Gakken Premiun as first theremin?

Right. I'll go over it again for you.

Double non-linearity is where notes are closer together at both ends of the plus zone than in the middle part of the plus zone. This means Etherwave Standards are double non-linear.

All three of my etherwave standards are like that. Two were built in the last year.

I also have a Wavefront Travel Case theremin which is also DNL, though not as much as the Etherwaves.

Even the Etherwave Pro is slightly dnl. Only one octave near zero beat is close together, and the last octave near the rod is close together.

As for being Burns' pitchman, well, perhaps in some way, I suppose I am a bit of pitchman for the B3s, and perhaps I am a bit biassed toward the b3, but mainly because of it's tonal charactor.

dosn't mean I don't talk up the Etherwaves. I do give all sides fair representation, and I believe each class of theremin has their place in music.

By the way, if you're experiencing bad linearity, then why haven't you talked to Dan about it? He needs to know these things. He'd likely fix it in a heartbeat for you.

Anyway, I certainly can't blame you for harboring such doubt in my word, but all you need do is watch my youtube videos featuring all of these instruments to know that they are all prettymuch equaly playable.

*sigh*

The Gakken Premium is probably the smallest useable theremin.

After a couple of tries, I was able to pick out most of my repertoire (albeit imperfectly) on the instrument. It's definitely a playable instrument, and can even sound rather pleasant.

I've not mentioned the Gakken Premium as I don't have this one just yet.

Please excuse the interruption, but Thomas, I note that Etherspiel has edited his earlier post where he described you as a "pitchman for the B3's" so it now reads "salesman for the B3's". To my understanding the word "salesman" implies an employer/employee relationship, so I hope you do not mind if I ask you directly: Are you employed by Dan Burns or do you receive any remuneration from him for promoting his theremins?

Etherspiel, I also have a question for you. It is a maxim oft repeated by such luminaries as Peter Pringle and Charlie Draper that one should only take advice from players whose playing you admire. I am aware from another thread that you are a working musician, but I have not been able to form an opinion as to the worthiness of your advice as I have failed to find any examples of your theremin playing online, either under your TW moniker or your real-world name (I believe that to be James Jacobson, please correct me if I am wrong). Where might I find a recording of you playing a theremin?

Hi Gordon. I'm not employed by Burns, or any other theremin manufacturer.

Gordon, While I'm not emplyed by Burns, we are close personal friends, and we do scratch each other's back on a professional level.

As I mentioned a long time ago, I helped them establish a retail point of sales here in Jackson.

Once in a blue moon, if someone buys one of theremins sold here, I do get a very small commission.

If somoene contacts me directly, and buys one, (if they're from around here in Mississippi), I also recieve a small commission.

However, it should be pointed out that I don't believe in forcing sales, nor do I sway, or desway a consulting inquiry regarding one manufacturer, in favor of, or over another.

I state the facts, prices, and availability of each instrument.

I never "drive" sales.

Each manufacturer has the same opportunities I afford Burns.

I do not show favoratism toward any one manufacturer.

However, it should be pointed out, that even though I treat other theremin manufacturers with the same professional consideration, only Burns has responded in kind.

I will also say this. Even without commissions, I'd still stand behind Burns as a first theremin because it's innexpensive, and simple. I started supporting them becauase I felt their product was unfairly thought of as nothing more than a toy. It's not a toy.

I hope this answers your question, and that you understand that I'm no shill, niether am I a totally biassed salesman who only supports one manufacturer.

[i]"....we are close personal friends.."

"...we do scratch each other's back..."

"....if someone buys one of theremins sold here, I do get a very small commission....."

"...If somoene contacts me directly, and buys one, I also recieve a small commission...."[/i]

As I said before, it is hard to take Mr. Grillo's comments about the Burns theremin as an objective source. He is a "close friend" of Burns and receives commissions from sales. Of course he will promote it here - one generally doesn't speak bad of a product they are selling.

Mr. Grillo - I really don't mind at all that you do these things. I just think it is appropriate to point out that you can hardly be considered an unbiased opinion here. If you receive commissions, then you are a salesman.

Gordon -

I don't have any recordings available online. The Theremin is not my source of music work - it is for my own enjoyment. At the same time, I think it is totally fair what you are asking, and I assure you I can play the theremin adequately. If you would like, I can make a quick recording of something and send it to you. Just send me your email address.

Thank you for the offer, but that will not be necessary. While I am able to form personal opinions as to the relative skills of classical thereminists I am not sufficiently versed in classical music for any report I might make back to this forum to carry any weight or guarantee of objective accuracy, and I would not ask you to go to the trouble of recording a piece solely to satisfy my curiosity.



Now back to our regular programming.

Guidoracer, good choice with the etherwave. I think mine is a terrific instrument. :-)

Etherspeil, you've missunderstood, and twisted what I said.

I said when people buy from the guitar shop here in Jackson, and when people in Mississippi buy aas aresult of contacting me. NOt from Theremin world, or from anywhere else around the world.

Quite frankly, I agree with Gordon. Where are your videos.

Frankly, I'd appreciate it if you'd go to my youtube video, Theremin Lesson One, don't run it, just read the comments. Not one response to anyone's questions about where to get one, do I favor only Burns.

Take what I've sad as you will, but don't attack me because of how I chose to conduct business with the theremin. If Moog Music, or Wavefront ect wants me to pitch their products non-exclussively, they'll be treated equally.

Gordon, have I answered your question?

Right. I'm off. Cheers.