84.5: Zen Stringed Instruments – Winners Announced

1st Place – “Magnetic Stradivarius” by Krazy Kat

In first place is an impressive instrument. Krazy Kat’s Magnetic Stradivarius was modeled after a real violin in her home. The single strand magnet strings on the violin and the bow are impressive. An excellent job of including lots of details. First place awards Krazy Kat with $80.

2nd Place – “Cristofori” by Roberta Kern

In second place is Roberta’s Cristofori grand piano. The lighting is great, the piano looks ready for a recital. The dimensions are pretty spot on, and the inclusion of the music stand and pedals really make it work. Check out more angles of the piano on her flickr. Second place awards Roberta $70.

3rd Place – “Piano Man” by Ra Tascon

In third we have another grand piano, this one by Ra Tascon. A very similar construction approach to Roberta’s. Ra Tascon opted for a wider body and more keys. Ra Tascon is awarded $65 for third place.

4th Place – “Guitar” by KLAW

KLAW came in fourth place with a classic guitar shape. There’s a lot of very crisp detail in this shot, and the contrast of the sparkly, warm lighting with the textured blue adds a nice balance of warm and cool. KLAW gets $50 for fourth place.

5th Place – “Banjo” by Mathnetism

Tied for fifth place is Mathnetism with a very nice banjo. The proportions of the fat drum body and skinny neck are near perfect. Mathnetism created this 8 years ago for another stringed instrument contest, but chose not to submit it last time. Fifth place awards him $40.

5th Place – “Mesopotamian Lyre” by tend2it

Our other fifth place winner is tend2it with his Lyre. This was also constructed 8 years ago, inspired by a research project his daughter was doing. Of all the stringed instrument submissions, this is truly the most ancient with its graven image bullhead. Fifth place awards tend2it $40.

7th Place – “Classic Harp” by ABoxWithinABox

Coming in seventh is ABoxWithinABox’s harp. I am super impressed by how few magnets are used here. The harp shape is recognizable, and the fact that it is standing is a miracle. The building base may be the only thing holding this all together, but he got the shot. Seventh place awards ABoxWithinABox $25.

8th Place – “Stringed Banjo” by Magneto Man

Magneto Man took eighth with his stringed banjo. Simple, but effective. I like the hollow body approach with strands over it, but wish more of the magnets were in focus. Eighth place earns Magneto Man $18.

9th Place – “Small Guitar” by RazapMagnets

Finally, we have RazapMagnets in ninth with his small guitar. I could definitely see a Lego character playing ukulele music in a feel good family movie with this. Ninth place awards RazapMagnets $12.

Thanks to all our participants and judges. We thought the caliber of submissions was worthy of everyone getting something this month, and upped our total winnings to $400.

If you haven’t already, click on the images to check out the original size. And keep in mind that contests held here are independent of the Zen Gallery. Magnet sculptors can always submit photos to gallery.zenmagnets.com to win magnets as well. Spectators, keep your eyes peeled for the next contest, because you choose the winners. Contest Winners, we’ll email you your prizes soon.

We have 9 total entries for the Unlimited Zen Magnets Stringed Instruments Contest. Check them all out below, click the thumbs for all those full sized details.

When you have decided who gets your vote, head on over to the voting form: