Orchid Synthesizer: Retro Charm and Simplicity for $649
Telepathic Instruments, in collaboration with Tame Impala frontman Kevin Parker, has created the Orchid – a digital spiritual successor to vintage chord organs, blending retro design with modern features.
About the Instrument
The Orchid is a new synthesizer inspired by electric chord organs from the 1960s, such as Magnus and Bontempi models. It was developed by New Zealand company Telepathic Instruments together with musician Kevin Parker of Tame Impala. Unlike its historical predecessors, the Orchid is fully digital and costs $649.
Features and Capabilities
The Orchid features a one-octave keyboard and buttons to select chord types – major, minor, diminished, major seventh, and others. Thanks to digital technology, it can play virtually any chord in any voicing. It also allows locking to a specific key to simplify playing.
It offers multiple performance modes, including strum, harp, arpeggiator, and 13 preset patterns. Notably, a "slop" mode introduces tiny random timing imperfections to mimic human playing. It also includes a built-in drum machine inspired by 1970s rhythm machines.
Sounds and Limitations
Under the hood, there are three synth engines: virtual analog, FM synthesis, and a reed piano emulation. There are 70 onboard presets, but to create custom sounds, users must purchase additional software Pistil for $99. The keyboard is only one octave and cannot play chords directly; chords are triggered via dedicated buttons.
Conclusion
The Orchid is not meant to compete with synthesizers like the Korg Minilogue. It is designed as a songwriting tool rather than a full-fledged synth. Its simplicity and retro appeal may attract singer-songwriters looking to move beyond traditional instruments, but at $649, it is an expensive option with limitations.
