{"id":109031,"date":"2026-11-03T12:48:32","date_gmt":"2026-11-03T12:48:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/?p=109031"},"modified":"2026-11-03T12:48:35","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T12:48:35","slug":"teenage-engineering-plans-to-stop-making-synths-including-the-op-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/teenage-engineering-plans-to-stop-making-synths-including-the-op-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Teenage Engineering plans to stop making synths, including the OP-1"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Teenage Engineering founder Jesper Kouthoofd says the company plans to stop making synthesizers altogether, including its iconic OP-1. Here\u2019s why the Swedish design company is moving away from music hardware and what it means for musicians and producers.<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Teenage Engineering is planning to stop making synthesizers, including the OP-1, the instrument that helped establish the company as one of the most recognisable names in music hardware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The news comes from an interview with founder and CEO Jesper Kouthoofd published by Highsnobiety<\/a> on October 7. The Stockholm-based company has built a loyal following among musicians and producers through its distinctive combination of minimalist design, experimental features and unconventional instruments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, Kouthoofd believes Teenage Engineering\u2019s future lies beyond synthesizers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is Teenage Engineering stopping making synths?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kouthoofd revealed that he had already shared plans to stop making synthesizers with his team during a company reorganisation last autumn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That includes the OP-1, which launched in 2011 and remains one of Teenage Engineering\u2019s most recognisable products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve come to the conclusion that, for us, the products aren\u2019t the business,\u201d Kouthoofd told Highsnobiety. \u201cWe can be so much more than that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The decision reflects his desire to prevent Teenage Engineering from becoming defined by a single product or category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the company is best known for its music hardware, its work extends well beyond synthesizers. Teenage Engineering has collaborated with IKEA<\/a>, Nothing and Playdate, while developing more unusual products such as a portable vinyl cutter<\/a> and a choir of wooden singing dolls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its music equipment has also consistently challenged conventional instrument design. The OP-1 brought a portable, battery-powered approach to music production, while the EP-1320 Medieval introduced medieval-inspired sounds and aesthetics to electronic music hardware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kouthoofd\u2019s comments suggest that this experimental approach will continue, even if it no longer takes the form of traditional synthesizers. Some of the company\u2019s upcoming projects may not even arrive for another five to ten years, highlighting its willingness to explore ideas beyond immediate commercial expectations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A post shared by Highsnobiety Design #HSDesign (@highsnobietydesign)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n