Help! I'm a clueless beginner!

Hi Bendra, yes, what I meant is that the volume nob doesn't seem to change the hand distance sensitivity from the volume antenna whatsoever   I have played Lydia Kavina's theremins at a workshop a while ago, so I have a little idea of how it should be. It's a pity you cannot upload videos on this forum, it would make things easier..

Wood has some water content, so make sure that the volume loop is sticking out and doesn't have the wood from the table under it, as this would be likely to interfere with the volume loop function.

"It's a pity you cannot upload videos on this forum, it would make things easier.."  - Monica

You can upload them to YouTube and embed them in your posts.

Use a long instrument cable and make sure most of it is laying on the floor. A metal mic stand is also a source of a ground.

Thank you Rupert, and everyone else for your advice. I am waiting to receive my mic stand which should arrive in a few days, and see if that improves the sound.