Theremin

Concept

A theremin is an electronic instrument, first invented by Lev Termen in the early 1900s. It is a musical instrument that you don't touch while playing it. The typical theremin is played by waving the hands in the fields of two antennas: one that controls pitch, and one that controls volume. However, there are some theremins that have volume knobs or no volume control whatsoever, and only a pitch antenna.

There are some performers who play theremin in bands and concerts, although they're even more popular among electronics hobbyists. There are two routes one can take in building a theremin: purchasing a kit from a manufacturer and putting it together, or buying all of the parts at an electronics store, etching your own circuit boards, and making it yourself.

For more information on theremins, there is a lot of interesting reading on theremin world and theremin vox.

Directions and Plans

Theremax Kit

i ended up ordering a paia theremax kit, and it's in the mail. i don't have to etch my own circuit board or design my own circuits, which is good for a relative electronics newbie like me. the advantage to this kit is that i do have to solder the entire thing together, and consider what, if any, modifications i want to make to it. i ordered the package containing the electronics, the antennas, and the front panel, and intend to build my own case for it.

my theremin parts have arrived, and i am in the process of building it! hopefully i will be finished in time to bring the completed Theremin to the PS:One meeting on March 24, 2009.

Other Links

• there is a set of plans for making a theremin from scratch. it uses a pitch antenna, and an optical volume control (as opposed to a traditional antenna-based volume control).
• theremin world also has a schematics page.

Music

Theremin Playing Resources

• Clara Rockmore's theremin lesson book
• Thomas Grillo demonstrating fingering techniques
• Theremin World's list of learning-to-play links

Videos and Recordings of Theremin

• Randy George demonstrating the theremin
• Mario Brothers theme on the theremin