After a first release that sold out in under four minutes, Telepathic Instruments has announced Orchid Drop 2: a limited global release of its flagship hardware chord generator and songwriting tool, Orchid. The second release is set for May 29, with 3,000 new units available worldwide through telepathicinstruments.com. The drop will be accompanied by exclusive launch events in partnership with Patreon.
Telepathic Instruments is a music technology company founded by Kevin Parker (Tame Impala) alongside Ignacio Germade, Chris Adams, Charl Laubscher, and Tom Cosm. According to a statement from the company, their mission is “to create intuitive, insightful, iconic products that help people find what’s on their mind.” Their debut release, Orchid, has positioned the company as an emerging force in creative music tools, with a focus on innovation, community input, and user experience.
Orchid is a hardware chord generator that functions as a creative companion for songwriters, producers, and musicians. Originally conceptualized by Parker over a decade ago, the device uses a proprietary chord logic system and a 16-voice polyphonic synth engine, complete with onboard ambient and modulation effects and a separate bass synth engine.
The interface includes a velocity-sensitive single-octave keyboard and an 8-button chord matrix that allows users to select, shape, and re-voice chords using a rotary encoder. This design expands the musical possibilities far beyond the device’s physical keys.
Orchid also includes a variety of performance modes (Strum, Slop, Arpeggiator, Pattern, and Harp) which provide different ways to interact with and manipulate chord playback.
In a statement from the company, co-founder Charl Laubscher explains, “Orchid isn’t just about how much you know or don’t know—it’s about shaking up your creative process. It’s a tool for anyone who wants to step outside their musical comfort zone, to experiment and to find what’s on their mind.”
Physically, Orchid features dual stereo speakers, a rechargeable battery for portable use, and a distinctive design by Germade that combines functional utility with aesthetic appeal.
Unlike a standard second release, Orchid Drop 2 reflects months of iteration based on real user feedback. The first 1,000 units were more than a product launch—they were a live beta test. A statement from the company notes, “The original 1,000 Orchids weren’t just bought—they were beta-tested.” Feedback was gathered through platforms like Discord, Patreon, and Telepathic’s private user community, known as The Garden.
Drop 2 includes several updates informed directly by that community:
- 10 new sounds
- An improved loop mode
- Critical bug fixes
- Enhanced user experience
Pricing remains the same at $549 USD, and each unit comes with a custom carry case. However, U.S. customers should be aware of possible changes to import duties or tariffs due to evolving U.S.–China trade regulations.
To help manage global demand, the drop will be split into two release windows:
- North, Central, and South America: May 29 at 7 p.m. EDT / May 30 at 9 a.m. AET
- Rest of World (AU/EU/UK/Asia): May 29 at 10 a.m. CET / 6 p.m. AET
Stock allocation will be based on sign-up volume from each region. Access to the drop requires joining The Garden via Patreon, which includes drop instructions, updates, and continued access to the Telepathic Instruments community.
In addition to the new drop, Telepathic Instruments has announced the launch of Telepathic Studios — a creative environment where artists are invited to explore Orchid in studio sessions. Following a successful pilot in Fremantle, upcoming sessions are scheduled for London on May 23–24, with a Los Angeles session planned for later this year. The goal is to gather insights, feedback, and creative content that can guide the company’s next steps in development.
Since Drop 1, the company has built a community of more than 12,000 members on Patreon, representing over 70 countries. Early adopters of the Orchid include high-profile artists such as Fred Again, Gracie Abrams, and Murda Beatz.
With Drop 2, Telepathic Instruments continues its unique blend of design-driven innovation and collaborative development, inviting a new wave of creators into The Garden.
