Georgia Tech announced the finalists in its wild musical instrument competition
The Verge
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Georgia Tech has revealed the finalists for its annual Guthman Musical Instrument Competition, a prestigious event that has been showcasing innovative musical inventions for 28 years. This year’s competition attracted a diverse range of unique instruments from around the world, with creators vying for $10,000 in prize money. Previous finalists have included influential figures from companies like Teenage Engineering, Artiphon, and Roli, while last year’s winner was KOMA Elektronik for their Chromaplane. This year’s lineup of finalists is equally impressive, featuring instruments that push the boundaries of traditional music technology.
One standout finalist is Amphibian Modules, a modular synthesizer that replaces conventional patch cables with a dish of saltwater to create sound. Another unique entry is the Gajveena, which blends the double bass with elements of traditional Indian instruments like the sarangi and sitar. This hybrid instrument offers a fresh approach to blending cultural influences with modern musical technology. Additionally, Hydrophone, an underwater musical instrument that produces sounds through water displacement, has also made it to the finals. These inventions highlight the creativity and innovation of the competitors.
The competition not only celebrates musical creativity but also underscores the importance of technological advancement in music production. By encouraging inventors to explore new possibilities for musical instruments
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Originally published on The Verge on 2/14/2026