?
One of its biggest advantages is its shorter fingerboard.
When playing an Otamatone, you press and slide your fingers along its stem to produce different notes. Because the Regular has a shorter neck, you can reach many note positions with less hand movement.
This makes it particularly comfortable for people with smaller hands and players who prefer a lightweight instrument.
The Regular also includes three pitch settings (Low, Mid, and High), two volume levels, and the signature movable mouth that creates the familiar "wah-wah" sound.
What's the downside?
The shorter fingerboard means the notes are positioned closer together.
While this makes it easier to move quickly between notes, it can also make accurate finger placement more challenging. A small movement can change your pitch more than intended.
If you're planning to learn complicated songs or practise precise melodies, you may eventually prefer the extra room offered by the Deluxe.
Who should buy it?
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First-time Otamatone players
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Children or adults with smaller hands
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Anyone who values portability
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Casual musicians and fans of musical toys
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Collectors looking for character designs such as Kirby, Hello Kitty, and Pusheen
Our verdict: The Regular is the best balance between portability, accessibility, and musical freedom. If you're unsure where to begin, it's a strong first choice.
Explore Otamatone Regular Models at Hamee →
2. Otamatone Deluxe: More Room, More Control, More Musical Possibilities
If you want to play full songs, improve your technique, or experiment with recording music, the Otamatone Deluxe deserves a closer look.
At approximately 17.3 inches tall, the Deluxe is considerably larger than the Regular. But the real advantage isn't just its size.
It's the playing experience.
Why does a larger fingerboard matter?
The Deluxe features a longer, wider, and more responsive stem.
On the Regular, notes are packed relatively close together. On the Deluxe, you have more physical space to position your fingers.
That extra room can make it easier to distinguish neighbouring notes, practise precise finger movements, and perform controlled slides between pitches.
The longer stem also provides an extended playable note range.
However, there's a trade-off: the Deluxe requires more hand movement to travel between distant notes.
For players with smaller hands, the Regular may actually feel more comfortable.
Neither size is automatically easier for everyone. It depends on your hands, playing style, and what you want to play.
What else makes the Deluxe different?
Beyond its larger fingerboard, the Deluxe includes several features that the Regular doesn't:
Adjustable volume dial: Instead of choosing between two volume settings, you can adjust the volume more gradually.
3.5mm audio output: Connect to compatible headphones, speakers, amplifiers, or recording equipment. This is especially useful for creators who want to record Otamatone performances.
DC power input: Use a compatible 5V adapter for longer playing sessions without relying entirely on batteries. The adapter is sold separately.
Included carrying strap: Helps support the larger instrument while playing or transporting it.
The Deluxe also includes three pitch settings, just like the Regular.
Does the Deluxe sound better?
Not necessarily!
Both models produce the recognizable Otamatone sound, complete with sliding notes and the expressive "wah" effect.
The Deluxe's biggest advantages are its playable range, fingerboard spacing, volume control, and external audio connection.
If your goal is to become a more precise Otamatone player, these features can make practising more comfortable.
But the Deluxe won't automatically make every note sound perfect. Like the Regular, its smooth fingerboard takes practice to master.
Who should buy it?
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Musicians interested in learning complete songs
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Players who want greater control over finger placement
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Content creators recording performances
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Otamatone owners looking to upgrade
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Anyone who wants to connect to external audio equipment
Our verdict: If you're serious about learning the Otamatone, the Deluxe is worth considering, even as your first model. Its larger fingerboard and additional controls give you more room to develop your technique.
Explore Otamatone Deluxe Models at Hamee →
3. Otamatone Melody: Small, Simple, and Ready to Play
The Otamatone Melody may look like a miniature Regular, but there's one important difference:
You don't play individual notes freely on the Melody.
Instead, it comes with 11 built-in songs, including familiar tunes such as "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star."
Rather than sliding your fingers along a fingerboard to select each pitch, you choose a song and press the Melody's button in rhythm. The instrument plays the next note of that song with each press.
You can also squeeze its cheeks to add the signature Otamatone "wah" effect.
Why choose the Melody?
At just 3.8 inches tall, the Melody is small enough to attach to a bag or carry as a keychain.
Its simple controls make it a fun introduction to musical timing and rhythm without needing to learn finger placement.
It's also a fun collectible, particularly if you enjoy character-themed merchandise.
What are its limitations?
Unlike the Regular and Deluxe, the Melody doesn't have a continuous fingerboard.
That means you can't freely choose notes to recreate your favourite songs or compose your own melodies in the same way.
If you've watched someone performing a popular song on an Otamatone and want to learn it yourself, we'd recommend the Regular or Deluxe instead.
Who should buy it?
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Young children exploring musical rhythm
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Fans looking for a cute, compact musical gift
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Collectors of Otamatone character editions
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Anyone who wants a simple, portable musical toy
Our verdict: The Melody is a charming introduction to the Otamatone family, but it's better understood as a musical toy with preset songs than a miniature version of the full instrument.
Explore Otamatone Melody Models at Hamee →
4. Regular vs. Deluxe: Which Is Actually Easier to Play?
This is one of the most important questions when choosing an Otamatone.
The answer depends on what you mean by "easier."
The Regular is easier to handle and reach across.
Its smaller size requires less movement to access different parts of the fingerboard. This can feel more comfortable for beginners and people with smaller hands.
The Deluxe gives you more room to play accurately.
Its longer fingerboard provides more space for finger placement, making it easier for some players to distinguish notes and develop better control.
Think of it this way:
If you want an Otamatone you can pick up and play casually, the Regular makes a lot of sense.
If you want to spend time learning melodies, refining your technique, and recording songs, the Deluxe offers advantages you'll likely appreciate.
Remember, though, both instruments have smooth fingerboards without traditional piano-style keys or guitar frets. Learning accurate note placement takes practice regardless of which one you buy.
5. See the Difference: Otamatone Performances by Our Creators
Still having trouble choosing? Sometimes seeing the instruments in action is more helpful than reading about their specifications.
Otamatone content creators have taken these instruments far beyond simple musical toys.
TheRealSullyG: I Bought Every Otamatone
Known for his Otamatone covers, TheRealSullyG explores several models, including the Regular, Deluxe, and Melody.
Watch TheRealSullyG compare his Otamatone collection on YouTube
moshibass: Three Otamatone Sizes in Action
Musician and content creator moshibass has demonstrated the Deluxe, Regular, and Melody together in a performance of "Chop Suey!" by System of a Down.
It's a fun way to see how the different sizes can be used in a performance.
Watch moshibass's performance featured on Otamatone Official
Both creators are also judges for the Otamatone Creator Contest.
6. Which Otamatone Should You Buy? Our Final Recommendations
If you're still undecided, start by asking yourself what you want to do with your Otamatone.
"I just want to try an Otamatone for the first time."
Choose the Regular. It's compact, easy to handle, and lets you explore the full experience of playing notes and creating your own melodies.
"I want to learn my favourite songs and get better at playing."
Consider the Deluxe. The larger fingerboard gives you more room for note placement, while the audio output and volume controls provide flexibility as your skills develop.
"I'm buying one for a young child or as a small gift."
The Melody is a fun option. Its preset songs and button-based controls make it easy to start playing immediately.
"I want to make Otamatone videos for social media."
We'd recommend the Deluxe, especially if you plan to record music or connect to external equipment. The Regular remains a good option for more casual videos.
"I want something I can carry everywhere."
Choose the Regular for a portable instrument that lets you play your own notes, or the Melody if you want something small enough for a keychain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Otamatone Deluxe worth it over the Regular?
If you plan to practise songs regularly, want more room for finger placement, or need an external audio connection, the Deluxe may be worth the additional cost. For casual play and portability, the Regular offers plenty of fun.
Can you play real songs on an Otamatone Regular?
Yes! The Regular lets you select notes freely using its fingerboard. With practice, you can perform melodies and recognizable songs. Its smaller fingerboard may make precise note placement more challenging than on the Deluxe.
Can you play your own songs on an Otamatone Melody?
Not in the same way as the Regular or Deluxe. The Melody plays notes from its built-in songs. You control their timing rather than choosing each note independently.
Is an Otamatone difficult to learn?
Making your first sounds is easy. Learning to play accurate melodies takes more practice. Since the Regular and Deluxe don't have marked keys for each note, developing a feel for finger positioning is an important part of learning.
Which Otamatone is best for adults?
Both the Regular and Deluxe can be enjoyed by adults. The Deluxe is particularly appealing if you're interested in learning songs or performing, while the Regular is ideal for portable, casual play.
Is Otamatone Melody the same as a My Melody Otamatone?
No. Otamatone Melody refers to the miniature, preset-song model. My Melody is a Sanrio character featured on certain Otamatone designs. You can find My Melody-themed versions in different Otamatone sizes.
Ready to Find Your Otamatone?
Whether you're learning your first melody, planning your next musical performance, or searching for a fun gift, there's an Otamatone for you.
From the compact Regular to the performance-friendly Deluxe and pocket-sized Melody, each offers a different way to enjoy the world of Otamatone.
Explore our official collection at Hamee, the authorized U.S. distributor, and find your perfect match.