Feature comparison grid

I've added a feature comparison grid to my theremin brands and models web page (http://theremin.tomfarrell.org/buyTheremin.html). It compares models which are [i]presently in production[/i], if at least occasionally. (For example, I'll list the Kees, even though he's not always taking orders, because he does make and sell them from time to time. I didn't list the Etherwave Pro, because they've stopped making it.)

I don't know everything about every model, and among those I'm familiar with, I'm not sure of every detail. If you are familiar with models other than the etherwave standard, please have a look at the grid and let me know if you can supply answers to any of the items I've marked with a question mark.

One question I particularly have is, does anybody know if the Wavefront instruments are actually being made and sold? I read from time to time on levnet that hey, one of them is actually available! And that leads me to think that most of the time, they're not?

Great article, Tom!

Works such as "Vocalise" and the Bach-Gounod "Ave Maria" are not too hard to play on the Theremax. The volume response on the Theremax would be Good to Excellent -- it isn't as snappy as the Moog Theremins.

The pitch linearity of the Theremax is not as good as the Etherwaves however may be better than the B3 -- judging from the tiny motions Thomas Grillo uses to play the B3 -- the Tmax may have a little better note spacing.

Since Tmax's are homemade and often modded, the response may vary from one Tmax to another.

[i]-- Kevin[/i]

Tom,
I agree with Kevin, however, I only have a small experience playing the Etherwave as a comparison.

Godd Luck!

teslatheremin

I'm considering the travel case theremin from Wavefront. I'll just go and have a look at Tom's comparison chart now. Thanks.

Tom, I just got an e-mail from Wavefront. The travel case model is still available. But they add that the price will be going back up after the end of this year.

I just ordered a wavefront travel case theremin.

Hi,

to add to your article:

- the Wavefront MIDI-Wave-device

is a high quality, versatile add-on to - I'd say: any* - theremin; it is available from time to time on eBay (directly from Wavefront) and sells there usually for around 480 dollars (that is also how I got mine).

* ok, the theremin has to have an 'audio-out' to be connected to the MIDI-Wave.

The device (obviously) analyses the audio from the theremin and translates this to CVs. There are many settings available to fine tune thresholds etc. (you dont have to - with my EW Pro it worked right out of the box - but you CAN) - and, it shows the current note you are playing in realtime on its display (helps a LOT to tune the instrument for practise or performance!); depending on the settings it can also show the note before the sound of the theremin is heard...

- regarding a 'portable' theremin

there is a new theremin available named 'portable theremin', which is based on the PAiA Theremax; it sells for 249 dollars (plus shipping), which makes it a lot cheaper than the Wavefront-option; [I ordered one (serial nbr. 4 :o) which I will pick up on friday and then hopefully be able to tell you a little more about this one...so far: pre-sales support has been very good]

...sorry, I forgot a link for this other theremin (it was already discussed on this site and that is where I got the idea from):

http://www.myspace.com/portabletheremin (http://www.myspace.com/portabletheremin)