Popular music equipment company Teenage Engineering plans to stop manufacturing synthesizers, according to its founder and chief executive officer Jesper Kouthoofd. The decision includes ending production of the OP-1, the famous portable synthesizer that brought the company global recognition after its launch in 2011.
In an interview with Highsnobiety, Kouthoofd revealed that he announced the decision to his team during a company reorganization last fall. He explained that physical products are no longer the main focus of the business, noting that the company can grow far beyond electronic instruments.
Teenage Engineering is widely known for audio products such as the OP-XY synthesizer, the EP-133 sampler, and the TP-7 recorder. The firm has also collaborated with major brands like Ikea, Nothing, and Playdate on design projects. Because synthesizers and audio gear make up most of the company's current business, the decision to leave the synthesizer market has surprised many fans and industry observers.
Teenage Engineering did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the announcement.