Which theremin kit? - advice welcome please

Hiya. We saw a programme by James May a few years back which featured a Theremin, and the kids and I fell in love with the idea of it, and we all decided that one day we would build one together.
My eldest is now nearly 15 and is studying triple-science, electronics, music and computer programming. My youngest is nearly 13 and also has an interest in the creation of music, electronics, science and engineering.
Both mention the theremin regularly and say they would love to build one (and to be honest so would I) but I was wondering if someone could recommend a kit please? One at a relatively low cost and suitable for the inexperienced please, not one that will be played professionally, but we would like a reasonably decent sound from it once built. We don't have much in the way of electronics experience but I'll bet my eldest could seek advice from his electronics teacher if we get stuck.

Many thanks to anyone who can help.

Unfortunately, most of the DIY theremin schematics out there are not that good or use obsolete parts. There are only two good sources of ready-made kits that I know of.

One is the PAIA Theremax (http://www.paia.com/theremax.asp). However, this may be a little too ambitious (http://www.paia.com/ProdArticles/theresch.htm) for a teen's first attempt at building a theremin.

The other is (Art) Harrison Instruments (http://harrisoninstruments.com/). His Minimum Theremin Kit 101 (http://harrisoninstruments.com/101/101_description.html) looks like an excellent place for a budding electronic/theremin artist to start.

If you need any help, this is the place to come. The master theremin technician Thierry Frenkel (http://www.thereminworld.com/forum.asp?cmd=p&T=5095&F=715) is on board.

Hi Jeff and thank you very much indeed for your kind reply. I will check out the links..... :)

Hi again,
I checked out both links and both look good, however I was drawn to the more ambitious Theremax kit, especially as hubby would also like to get involved with the project.
I feel with the Harrison, although looks like a good kit and the site is useful, and although he is here on the forum, it's perhaps too simple and would prefer one with pitch as well as tone.

My problem now however is getting hold of Paia. I have emailed them twice without a response and am wondering if anyone knows if their site or company is experiencing problems, or if he's simply away at the moment please?

Many thanks once again

Best regards - Ness :)

The Paia is definitively not a beginner's project. It is complicated to build and still more complicated to adjust and to tune, even if you own a frequency counter and an oscilloscope ( and you will most probably need both).

I suggest to start with the E.P.E./Jaycar Kit (Link (http://www.jaycar.us/productView.asp?ID=KC5475)). It takes an afternoon to build and to adjust it. It has a pitch antenna and a volume plate and also a tone control. After you got it working you might install it in a more convenient cabinet and replace the volume plate by a beautiful volume loop. This will give you a semi-professional instrument in a hassle-free way and at a fraction of the Paia's price.

Thanks Thierry. You've convinced me against the Paia :)
I know this sounds like a stupid question but is the Jaycar kit a true theremin please?
Sorry (hides head in hands with embarrassment)

AlienSnail said:

[i]“ I know this sounds like a stupid question but is the Jaycar kit a true theremin please?[/i]

This is a brilliant question Alien and one of the most controversial issues in the world of theremin. “What is a true theremin?” Each person defines this differently, just ask Brian Wilson!

I did not see cost being an issue other than relatively low so I would recommend the EtherWave Standard kit for a non experienced builder.

EtherWave Kit (http://www.moogmusic.com/products/etherwave-theremins/etherwave-theremin-kit) for $359. "Easily" resalable if you don’t like it.

[b]Edit:[/b] Glatt means smooth in Yiddish or better yet "glatt kosher" is a healthy product!


Christopher

Yes, the Jaycar is a true theremin. It has 2 pitch oscillators, a heterodyning mixer stage, a volume oscillator, a discriminator stage and a VCA. So it has exactly the same block diagram and principle of operation as the old vacuum tube based "true" RCA theremins, but the different stages are now realized with "modern" components.

It seems that you do not yet know me. I'd never suggest a circuit which isn't "glatt kosher". ;-)

The Etherwave kit is not a real kit. The circuit board comes with all components already soldered on it and pre-adjusted. There is no more fun left over...

I was going to say the same thing about the Etherwave "kit". It's less like a kit and more like "some assembly required".

Yes, I did forget about the Jaycar.

Thank you Christopher, Thierry and Jeff.
Ooh glatt kosher. Not a phrase I've heard before but I like it!
Thank you again for sharing your knowledge, opinions and advice. I will go with the Jaycar I think, especially as there is some soldering required and thought involved with the process. My eldest has done some soldering at school, though watching a 'how to' video I realise there is more to it than first meets the eye. We will practice on some defunct old circuit boards before letting ourselves loose on the Theremin!
I see the Jaycar has an office in the UK (we are also from the UK) so will enquire about ordering one.
Many many thanks once again, you've all been very helpful. I'll let you know how we get on :-)
Best regards - Ness