Musikmesse 2011: From the basement

You're never too old to take up the keytar. And who needs a strap when you've got a stand?
AX master
Musikmesse 2011: As you’ll know if you were following our coverage last week, MusicRadar scoured the Messe floor for the best new guitar, tech, drum and DJ products. But, as ever, our eyes were also on the lookout for the weird, the wacky and the whimsical: the items and people who keep spirits high as you pace your hundredth travelator of the day. Here they are in all their leftfield glory.

Amp, guitar and iPad: the holy triumvirate for the next-gen Messe busker.
One woman band

Spot the iPad hardware add-on that's wandered into the wrong trade show.
Wrong turn

This DJ blows. He has to if he wants to inflate his decks and mixer.
We're going to need a bigger booth

Sadly, these headphones produce a lot of hiss. At least they did after we'd shoved a pin in them.
Deflated

Drum exhibit, or the most elaborate set of weighing scales ever devised? You decide.
Sonic sculpture

Well, it beats a bit of scrawl with a black permanent marker pen.
The light-up bass drum

This was the year that Kraftwerk decided to ditch the synthesizers.
Drums for dummies

Which country is Marshall from again? We can't quite recall.
National amp-them

If one guitar lit up the show, it was this one.
100watt-ocaster

Because piano ties are so 2010.
The piano scarf

Elektron proves that its Octatrack will quite literally melt your face off.
Hey good lookin'

We're not sure what we're more confused about: how this works or why it's playing a Huey Lewis And The News record.
Vertical vinyl

Your child's next birthday present. IF YOU'RE INSANE.
But daddy I want one…

Record this kit and there'll be plenty of space in your mix.