| Type | Functional art instrument |
| Variations | Theremin • Modular synthesizer • Harmonic cannon • Cloud chamber bowls |
| Influenced by | Avant-garde music • Engineering • Material science • Modern design |
| Key designers | |
| Impact on music | Reshaped modern music • Drove new techniques • Introduced novel sounds |
| Place of origin | Global, primarily Western |
| Era of invention | Mid-20th century |
| Main characteristics | Vastly innovative • Requires specialized care • Highly sensitive • Complex mechanics |
