Theremin?

[whitelightening]

What exactly is this thing and how does it work? What is it used for? I looked for some examples of it, but couldn't find any sound clips or videos of it. Just seems like a weird "instrument" like that Alesis Air-synth infrared thingy that came out a few years back.

[Last Viking]

Isn't that the instrument, that was used all the old horror movies, it sounds like...i cannot explain, it's like whistling up and down and at the same time modulating, something like that.

[Tusker]

It's not weird. It's cool. It's a precursor to the modern synthesizer. You can learn more about it here:

http://www.thereminworld.com/

Bob Moog makes one:

http://www.zzounds.com/item--BIGETHERWAVEKIT

Here's an article on how to make Theremin sounds on your synthesizer:

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jun99/articles/theremins.htm?session=7b0cd94e41e4bddb18226c382948 6549

... although I prefer to use the keyboard for pitch, the mod wheel (or joystick) for vibrato and a pedal for volume. And I like to have a knob controlling portamento time. Best,

Jerry

[Omega Monkey]

The theremin is freakin cool.

You control it by moving your hand(s) in relation to a metal plate(s) to change the pitch continuously in regards to the distance of your hand from the plate (with 2 plates the other plate determines volume).

For the most notorious and popular use of the theremin, just take a listen to the mid section of Whole Lotta Love by Led Zeppelin, the weird squealy sound you hear is a theremin through an echo/delay.

[Everlasting_Rain]

A friend of mine got a Moog theremin some weeks ago, and it's a really cool instrument to mess around with.

[Cary]

For the most notorious and popular use of the theremin, just take a listen to the mid section of Whole Lotta Love by Led Zeppelin, the weird squealy sound you hear is a theremin through an echo/delay.

"Good Vibrations" by the Beach Boys is another example.

To see the theremin in use, try to scrounge up a copy of Zepplin's "Song Remains the Same" concert video. Should be required veiwing anyway. The theremin solo during Whole Lotta Love is even more intense live.

[eivind]

"Good Vibrations" did NOT contain a Theremin. The instrument in use was a somewhat similar device - but it uses a ribbon - placed under the keys.
The Ondes Martenot has recently been reissued by the company Analogue Systems.

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/feb02/images/frenchconnection2.gif

[eivind]

The Theremin - is without any compare - the single most difficult instrument in the world to master properly. As stated above - it were mostly used for sfx (which doesn't take a wizard).

If you're able to get hold of it - try to find some theremin music played by Clara Rockmore. She was a russian violinist who sufferd some hand injury - after meeting Leon Termen (the inventor) she took on playin' the Theremin.
Probably the only true virtuoso player of the Theremin ever. She died back in the late 80's.

I got a theremin here - using the Rockmore techniques - but I don't have the time to reach her standards. Ever...

I'd like to build in a MIDI-out from my Theremin though. Because I can't think of anything more expressive for use as a controller for vibrato. It will enable me to control vibrato on a synth with the same accuracy as a violinist.

[Cary]

I stand corrected. :oops:
http://www.circuitcellar.com/library/print/0603/cantrell155/

[Tusker]

Hey Eivind:

Nice to have a vintage synthhead around here. :mrgreen: \m/

Love your gear list.

Jerry

[eivind]

Hey Eivind:

Nice to have a vintage synthhead around here. :mrgreen: \m/

Love your gear list.

Jerry

thanks! - :D

but mind you - I don't have all of that - if you read closely you'll find that some of it is sold years ago..

oh - and that avatar of Cary... the miniKorg700 (once marketed in US under the Univox name) - I'm looking for a 700S. The one with a second osc and ringmod... However - I think the Traveler (highpass/lowpass controller) from the 700, 700S, the 770 and the 800DV is the nifitiest filter controller ever made.

[Cary]

oh - and that avatar of Cary... the miniKorg700 (once marketed in US under the Univox name) - I'm looking for a 700S. The one with a second osc and ringmod... However - I think the Traveler (highpass/lowpass controller) from the 700, 700S, the 770 and the 800DV is the nifitiest filter controller ever made.

I didn't think anyone would ever recognise the Korg! (partially because it's an edited and blurry picture)
It's got the Univox badge on the back, labled as a K-1. Bought it in the late 80's for about $60. Not in the best of shape, but it works, although it has it's moments. It occasionally is even it tune :roll:
Yeah, the traveler is real neat. I use the synth for bass pedals, actually. I wired in a set of pedals to it via ribbon wire. I've been thinking about building another set though, this time MIDI and not CV.
Not that I look very often, but I've never stumbled upon another one of these.