Below are a series of relevant links.

Lesser-Known Manufacturers
Chances are, if you’re browsing this site, you’re exploring the fringes of  the controller industry. You’re probably aware of M-Audio, Novation, Akai and Behringer. But do you know about all the manufacturers below? Maybe someone out there already makes your dream controller!

• Allen & Heath makes some unique MIDI-only controllers, as well hybrid controller/mixer products.
• Ecler makes hybrid devices as well.
• Codanova is a French controller company.
• Eks is a Finnish company that makes hybrid DJ controller/sound cards.
• Infinite Response makes a professional 76-key MIDI keyboard that folds in half (!).
• Kenton have been around for ages, and make a few MIDI controllers.
• Aurora is an open-source DIY DJ MIDI controller.
• Faderfox make compact controllers specifically for Ableton Live and Traktor.
• Livid Instruments make VJ/Music controllers.
• Open Labs make special controllers that house an entire computer system.
• Monome make a beautifully simple controller.

Artists
The following artists are using, or have used custom controllers. This list is by no means complete:

• Richie Hawtin and Sasha weren’t the first, but they certainly helped popularize this concept.
• Moldover is an artist, an inventor and a good friend. He actively performs with his Mojo custom controller.
• Monolake is another artist, inventor and friend.

Other Links

• Create Digital Music is my favorite music tech blog.
• Skratchworx is a great blog that covers the evolution of digital DJing for scratch DJs.
• DJ Tech Tools covers digital DJing from a more holistic perspective. They have a web store where they sell third party controllers, their own controllers and controller mods.
• Fractalspin is a boutique that carries an assortment of gear for electronic music and DJing. They feature items not even found in specialty geek stores like ThinkGeek.