5 Musical Instruments That Look Like Science Fiction, But Are Actually Real

Get read to have your mind (and ears) blown away by these unbelievable musical instruments.

5. Laser Harp

Believe it or not, the laser harp has been around since 1981! This electronic musical instrument consists of several laser beams that are "blocked" by the player's hand in order to create sounds. Trippy.

4. Silent Drum

Ok, so it's not really "silent." Developed by Jamie Oliver in 2006, the Silent Drum is a flexible membrane that adapts to the shape of the hand that presses it. This surface is analyzed by a video camera, and the resulting data is used to control the rhythm and pitch of its music!

3. Samchillian

What's that coming out of this person's chest?! Why, it's the Samchillian Tip Tip Tip Cheeepeeeee (or Samchillian, for short). Invented by Leon Gruenbaum, this take on the electronic keyboard uses keys to trigger changes of pitch rather than the traditional fixed pitches. That means the note from each key on this instrument is constantly changing...talk about a steep learning curve!

2. The Quotidian Record

This invention from Brian House might look like a standard turntable, but it's much more. The Quotidian Record uses location-tracking data to create a unique sound based on the artist's movements. In fact, with this device you can create music based on all types of data, from your home's annual energy consumption, to what's trending on Twitter!

1. Electroencephalophone

The electroencephalophone – a device that converts brainwaves into sound. Ok, now I'm scared...

The Future is Here. And it Sounds WEIRD!