Georgia Tech Reveals Finalists for Unique Musical Instrument Contest

Georgia Tech has revealed the finalists for its annual Guthman Musical Instrument Competition, a tradition that has been running for 28 years. Each year, inventors from around the globe are invited to showcase their innovative instrument designs for a chance to win a total of $10,000 in prizes. Notable past finalists include members of Teenage Engineering, Artiphon, and Roli, with last year’s winner being KOMA Elektronik for their creation, the Chromaplane.

This year’s lineup features a fascinating array of unique instruments. Among them is Amphibian Modules, a modular synth that replaces traditional patch cables with a dish of saltwater. The Gajveena merges the sounds of a double bass with a traditional Indian veena, while Fiddle Henge is a creative installation of four green violins mounted on a bass drum, played using a spinning disk.

Another standout is the Demon Box, a quirky device that transforms electromagnetic radiation into music. Unlike many other finalists, this instrument is already available for purchase from Eternal Research for $999. In addition to converting invisible EMF into sound, it can also interface with other synths by translating the radiation from devices like cellphones or TV remotes into MIDI and control voltage (CV).

Other intriguing finalists include the Lethelium, a hybrid of a steel drum and harp crafted from a bike wheel, and The Masterpiece, an RFID-enabled open-source synth designed specifically for players with disabilities. For a closer look at all ten finalists, check out the video for brief demos and insights. The winner will be announced after a competition concert on Saturday, March 14th.