looking for a theremin

Hi everyone, you've heard it all before I'm sure BUT I am desperately looking for a theremin. Been trying to buy a Kees Enkelaar and things keep goign wrong plus the order page might not be online for quite some time. Anyhow, I've got around $250-300 to spend on a theremin max. Including shipping to where I live. The Netherlands. I am in a hurry and really need to have it before the 18th of May and really hope that one of you guys has the magic tip to help me find one...thanks

While I certainly understand the strong desire to have a Theremin right away, I'm concerned that you say you "need" one by the 18th of May. Keep in mind that it's a notoriously difficult instrument and if you get one now, there's likely no way you'd be able to play a melody on it by May 18th (unless you have naturally perfect pitch). So, unless you just want it for making sound effects, it won't do you any good...

Hi Sabine - you should try http://www.moogmusic.com. See if you can find local retailers for Moog gear. Thomann.de might be useful to you.

Well, the deadline may be driven by a birthday or a graduation... that is, the theremin may be intended as a gift. The poster didn't say what is driving the May 18 deadline.

However, a $200 theremin may not really be much of a gift. A gift certificate or cash to be used to purchase a theremin of the persons's choice would likely be appreciated much more than an el cheapo theremin.

Hi again, yup its a present indeed and I'm willing to stretch it to $. Don't worry I'm not looking for the latest Moog and I know that playing takes time and a lot of dedication. So the date is a necessity because of the occasion and its just getting a little frustrating as I've been trying to get the Enkelaar for a while now to make sure that I'd get it on time :) Thanks for your tips!

I am eagerly (gross understatement) awaiting the arrival of my Kees which, for the benefit of our Kevin, is still under $200 plus shipping and is a fully-functional and by all accounts commendable entry-level instrument.

I know how difficult it is to purchase a theremin from Mr. Enkelaar. (It was like playing musical chairs.) We are so used to mass production that the concept of a lone craftsman (although I believe Kees' sister also works with him) with a severely limited output is difficult to fathom. Musicians have been known to spend years on the waiting lists of noted luthiers.

In this case, if the recipient is known to really want a theremin, a gift certificate or check may well be the way to go. If you are set on a Kees, a nice printed photo from the website and an I.O.U. might work as well. I believe someone mentioned contacting Kees directly -- or just jump on his order page when it reappears. (He posts the time and date when it will reopen.) Good luck to you. What a great gift!

Hey Bonnie,

Thank you for pointing that out.

From what I have been told, the Kees is more playable than a stock Theremax and not as playable as an Etherwave Standard.

Other than the Kees, is there any other playable (that is, capable of traditional melodies) for under $200? The Theremax, with the case and power supply is just over $200.

Unfortunately I just got a message from Kees saying that he is waiting for parts and stuff and before he ha sthose a week will have gone by. So I guess I will have to look for something relse instead of a Kees.

If you want to give a "good" low end theremin, and want to do it befor the deadline, I'd suggest you get an etherwave standard kit, or the slightly more expensive assembled verson. It's more than you want to spend, but it's more readily available. The only things cheaper that are readily available, are the pitch only theremins, but those are more effects gear than good musical instruments.

Actually, I wouldn't consider the Etherwave Standard a low end instrument. It is a high-quality instrument -- very playable, etc. A step up from the Standard would be the Etherwave Pro which has professional features and greater linearity than the Standard. The standard's price point makes it a good entry-level instrument and it's playability makes it an excellent instrument in its own right.