Moog Music announced general availability of their new Theremini theremin today. The product was first announced at NAMM in January 2014 and began shipping this week.
The Moog Theremini is different from traditional theremins in multiple ways: It uses a digital synthesizer engine derived from their Animoog iOS app rather than heterodyning to produce sounds. It offers MIDI output that can be used to control software and hardware synthesizers (or anything you can control with MIDI, such as a necktie). Perhaps most polarizing of all, the Theremini includes adjustable pitch correction (think auto-tune for theremins). Best of all, the Theremini has a street price of just $299, making it an attractive option for people looking to try out a theremin.
The Theremini caused quite a stir in the theremin purist community and among fans of Moog's traditionally analog gear. Fans of the instrument applaud its lower price point and the ability to produce more than just the typical theremin timbres. I haven't tried a Theremini myself yet, but I'm excited at the idea that someone is innovating in the theremin space. Whether the Theremini stands the test of time or not is yet to be determined. Personally, I'm thrilled about the lower price point, as I hope it will attract even more musicians to the theremin in general, even if they graduate from the Theremini to a more traditional model.
If you're considering buying one, head over to our Theremini page to learn more about the instrument, see some videos of it in action, and find links to various online reviews. If you buy one, feel free to post comments to let us know how you like it.
The Theremini is currently available from:
- American Musical Supply: Moog Music Theremini
- Musician's Friend: Moog Theremini
