This year’s lineup of finalists brings an extraordinary blend of creativity and innovation to the fore, showcasing some truly unique musical inventions. Among these standout entries is Amphibian Modules, a modular synthesizer that intriguingly replaces traditional patch cables with a dish of saltwater. Another remarkable creation is the Gajveena, which merges the deep tones of a double bass with the intricate sounds of a traditional Indian veena. Adding to the eclectic mix, Fiddle Henge presents an unusual spectacle—a henge crafted from fiddles, with four green violins affixed to a bass drum, played by a spinning disk.

Equally fascinating is the Demon Box, a triangular contraption that transmutes electromagnetic radiation into music. Unlike many of its peers, this device is already available on the market, sold by Eternal Research for $999. Beyond its ability to transform invisible electromagnetic fields into audible sound, it offers the capability to control other synthesizers. It achieves this by converting radiation from everyday devices, like cell phones or TV remotes, into MIDI signals and control voltages.

The array of finalists continues with the Lethelium, an innovative fusion of a steel drum and harp made from a bicycle wheel, and The Masterpiece, an RFID-enabled, open-source synthesizer specially designed for musicians with disabilities. For a closer look and brief demonstrations of these ten exceptional finalists, you can watch the accompanying video. The anticipation builds as the winner is set to be revealed after a competitive concert scheduled for Saturday, March 14th.