Theremin Tone

Hi, I am wanting to get a theremin kit, but having little money or knowledge about the different kits available.
I was wondering if anyone has/knows of sound samples of various theremin? I just don't want to waste money on a theremin that has offensive tone. Thanks.

Well, kit theremins can run as high as the $300s for a partially built Etherwave Standard.

I built the Theremax (around $200) and it has nice tone. I recorded a Christmas Carol on the Theremax:

http://kevinkissinger.com/downloads/music/OhChristmasTree.mp3

I believe the Jaycar Theremin kit may be less expensive than the Theremax though I have no personal experience with it.

Hope this helps.

Rather impressed with the Theremax there, Kevin - tell me, did you upgrade the antennas? If so, what did you do to it? How would you say it compares with the Moogs?

I'd like to embark on building a custom Theremin and it seems like the PAIA kit would make a good framework for it that could be tweaked here and there.

Thanks Kevin, I would be very happy to have a theremin with that kind of tone.
Ive read the Jaycar kit is about $150, does anyone have any experience with it?

Kevin, is this the same theremin you were referring to in your post?

http://www.paia.com/proddetail.asp?prod=9505K

I ask because you said it was ~$200 and this is only $105.

Hi,

Glad you like the recording. I made that recording with the stock Theremax antennas. Since that time, I replaced the pitch antenna with a chrome rod and a 90-degree pressure fitting from my local hardware store. This improved the playability greatly.

If you purchase the Theremax kit and the lectern case kit, then the price weighs in around $200.

Paia now offers an option to purchase the theremin and the front panel/antenna set -- that would total around $140.

[i]-- Kevin[/i]

I reckon I'm gonna message you on Myspace about this project I'm trying to get through, Kevin... expect contact soon!