Kevin Parker of Tame Impala announces new instrument Orchid

Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker has revealed a new instrument called Orchid. The idea was conceived by the producer over a decade ago, and has been developed by Telepathic Instruments.

The new instrument is an “advanced chord generating hardware synthesizer”, ideal for both longtime songwriters and new musicians.

Orchid’s primary feature is its matrix of eight chord-type selecting and chord modifying keys, with a single-octave keyboard, on which users can choose a root note and trigger the chord.

Another feature is its 16-voice polyphonic synth engine with onboard ambience, modulation FX, a separate bass synth engine exclusively for bottom end, dual stereo built-in speakers, a sensitive keyboard, and a rechargeable battery.

Orchid also has onboard effects such as reverb and delay, a loop mode, and a MIDI output.

It is available for purchase for $549 starting on December 18, and is packaged in a retro-futuristic design by co-founder Ignacio Germade.

Tame Impala’s last album entitled The Slow Rush, was released in 2020. They last played in Ireland during Electric Picnic 2022.

See how Orchid works below.