Please Help! I'm a noobie!

Hi everyone! I'm so glad I found this site, cuz I have a lot of questions!

I am a musician who plays sort of indie folk music. I'm looking to add some unique textures and sounds to my songs! I won't need to play huge melodies but like like small leads and a harmonies. Perhaps some small melodies. I think it will mostly be "Good Vibrations" type sounds (Yes, I know that was a Tannerin).

I checked on ebay and saw that Theremaniacs One Antenna model. It's an analog piece which I understand sounds better in the lower range than a digital version. But I'm wondering if I'll be able to play the types of things that I want to play with it.

Since there isn't a volume control on the theremin itself, I was thinking a volume pedal could help achieve those swelling type sounds, and it may help me to play melodies more easily.

Could someone with some experience give me some info on this please? Could I get the sounds I want with this instrument???

Thanks!

PS- I know it might just be easier to go with a more expensive two-antenna version, but I'm still weighing my options. The least expensive version looks to be the B3, but it is digital and a little expensive.

Welcome on ThereminWorld!

As FredM demonstrated in another thread here, the sound quality of the lower frequencies depends mainly on the mixer quality and the coupling factor between fixed and variable pitch oscillator. The bad reputation of "digital" circuits comes from the fact that up to now, mostly inexpensive designs have been made with.

The B3 for example has a smoother sound at lower frequencies as the Moog Etherwave standard, which has a classical LC oscillator design.

If you want to play not only sound and noise effects but tonal melodies, there is another factor which is much more important (at least for beginners): pitch linearity. That means that the movement you have to do in order to make an octave jump should be almost the same in lower and higher tone ranges. The ideal perfectly linear theremin does not exist, but the Moog Etherwave is already not bad, especially if you play a little bit around with its internal tuning as I did. I also have a B3 which is not so linear (the higher octaves are shorter than the lower ones) but it is playable. Thomas Grillo has produced 2 video clips on YouTube where he teaches his method to play on such less linear devices.

Finally I think that the cheapest one antenna designs which have mainly a "squeeze a cat" sound will not satisfy you. A good beginners device which does not immediately deceive you, could be the B3 which is not really expensive compared to others.

All right, thanks for the info. I'm thinking a B3 may be the route I should take. I am a bit put off by the digital aspect of it but I think I'll probably be all right. I have email correspodances going with Dan Burns and another gentleman who makes and sells his theremins over the net and they've both been super helpful, but the other company doesn't offer a two antennae model that suits what I'm going for, for a reasonable price! Too bad.

So, new question. Is a B3 suitable for playing melodies with practice? It seems to be a really popular instrument, and maybe if I work up the guts, I may splurge and get the B3 Pro just because I want something quality that I could use for along time! How does the B3 stack up to the B3 Pro, and how do both models stack up to a Moog Etherwave???? Thanks!

The B3 PRO is a recent model and there are not yet many reports on it. Finally it seems to be an improved B3 with more distance between the volume and the pitch antenna which gives less influence. A mute switch has been added too.
If I understood well, the linearity and range seem to be the same on the B3 and the B3 PRO. And yes, one may play melodies on both. There are videos on Dan Burns' homepage and on YouTube where Thomas Grillo demonstrates that in an impressive manner.
I would see the Etherwave standard (I own one and a B3, so I may compare) in the first place of the mentionned 3 instruments. Its linearity is better (and the pitch range may be more interesting, especially after re-calibrating it) but it's also more expensive than a B3.
So for lower budgets the B3 may be more suitable. And I find that although it is "digital", the lower tones are smother than those of the "analogue" Etherwave...

You see, the best is to have both. But one may start with the B3.

Have you had any durability issues with your B3? The photos I've seen make it look a little flimsy. Not a huge deal, but I'd like something a bit more substantial. Also, is there a mic stand mount??? Thanks again!

I had no durability issues with the B3 and it cames with a mic stand mount. I wouldn't say that it is flimsy, but one feels and sees why the Moog Etherwave standard is three times more expensive.

Why should one have durability issues with a Theremin??? Treat your Theremin with the same respect as you would treat a violin or any other handmade musical instrument. If you feel that you are not able to do so, please go out and play with a compressed air hammer.

The reason I asked about durability, is because it will likely eventually makes its on way onto the road with me. It doesn't have a case, so it'll likely get moved around a lot with other gear in tight spaces with out any protection. I'm not looking to play it violantly, but there are dangers of being a road instrument.

[i]is because it will likely eventually makes its on way onto the road with me[/i]

...while I do not want to recommend it, there is the PT-03-theremin available (http://www.myspace.com/portabletheremin), which is built into a travel-case already.

Initially they claimed, that this theremin is a moded Theremax-theremin, meanwhile I had to learn that it is actually an unauthorized copy of the Theremax-design...

What I can say is: presales answers were instantly, the shipping-support was great (I was - being located in europe - only staying for one night in Miami, within the same week of my order, and they managed to have the theremin delivered at the exact date and time into the hotel - great!); however, after-sales I was not able to get any answers from them...like: I'd need a manual, where can I get one (PAiA was so kind to let me have one - noting at the same time that this theremin is NOT a Theremax-based theremin!) - or: why was the power-supply not included - or: what powersupply does this theremin need...

Technically: this is a theremin, it works, it has a nice sound, but linearity is non-existant, and you have to find a way to get some of the metal around the antennas out of the way or you might be able to play just a few different notes within one octave...

In the end: the theremin lies now below my desk - untouched for a couple of months and I have no plans to fire it up again soon...(btw. is someone interested in buying a nearly unused PT-03 in europe? - I have also a customs receipt etc., so you can travel worldwide with it ;o)

So, I just bought a Burns B3! It should be here next week most likely! I also purchased an Electro Harmonix Small Stone Nano phaser for it as well as the Danelectro Dan-Echo delay. I can't wait to start messing around and playing with it.

Is it correct that the B3 has no switch for waveform and brightness? So this has to be done via external effects?