Interview questions about theremin

Hi everybody,
I recently constructed a tube theremin for my high school senior project. I will eventually post all the details of my project onto a website (if anybody is interested in the process). I am also required to do a certain amount of primary research (including an interview) , but unfortunately, there is nobody in my community (that I'm aware of) that has any experience or knowledge of theremins, therefore, I decided my best option was to send out a few questions on here.
If anybody is interested in responding to a few questions, I would GREATLY appreciate it. My research is due tomorrow (typical high school procrastinator that I am), so if you are interested in helping me out, a response by tonight would be most useful.
To any and all, thank you for taking the time to read this, have a great day!

Questions:
What advice would you give to young people interested in building and/or acquiring their own theremin?

What is your personal experience with theremins and/or electronics?

What place, if any, does the theremin have in popular culture?

What advice would you give to young people interested in learning about general electronics?

Do you see a rise in popularity for the theremin in the future?

What effects do you think the theremin has had on history?

Do you like the theremin, and if so, what do you like about it?

How would you describe the tone a typical theremin produces?

What kind of opportunities are there for theremin enthusiasts?

What kind of theremin technologies exist today? (tube, solid-state, optical...)

Are there many types of theremins available commercially?

Do you play theremin, and if so, where did you learn how?

Congratulations! Building a tube Theremin is quite a feat, even for a college grad (right Philip?). Of course, we would love to hear more of your exploits.

Since you need this so soon, and I'm still up (way too late) here's my answers to your questions:

What advice would you give to young people interested in building and/or acquiring their own theremin?

Earn some money….save what you can….when you have enough, buy what you want. There are quite a few choices.

What is your personal experience with theremins and/or electronics?

I taught myself the basics of electronics in high school. I’ve had a few classes in college. I still don’t understand as much as I’d like. I understand the basics of theremin circuitry and function, and I’ve drawn circuit schematics in CAD. I own a few models of Theremin.

What place, if any, does the theremin have in popular culture?

It is a historical footnote and a vintage curiosity. Bob Moog almost single-handedly saved the Theremin from slipping into complete obscurity. Thanks to the internet, and to a significant extent the current interest in experimental musical styles, it has experienced a dramatic revival. With the advent of video hosting sites, awareness and the popularity of the Theremin seems to be skyrocketing.

What advice would you give to young people interested in learning about general electronics?

If it interests you….do it! There will always be a demand for electronic scientists, designers, and technicians. However, with the trend being toward increasing miniaturization, I fear that amateur electronic tinkering may soon be a thing of the past.

Do you see a rise in popularity for the theremin in the future?

Absolutely!

What effects do you think the theremin has had on history?

Very little. As I said, it is little more than a historic footnote and curiosity. Its greatest effect up until this time has been as an inspiration to electronics designers, such as Dr. Bob Moog. The future remains to be seen.

Do you like the theremin, and if so, what do you like about it?

I absolutely do like the Theremin. I enjoy its use as a traditional instrument, in experimental music, and even an occasional sound effect, as long as it is done thoughtfully and with purpose. I find pointless, random noisemaking to be irritating.

How would you describe the tone a typical theremin produces?

To continue the train of thought from the previous question….
Depending on the model, a Theremin can produce a tone anywhere from a simple sine wave to a whistle, a flute, a cello, a violin, and some even a brass-like tone. Depending on the timbre and how it’s played, it can resemble a human voice.
Even with all of these possible timbres, the thing that has always drawn me to it is the underlying otherworldly, electronic edge of the tone.

What kind of opportunities are there for theremin enthusiasts?

That’s a big, open-ended question. One can just enjoy listening to sounds and music played on the Theremin or play one themselves. One can study circuit design and design and build their own Theremin. Those that can achieve a certain degree of competency can perform in public, and a select few can even make it their vocation.

What kind of theremin technologies exist today? (tube, solid-state, optical...)

All of the technologies you’ve mentioned exist today. The big, never-ending question is, and will continue to be, “What IS, and IS NOT, a Theremin?”

Are there many types of theremins available commercially?

Yes, right off hand I can think of at least twelve or more models that are available at the present time

Do you play theremin, and if so, where did you learn how?

Yes, I do. How well I can play is open to debate. Like most people I am self-taught in my own home. I have studied several other people’s methods and techniques to

I can't express my gratitude to you, Jeff! You really helped me out, I appreciate your answers.
I'll let you know when I post my website also. If I have time to figure out this website, I'll post some pictures real soon also.
Thanks again!
Have a good one.

Here we go:http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h309/laukkanen/DSCN3063.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h309/laukkanen/DSCN3059.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h309/laukkanen/DSCN3045.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h309/laukkanen/DSCN3039.jpg

Great job!

The skills you gained may never find any application in the current electronics job market, but there is great personal satisfaction in building something like this. With all the cellphones, bluetooth and other wireless gadgets replacing anything like the radios and theremins of the past, few people will experience just what it takes to make these things work.

I am sure a lot of us would love to see your schematic and hear of your adventures in acquiring parts. And, of course, a mp3 of your instrument is always a welcome thing to hear.

Don

Welcome!
I would very much like to hear any sound/tones or music you will create with your tube Theremin.

Good Luck!

teslatheremin

Oh yes, excellent! It deserves to be heard! Building that theremin has to be very educational. I remember many years ago being educated about (im)proper grounding and how much energy was stored in a couple of honking big paper condensers in a vacuum tube power supply I had built...

laukkanen--suomi?

Suomi, yes. I'm second generation and don't speak finnish myself, but I do have citizenship. My family immigrated to the US as displaced persons of WWII, and we are mostly scattered about the pacific northwest, although the second generation is finding themselves all over.

As far as posting a recording, I'm going to try and tune my new creation right now! I'll report back asap :-)